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Karachi, Tue January 9, 2018

KARACHI

WAQAR ANSARI

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he Customs Adjudication-II has served a show cause notice on a defaulter company M/s Zahoor Elahi and Sons Karachi and recovered Rs 5.68 million from

M/s Khan Jee Wires (Private) Limited Karachi in another case. Sources told Customs Today that M/s Zahoor Elahi and Sons were allegedly involved

in tax evasion. The company imported various types of refrigerator parts on November 2, 2017 and used the wrong PCT heading.

The consignment was cleared by Examiner Munawar Shaikh.

After a careful investigation, the Customs Adjudication-II issued a Rinal notice to the company to clear the outstanding amount of Rs 4.58 million

and Rile all documents who used for the clearance time within 14 days.

Source told that another company M/s Khan Jee Wires (Private) Limited Karachi got cleared a consignment of hard plastic (use manufacturing hard wire) on 1st

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November and evaded tax amount of Rs 5.68 million. After the careful investigation, Customs Adjudication-II served a show cause notice on the company on November 28, but it failed to clear the outstanding tax amount.

Collector Customs Adjudication-II Tahir Qureshi issued a Rinal notice to the company on December 20, 2017.

After receiving the notice, the company deposited Rs 5.68 million in favor of the Customs Department.

Source said Collector Customs Adjudication-II Tahir Qureshi and their department showing excellent performance in last month and Custom Adjudication-II is investigate 12 more cases during the current month and it may be possible more show cause and Rinal notices can be issued.

North Region’s two stations earn Rs38m extra revenue against assigned target

Customs Export retrieves evaded duties after serving notices on defaulter Cos

Customs ASO impounds non-duty paid Honda Civic car from Lakshmi Chowk

Govt not to take any loan from IMF: Miftah Ismail

Mianwali ASO seizes non duty paid cigarettes during operation

CustomsNorthRegiongeneratedRs38.00m more revenue than an earmarked | See pAge 02 |

The Customs Export has recovered evaded amount of taxes and duties of Rs6.12m | See pAge 03 |

Customs ASO impounded a non duty paid Honda Civic car from Lakshmi Chowk | See pAge 04 |

Advisor to the PM on Economic Affairs Miftah Ismail has said the government | See pAge 14 |

ASO Mianwali has seized huge quantity of NDP cigarettes worth Rs2,60,000 | See pAge 16 |

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FBR makes advance tax payment mandatory for remitting amount abroad Tuesday, January 9, 2018

ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has made it mandatory for persons making payments abroad to pay taxes seven days prior to remitting the amount to non-resident.

The FBR issued SRO 1314(I)/2017 to amend Rule 43B of Income Tax Rules, 2002.

A clause 2 has been added to the rule related to time of payment of tax collected or deducted. The FBR said, in case of remittance abroad to non-resident, seven days before the amount is intended to be remitted abroad to that non-resident, through State Bank or any banking company.

Islamabad

North Region’s two stations earn Rs38m extra revenue against assigned target

ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD

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tARIQ DeRYA

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization Islamabad took into possession 133 Non-Duty-Paid and offending vehicles (carrying smuggling goods) valued at Rs228million during five months plus three weeks of December Financial Year 2017-18. According to details explained by Majid Hussain Gaad, Assistant Collector, AntiSmuggling Organization (ASO) Islamabad, to Customs Today that, under the supervision of Saeed Khan Jadoon, Collector Model Customs Islamabad, ASO Islamabad showed satisfactory performance by seizing a handsome number of smuggled vehicles and smuggling goods during above said period. The ASO confiscated smuggling goods worth Rs359.94million during three weeks of December and five months of FY17-18. The ASO impounded NDP and smuggled vehicles priced at Rs238.87million whereas it took into possession 111 offending vehicles valued at Rs121.025million.

The Car Cell of the ASO impounded 22 NDP vehicles worth Rs107.86million during above said period. Gaad said the ASO Islamabad took into possession four offending vehicles priced at Rs4.3million during three weeks of December FY17-18.

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he Customs North Region generated Rs38.00million more revenue than an earmarked revenue collection target of Federal Excise Duty during July to December Financial Year 2017-18.

According to details given by sources of the Customs North Region that two Customs Stations out of four ones, comprising Model Customs Collectorates Islamabad and Peshawar, collected a handsome revenue against an assigned revenue collection target as Federal Excise Duty (FED). Sources added that the North Region was assigned Rs287.00million revenue target during above said period while it received Rs325.00million of FED. The sources notiRied CT that the North generated Rs123.00million under the same head during corresponding 1st of July to 31st of December 2016-17.

The sources told the correspondent that, during 1st of July to 31st of December Financial Year (FY) 2017-18, the Collectorate of Islamabad got Rs209.00million under the head of FED against an allocated revenue collection target of Rs195million. Sources added that the Collectorate of Islamabad collected Rs116million under the same head during the same period of previous FY16-17. The Islam-

ASo impounds 133 NDp & offending vehicles worth Rs228 million

abad Customs showed 106.71% average of achievement vis-à-vis an earmarked revenue collection target during initial six months of FY17-18 while it reflected 116.32% growth against the same period of corresponding FY16-17.

The source informed CT that,

during 1st of July to 31st of December fY17-18, the Customs Collectorate of Peshawar received Rs116.43million as FED against an allocated Rs91.73million while it earned Rs84.15million during the same period of previous FY16-17 under the head of FED.

The MCC Peshawar posted 126.93% average of achievement against first six months of assigned target whereas it wemonstrated 138.36%average of achievement against the same period of corresponding FY16-17 under the head of FED.

Ihc disposes of customs’ reference with order to AtIR to rehear matter

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ISLAMABAD

NAeem uLLAh tARIQ www.customsbulletin.com

he Islamabad High Court on disposed of a customs’ reference Riled by M/s Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited with the directive to the ATIR to rehear the matter. The IHC bench, comprising of Justice Shaukat Aziz and Justice Mohsin Akhtar, has reserved the decision on the matter after hearing Rinal arguments.

M/s Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited had Riled the case challenging an announcement made by the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) through which it had sustained the decision announced by the department’s adjudication pertaining to the show cause notice to issued M/s Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited for outstanding tax recovery. Through both references, M/s Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited had named Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, LTU, Assistant Commission Inland Rev-

enue Withholding, LTU, Commissioner Inland Revenue (Appeals), LTU, and Federation of Pakistan through Chairman of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) as respondent in the case. Show-cause notices were issued for the tax year 2013 under the head of Income Tax under Sections of Income Tax Ordinance2001. M/s Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited had prayed the court to direct the LTU not to recover the said amount and abstain from any coercive action in this regard.

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SHC seeks comments on petition filed for release of oil tanker KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed customs officials to file para wise comments on a constitutional petition filed by Hazrat Bilal, seeking release of his oil tanker bearing registration number KV-3825 seized by customs officials. A two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Umer Sial ,was hearing the petition.

During the hearing, counsel for the customs authorities again sought further time to file para wise comments, therefore, court granted time, and adjourned the matter.

Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner in lawful owner of the above mentioned vehicle.

court accepts charges against suspects booked in oil smuggling case

Tuesday January 9, 2018

Karachi

customs export retrieves evaded duties after serving notices on defaulter cos

KARACHI

m B RANA

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ustoms Taxation & AntiSmuggling Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi accepted a charge-sheet against suspects named Muhammad Rafiq Khan S/o Muhammad Ameen Khan and Muhammad Tahir S/o Ameen Khan booked in a case of smuggled/ non-duty-paid 15,000 liter of HSD Iranian oil. During the hearing, investigation officer submitted the charge-sheet and informed the court that, on an actionable tipoff, officials of the Customs Department intercepted the oil tanker filled with 15000 liter of HSD Iranian oil for illegal disposal in the local market.

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Shc orders customs to release tiles consignment KARACHI

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Singh High Court’s customs appellate bench has ordered release of a tile consignment in line with an order passed by another division bench. The bench comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Omar Sial as an interim arrangement ordered provisional release of the imported consignments on condition that importer/petitioner would pay 50 per cent of Regulatory Duty and other taxes with the department and 50 per cent with the nazir of SHC. The bench today after hearing Ms Dil Khurram Shaheen advocate ruled in favor of the petitioner F.G.Trading Company.

The same bench put of hearing of a petition filed by one Haji Fazal who challenged the confiscation of 375 cartons of cigarettes.

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KARACHI

WAQAR AhmeD ANSARI www.customsbulletin.com

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he Customs Export has recovered evaded amount of taxes and duties of Rs6.12million from defaulter companies which were issued with notices to pay the outstanding dues.

Sources told Customs Today that, during scrutiny of the import data, it was revealed that M/s Raheem Unique Slide availed undue beneRits and concessions by importing different consignments by misusing the SRO 562 through Examiner Raheel Waris. Sources told CT that the company was allegedly involved in tax evasion of Rs3.12million.

After detecting the tax evasion, the Customs Export issued it with a Rinal notice on, 2017 to deposit the evaded amount within 14 days. After receiving the notice, the management of M/s Raheem Unique Slide deposited the evaded amount in the ofRicial account of the Customs Export on December 26.

On the other hand, the management of the M/s Urooj Boutique Karachi also cleared Rs3million of taxes and duties. Sources told the correspondent that M/s Urooj Boutique Karachi also availed undue beneRits and concessions and avoided paying taxes according to the customs bylaws.

The Customs Export authorities served on it a Rinal notice on December 12, 2017. After receiving the

notice, the management of the M/s Urooj Boutique Karachi deposited the evaded amount of taxes.

Meanwhile, The Customs Export has recovered the evaded taxes and duties amounting to Rs7.44 million from different companies which were issued with notices to pay outstanding dues. Sources told correspondent that, during scrutiny of the import data, it was found that M/s Posh Carpets Karachi availed undue beneRits and concessions by import-

After receiving the notice, the management of m/s Raheem unique Slide deposited the evaded amount in the official account of the customs export

Importers’ meetings to change prices of products

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KARACHI

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irectorate General, Customs Valuation, Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt, has said it is true that there are so many applications submitted from importers to change the prices of different products that is why we are calling to continue the meetings of importers for discussion about that.

Source said Directorate General,

Customs Valuation, Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt, has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 837/2016 on January 30, 2018, it is learnt. Director General Surriya Butt said the department is reviewing suggestions from importers to set new prices of BOPP Laminated polypropylene. She further said that some valuations, which were issued in 2015 and 2016, were being reviewed from the beginning.

Moreover, the valuations will be set in view of rising prices in the interna-

tional markets. Sources added that a petition was submitted by the importers to Customs Valuation in which change in prices of BOPP Laminated polypropylene was requested. Sources said the Valuation Ruling No: 837/2016 was issued on April 20, 2016. A meeting was held with the stakeholders on 26, 2017. Importers were told to furnish the import invoices of the last three months showing factual values as well as websites, names and e-mail addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the item.

ing various consignments and misusing the SRO 566 through Examiner Shoaib Ali. The company found involved in a tax evasion of Rs2.88million. After detecting tax evasion, the Customs Export issued them with Rinal notice on 18 December to deposit the evaded amount within seven days. After receiving the notice, the management of the M/s Posh Carpets Karachi deposited the evaded amount in the ofRicial account of the Customs Export.

pak rupee sheds five paisas in open market he Pakistani rupee shed another five paisas against the US dollar in open market and remained unchanged in interbank. As per the local money market, the US currency added five paisas in the cash-free market for buying at 111.45 and for selling at 111.75. The dollar remained firm in interbank for selling at Rs 110.20 and for selling at Rs 110.40.

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PFA recovers thousands of liters substandard cooking oil Tuesday January 9, 2018

Lahore

RAWALPINDI: Punjab Food Authority (PFA) in a recent crackdown has recovered more than two thousand liters of substandard and unhygienic cooking oil and sealed two factories.

PFA Director Operations North, Bilawal Abro said a production unit was sealed preparing cooking oil from intestines and fats of animals.

He said the prepared oil was being packed in famous cooking oil packages. According to details, the PFA has confiscated 1,200 liters of poor quality cooking oil, 700 kg fats and 741 empty packages of famous cooking oil brands in a production unit in Dhoke Syedan.

customs tribunal adapts order in 1000-kVA seized electric generator case LAHORE

SAJID NAWAZ

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he Customs Appellate Tribunal has modified an order in a seized power generator of 1000 KVA case filed by one Farhan Saleem, a resident of Faisalabad, against the Director, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation–FBR Lahore. Omer Arshed Hakeem, Member Judicial BenchII, heard the parties and announced the order with remarks that the impugned order is modified to the extent on payment of five percent redemption fine imposed on the appellant on the impugned confiscated electric generator. He further said in the remarks that the value of merchandise released under the order shall be re-

Auto prices likely to further enhance he major cars assemblers in the country have once again raised the rates of their all models, on excuse of minor devaluation of Pakistani rupee. The prices of Suzuki Mehran have been increased to Rs 689000 from 679000 and VXR from Rs732000 to Rs. 742,000. Similarly, Wagon R VXL price has been increased to Rs1114,000 from Rs10,94000. According to sources, these prices have already been implemented with the new year. The new bookings orders will be entertained as per new prices, however, those who booked their cars in 2017 will receive their delivery as per old rates. The Toyota company increased car prices by up to Rs160,000 for its different models during the last one year. First increase was in July while the second surge was in December last month. –CB Report

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ascertained by the appraisement staff of the Collectorate of Customs Faisalabad under the direct and strict supervision of the relevant Deputy Collector.

The staff of the Intelligence and Investigation-FBR Faisalabad raided a shop and took into possession one power generator of 1000 KWA. On demand, owner of the generator failed to produce the documents regarding the lawful import.

The generator was impounded under Section 2 (kk) of the Customs Act-1969. The same was consequently seized under Section 168 of the Customs-Act 1969 for violation of Section 18 of the same act.

After a show cause notice, adjudication proceeding was concluded by the authority and Order-inOriginal was passed to seize the generator outright in favour of the federal government.

ASo impounds NDp honda civic car from Lakshmi chowk

LAHORE

m hAYAt

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ollectorate of Customs Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) im-

customs tribunal upholds oNo in impounded vehicle case

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he Customs Appellate Tribunal has upheld an impugned order and dismissed an appeal Riled by Deputy Collector, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation-FBR Faisalabad, against one Abdul Rehman, a resident of Lucky Marwat, and Additional Collector Customs (Adjudication), Customs House Faisalabad.

Muhammad Shabbir Gujjar, Member Judicial, heard the case in details and decided with remarks that, after a complete hearing, tri-

bunal feels that there is no need to interfere in the Rindings of the adjudication authority therefore Orderin-Original is upheld so the same case is dismissed with no order.

In the pursuance of information, Superintendent of Intelligence and Investigation-FBR Khushab Intercepted a Mazda truck on KhushabMianwali Road. On demand, driver, introducing himself as Abdul Rehman, failed to produce documents regarding the lawful import of vehicle. –CB Report

pounded a non duty paid Honda Civic car from Lakshmi Chowk.

Sources told Customs Today that Collector Customs Preventive Faiz Ahmad received information about some non-duty paid vehicles which are plying on roads without any legal documents. He constituted a team comprising Inspectors Sajjad

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Bukhari and Abdul Rehman Butt.

The team checked various vehicles during patrolling. The Customs ASO team intercepted a Honda Civic car bearing registration no: QE-879 ICT-Islamabad. The team asked the driver to produce legal documents regarding possession of the vehicle but he remained failed to produce any legal document.

After his failure Customs Preventive anti smuggling squad impounded the vehicle and after registering a case against the owner of the vehicle forwarded the case to Customs Adjudication for further legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, A team of Collectorate of Customs Preventive has foiled a bid to smuggle a huge quantity of non-duty paid Indian origin goods at Thokar Niaz Baig. Sources told Customs Today that Collector Customs Preventive Faiz Ahmad received information that Indian origin goods were being smuggled from Peshawar to Lahore.

fBR undertakes transfers, postings n order to actualize promotion as Private Secretary (BS-17) made vide Board’s NotiRication No. 1684-IR-IV/2017, dated 16.06.2017, Farooq-e-Azam, Assistant Private Secretary (BS-16), Large Taxpayers Unit, Islamabad is hereby transferred and posted as Private Secretary (BS-17), Directorate General of Internal Audit (Inland Revenue), Islamabad, with immediate effect and until further orders. 2. If the ofRicer is drawing Performance Allowance he will continue to draw the same on his new place of posting. 3. The above

named ofRicer is required to Relinquish/Assume charge, using online HRMS facility made available at all FBR major Rield ofRices or by using IJP login. In pursuance of Board’s NotiRication No. 3243-C-I/2017 dated 15.12.2017, Mr. Baasit Hussain, PCS/BS 18, has relinquished the charge of the post of Deputy Collector, Model Customs Collectorate, Hyderabad w.e.f. 20.12.2017 and has assumed the charge of the post of Deputy Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Exports (Port Muhammad Bin Qasim), Karachi. –CB Report

customs Intelligence seizes huge quantity of NDp dry fruit

D LAHORE

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irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation team seized huge quantity of nonduty California shelled almonds, cashew, nuts worth Rs4 million near Band Road. Sources told Customs Today¸ that Director Customs Intelligence

and Investigations Rubab Sikandar received credible information about some smuggling attempts. She immediately constituted a anti smuggling squad under the supervision of Superintendent Sajjad Bukhari, which also comprises Deputy Superintendent Nasir Minhas, Deputy Superintendent Agha Qadeer Haider which established a check post near Band Road and started checking of vehicles.

The team intercepted a vehicle near Band Road and during checking recovered 173 cartons of California shelled almonds, total weight 22.68 kilograms, cashew nets, brand Najeeb weight 800 kilograms. The anti smuggling squad asked the driver of the vehicle to produce legal documents regarding possession and transportation of dry fruit, but he remained failed to produce any legal documents. Customs

team after registering a case deposited the seized dry fruit in state warehouse.

Further investigations are still in progress till the Riling of this report. It is necessary to mention here that after taking the charge as director Customs Intelligence and Investigation Rubab Sikandar directed all anti smuggling squads which are performing their duties in Rields to adopt zero tolerance policy towards smuggling.

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Tuesday, January 9, 2018

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he Model of Customs Collectorate has witnessed handsome jump in the revenue collection of Petroleum Development Levy during the Rirst six months of the current Riscal year 2017-18.

According to the details, Multan Customs collected Petroleum Development levy from oil marketing Companies on the clearance of ex-bonding of High Speed Deisel from Multan Dry Port. Petroleum Development levy is dutiable on petroleum products according to their proportionate PDL rate imposed by Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority Ordinance.

The Model of Customs Collectorate Multan collected Petroleum Devel-

opment Levy from Oil Marketing Companies and deposited Petroleum Development Levy to Ministry of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority after deduction of their import duties and necessary taxes.

The Customs Collectorate charged the rate of PDL for sales through retail outlets under prescribed rate of OGRA for direct sales. Multan Customs has collected Rs.7870 million Petroleum Development levy in the Rirst six months of the current economic year 2017-18 which is almost Rs749.393 million excess collection than corresponding year 201718. Although Multan Customs was able to collect Rs6120.607 million under the head of Petroleum Development Levy during previous Riscal year 2017-18.

ected as coll h s m o n cust oleum multa n petr o i l l i st six 0m the fir n Rs.787 i y v year le ment nomic p o o c l e e t v De c u r re n 9.393 of the t Rs74 s s o h t m l n mo ich is a than 18 wh ec tion l l o c 2017s s 17-18 n exce ear 20 millio y g n i pond c o r re s

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Founder & Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Editor Rahil Yasin editor@customsbulletin.com.pk For advertising & subscription marketing@customsbulletin.com.pk www.customsbulletin.com Phones: 042-35781643-4, Fax: 042-35781645 Address: 627, Siddiq Trade Centre, Gulberg, Lahore

eDItoRIAL

Rise in value added textile exports

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ccording to newspaper reports, textile exports are expected to touch $13 billion mark during the current fiscal year. The volume of the exports of value-added textile goods has already jumped to 7.66 percent during the first five months of the current fiscal year. Ironically, exports of textile goods steadily declined year on year since 2013 when it reached $13.73 billion in the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who had raised the slogan of business, business and business after assuming the office. The rally rastically faltered in the ensuing years when exports even dropped to $13.47 billion in 2014-15 and $12.44 billion in 2015-16. Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif announced Rs 180-billion bailout package in January last year to boost exports, including textile and apparel sectors. The package also allowed tax-free cotton import and duty drawback on exports of fabrics, made-ups and garments once the import proceeds realised. But the package could not improve the situation and the government announced its revision in October. The stakeholders also complained against delayed implementation of the package as non-payment of refunds and a sharp rise in cotton yarn prices had adversely affected the exports of value-added goods.

The Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association demanded the government introduce a fiveyear cotton policy to raise the production up to 22 million bale a year. The association also demanded increase the cotton growing area to 4.2 million hectares from the current 3.2 million hectares. On another note, the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association demanded withdrawal of duty on the import of cotton yarn which is used for the value-added knitwear sector. It is mainly imported from India. The rise in the prices of cotton yarn affected the export of value-added garment sector and the overall exports sector was showing bleak performance during the last two years.

However, the Pakistan Textile Exporters Association is now satisfied with upsurge in textile shipments and is giving the former prime minister of its credit. However, if some government claims are fake, the challenges to the textile sector are real and the government will have to ramp up its support for the stakeholders to spur growth.

fiscal risk to economy A

LAHORE

DR AftAB AfZAL

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ccording to a World Bank report, sovereign guarantees associated with ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor and over spending ahead of the next general elections could pose substantial Riscal risks for the country’s economy. On another note, economists believe that strings of implications attached with $46 billion Chinese investment could disturb Pakistan’s external and Riscal accounts. Therefore, the government should have to take cognizance of the Rinancial implications of the game-changing project and take steps for a better debt management. The govern-

ment should also handle the accounts of investment and foreign loans separately for better management of debt servicing. One of the ways to offset the impact of loans is to boost industrial activities and enhance gross domestic product in the next Rive years.

The government will also have to take concentrate on steps to enhance exports of value added goods. The current thrust of Pakistan is on the export of raw material and food items which sometime adversely affect the economic situation within the country. It is unfortunate that instead of increasing, the exports are falling and the government is so far unable to handle the situation. The cautious advice of the World Bank

has come at a time when the foreign exchange reserves have downed by 1.78 percent as the ofRicials were thumping their chests a couple of weeks ago that the reserves have crossed $21 billion mark. The bank fears that the gains of Riscal stability would loss ahead of the next general elections, but there are opportunities for Pakistan to improve its Rinance in the wake of corridor investment, return of Iran to the international economic community and persistently declining oil prices in the international market. However, the government will have to give sovereign guarantees against the private investment from China, including payments of electricity produced by the plants set up un-

der CPEC. According to the World Bank report, Pakistan can beneRit from long term investment, but will have to introduce reforms, improve security and ease energy constraints. The agreements with Chinese government will boost the investors’ conRidence in Pakistan’s policies, and it will work as an engine to ensure long-term growth.

The world Rinancial institutions have off and on pointed out the challenges facing the South Asian countries in reaping the beneRits of mutual trade. As for as the GDP of the countries in the region is concerned, the share of intra-regional exports is very small as compared to the exports of these countries to the European and north American nations.

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FIA arrested 1,085 human-traffickers in 2017 SIALKOT: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested 1,085 human-traffickers including 229 proclaimed offenders (POs), 79 court absconders, four hard-core human-traffickers named in the FIA Red Book, 393 land-route agents and 380 other accused during the year 2017.

The arrests were made in Gujranwala division’s all six districts—Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Mandi Bahaud Din, Hafizabad and Gujranwala.

FIA Deputy Director Mufakhar Adeel told the media on Tuesday that the FIA also recovered Rs 200 million from the accused and finalised 2,784 inquiries and submitted challans in 1,402 cases in the local courts.

fSt will resume hearing of cases after winter vacations

Tuesday January 9, 2018

National

pcA fares far better by unearthing over 18 cases in present month

ISLAMABAD

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he Federal Service Tribunal (FST) would resume the hearings of cases after ending of winter vacations. The tribunal had announced week long winter vacations. The benches at tribunal are set to resume operations at tribunal. According to the officials, couple of benches would resume hearings while rest would start in coming days. Earlier, while hearing cases, the tribunal had reserved a decision and issued directives for the submission of record on a couple of service matters. The FST division benches, comprising Members, Rafique Shah and Dr Nazir and Members Rafique Shah and Dr Nazir were hearing cases filed by Attique Ahmed Abbasi, Zeeshan Zafar, Mian Muhammad Shahzad, Mian Asif Mehmood, Ch. Muhammad Sajid, Ahmad Din, Rizwan Jillani, Muhammad Younas, Muhammad Hus-

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KARACHI

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he Directorate of Customs Post Clearance Audit has showed an outstanding performance during the current month of December and previous month of November and detected more than 18 cases in 27 days of current month.

The said eighteen cases have already been reported therefore there is no need to mention them now.

Source told Customs Today that Directorate of Customs Post Clearance Audit has uncovered duties and tax evasion of Rs6.80million allegedly committed by M/s Aslam Color and Matching Dying Karachi, it is learnt here.

Sources said that M/s Aslam Color and Matching Dying Karachi imported a consignment of various kinds of color chemicals and got it cleared from the PICT vide GDs on November 21, 2017 by paying customs duty at eight percent after claiming the beneRits of the SRO 568/2007. However the subject items are correctly classiRiable under the PCT 2903.4899 attracting

customs duty at 12 percent and income tax at 10 percent. By committing mis-declaration of classiRication, the company evaded Rs6.80million. The consignment was cleared through Examiner Abdul Sattar and Appraiser Nadir.

Sources further told CT that the im-

porter violated the provisions of Section 68 (2) of the Customs Act-1969, Section 16 read with Section 62 of the Sales Tax Act-1990 and Section 190 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 punishable under clauses (242) and 164 of Section 660(8) of the Customs Act1969, Section 80 of the Sales Tax Act-

1990 and Section 92 & 123 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 and Section 9-A of the Sales Tax Act-1990 read with chapter X of the Sales Tax Special Procedure Rules 2007 (special procedures for payment of sales tax by the importers) and under relevant provisions of Income Tax Ordinance 2001.

garments exports grew 14.69% in five months sain, and Muhammad Rafique. The bench adjourned the hearing of these cases for coming days. The appellants had submitted complaints about their due promotions which were not yet granted by the department. They prayed the tribunal to issue necessary directives to the board in this regard.

Members, Ishtiaq Ahmed and Muhammad Javed Iqbal Kasi heard three recently filed cases carrying complaints about ‘dismissal from services’, ‘withholding of two annual ‘increments’. The bench had dated in office the hearing of these cases during last date hearing and had asked the board to submit reply in the cases filed by Muhammad Arshad Rahim, Muhammad Arshad Rahim and Ejaz Ahmed Bajwa.

KARACHI

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xports of readymade garments from the country during first five months of current financial year grew up by 14.69 percent as compared the exports of the corresponding period of last year.

During the period from July-November, 2017-18 about 15,008 thousand dozens readymade garments worth of US$ 1.18 billion exported as against the exports of 13,466 thousand dozen valuing of US$ 88.456 million of same period last year, according the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

Meanwhile, knitwear exports from the country also increased by 12.07 percent, as it was recorded at 47,549 thousand dozen worth

of US$ 1098 million, which stood at 42,137 thousand dozen valuing of US$ 980.489 million of same period of last year. During the period under review, country earned

$947.517 million by exporting bed wear as compared the exports of US$ 888.448 million of same period last year hence showing an increase of 6.65 percent. In last

five months of current financial year, exports of made up articles (excluding towels and bed wear) also increased by 7.92 percent, from $261.272 million to $281.967 million.

About 73,670 metric tons of towels valuing US$ 317.357 million exported in last five months against the exports of 76,962 metric tons worth of US$ 317.769 million of same period last year.

It may be recalled here that textile exports from the country increased by 7.66 percent during the first five months of current fiscal year as against the exports of the corresponding period of last year.

The overall textile exports from the country were recorded at $5.510 billion during July-November (2017-18) against the exports of $5.118 billion during July-November (2016-17).

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Customs seizes 2,070 more mobiles at Lahore Airport than last year in one year Tuesday January 9, 2018

National Dryport Islamabad fetches Rs109m by auctioning off impounded items

LAHORE: The customs officials have confiscated about 3,070 mobile phones from passengers travelling by different flights during various raids on the Allama Iqbal International Airport in a year from January 2017 to end of December 2017.

Sources told Customs Today that officers conducted operations in different flights coming from various countries in said period. Flights were coming from Dubai to Lahore, Turkey to Lahore, Jeddah to Lahore and Muscat to Lahore. The customs took action in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights, Turkish Airways flight, Gulf Air and Saudi Air flight.

pRgmeA for taking stakeholders on board on economic matters

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he Auction Cell of Islamabad Dryport earned Rs109.00million of Customs Duty during 2nd Quarter of Fiscal Year 2017-18 by auctioning off the goods seized by the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) and Customs Dryport Islamabad. According to details given by sources of auction cell of dryport that the Auction Cell fetched Rs57.344million as Customs Duty (CD) during the month of December Financial Year (FY) 2017-18 whereas the auction cell did Rs5.478million under the same head during the month of November FY17-18 while it got Rs46.173million through auction of various kinds of items during the month of October FY17-18. The sources told CT that, during the month of December FY17-18, the I&I generated Rs18.657million of revenue by seizing the goods under the head of CD while Islamabad dryport earned Rs38.687million of revenue during said period under the same head.

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fBR appoints 15 new Inspectors-IR ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has appointed 15 new inspectors (BS16) of Inland Revenue Service and notified place of posting. The newly appointed inspectors Inland Revenue have been directed to join their duties in the office mentioned against their names

by January 04, 2018. The concerned chief commissioners have been directed to furnish list of inspectors inland revenue (BS-16) who join duties along with copy of joining reports to the FBR after their joining, immediately. Seniority of the newly appointed inspectors inland revenue will be governed in accordance with the merit assigned by Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) and in accordance with civil servants (seniority) Rules, 1973. –CB Report

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akistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association has welcomed the appointment of Dr Miftah Ismail as Adviser to PM on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs and Rana Afzal Khan as State Minister for Finance, hoping that they would work together to overcome trade deRicit and take steps to increase industrial and economic growth.

PRGMEA, on behalf of the valueadded textile industry, expressed full conRidence in abilities and expertise of Dr Miftah and Rana Afzal to uplift the economy.

PRGMEA chief coordinator Ijaz Khokhar and senior vice chairman Shiekh Luqman Amin expressed

heartiest felicitation on new appointments, appreciating their enthusiasm to focus on resolving the economic challenges faced by the

county. “The Rinance ministry should invite the export oriented industry including PRGMEA for consultation to resolve the issues.

The PRGMEA wants economic progress and prosperity of the country and for this purpose, just right directions are needed to be set in consultation with the stakeholders.

Ijaz Khaokhar said that consultation in policy making will bring economy out of mire therefore stakeholders must be taken on board on economic matters. He said that private sector should be facilitated and plan should be evolved to improve declining exports. He said that over next two decades, over 28 million new jobs will be required and the apparel sector, which mostly consists of small and medium units, is the major job provider, which needs the support of the govt. He opposed the regulatory duty imposed on yarn import under the free market economy.

customs Quetta shows brilliance by impounding items & vehicles worth Rs113m T

KARACHI

muBeeN huSSAIN

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he Model Customs Collectorate Quetta took into possession 54 Non-Duty-Paid vehicles worth Rs59million during three weeks of December Fiscal Year 2017-18. The collectorate impounded combined goods and vehicles valued at Rs113million during said period.

According to details explained

by Ashraf Ali, Collector Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Quetta, that the Customs Collectorate showed brilliant performance during above said period of December Financial Year (FY) 2017-18.

During Rirst three weeks of current month, Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Quetta took 54 NDP vehicles into possession from different locations under the jurisdiction of MCC Quetta priced at

Rs.59.040 million. The Collector of Quetta told CT that, during above said period, the ASO seized foreign origin smuggling fabric worth Rs6.895million whereas it did for-

eign origin smuggling tyres valued at Rs7.193million. Moreover, the ASO conRiscated a big quantity of foreign origin auto parts priced at Rs4.758million. He said the ASO

Quetta impounded smuggling petroleum oil and lubricants worth Rs6.973million while the ASO did smuggling and fake cigarettes valued at Rs5.218million.

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SBP extends permission to import US Dollars KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has extended permission to exchange companies to import of US Dollars against export of other foreign currencies.

The SBP on issued a circular inviting attention of authorized exchange companies related to instructions on import of US Dollars whereby exchange companies had been allowed to import cash US dollars against export of permissible foreign currencies up to December 31, 2017. The central bank said it is decided that exchange companies can continue to import cash US Dollars against export of permissible foreign currencies unless advised otherwise.

fBR on track to achieve annual collection target of Rs4,013 billion ISLAMABAD

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he Federal Board of Revenue is on track to achieve annual collection target of Rs4,013 billion as it has recorded provisional net revenue collection of over Rs1722 billion during first half of the current financial year as against Rs1466 billion collected during the same period of the previous fiscal year, by recording an increase of around 17.5%. According to FBR sources, these figures have been arrived at by taking reconciled figures of net revenue collected upto November, 2017 at Rs 1305 and provisional figures of Rs 417 billion for December, 2017. Refunds during last period have been issued to the tune of Rs 58 billion as against Rs 45 billion issued during this year depicting

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an increase of 28% during the corresponding period of previous fiscal year.

The target for the year has been fixed with an annual increase of around 19% over the previous year. The provisional collection for the month of December 2017 was Rs 417 billion excluding collection on account of book adjustments which may range between 4 to 5 billion as against 382 billion collected during December, 2016 showing an increase of around 39 billion. Moreover, figures of collection received in the treasuries of the remote areas may further swell the revenue figures. Federal Board of Revenue also dispelled the impression created by some reports appearing in sections of the press that the number of the returns received for the tax year 2017 has declined as compared to returns received for tax year 2016. This impression is grossly misleading as only 953,410 returns were received upto December 31, 2016.

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efforts being made to facilitate business community: Rajwana

SBR exempts hotels, restaurants having Rs4m turnover from St on services KARACHI

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he Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) has exempted hotels and restaurants whose annual turnover was below Rs4 million from sales tax on services. According to latest working tariff issued by SRB, the services provided or rendered by hotels, motels, guest houses, restaurants, marriage halls, lawns, clubs and caterers are subject to 13 percent sales tax. The SRB said that services provided or rendered by restaurants shall be exempted from sales tax whose turnover does not exceed Rs4 million in a financial year: Provided that the exemption shall not apply in case of restaurants:- (i) which are air-conditioned on any day in a financial year and which are located within the building or premises of air conditioned shopping malls or shopping plazas; (ii) located within the building, premises or precincts of any hotel, motel, guest house or club whose services are liable to sales tax; (iii) providing or rendering services in the building, premises, precincts, hall or lawn of any hotel, motel, guest house.

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LAHORE

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unjab Governor Muhammad RaRique Rajwana has said that maximum efforts were being made to facilitate the business community which was revenue generator and employment provider.

He stated this in his felicitation message to the newly elected ofRice bearers of the FFPCCI. Greeting the United Business Group (UBG) Central Chairman Iftikhar Ali Malik and President Ghazanfar Bilour on their victories in the Federation of FPCCI annual elections, the Governor Punjab said the business community of Pakistan was playing a proactive role in the economic prosperity of the country. Rajwana further said the FPCCI had always provided solid assistance to the government in its efforts to promote exports, encourage foreign investment and stimulate economic activity in the country. The governor said that he was well aware of the problem of business community and citing that economic prosperity of the country was directly connected with prosperity of the business community.

He further stated that the Gover-

Tuesday January 9, 2018

nor’s House was wholeheartedly opened to assist the business community in solving their issues and concerns. The Governor Punjab also urged that Pakistani manufacturers and exporters must focus on producing high quality products according to the European standards so that they could not only maintain their market share but take it to new heights. Iftikhar Ali Malik thanked the Governor Punjab for his good wishes and assured him that they would support the busi-

ness friendly policies of the government. He said good working environment will enhance the capacity of our workers enabling them to compete internationally.

The UBD Central Chairman said that survival of the Pakistan is directly linked with better economy followed by politically stabled government. He said that the government should offer special package of power and gas tariffs for rapid industrial growth on the pattern of China, he said.

Secp registers 8286 companies in one year

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ISLAMABAD

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he Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 8,286 new companies during last year, showing growth of 34 percent when compared to the registration of the last Rinancial year.

According to the annual report 2017 released by SECP, this has raised the total number of registered companies to 80,700.

The trend witnessed in formation of companies was that approximately 86% companies were registered as private limited companies, 11% were reg-

istered as single-member companies and, three percent were registered as public unlisted, association’s not-forproRit, trade organizations and foreign companies. The services sector took a lead with the incorporation of 1,303 companies, followed by trading with 1,100, construction with 936, information technology with 773, tourism with 518, education with 254, food and beverages with 252, engineering with 225, real estate development with 224, fuel and energy 211, corporate agricultural farming with 190, textile with 173, pharmaceutical and transport with 166 each, communication with 158, auto and allied with 137, power generation with 123, healthcare with 121, broad-

casting and telecasting with 103, paper and board with 101, and 1,052 companies in other sectors. Foreign investment was reported in 562 new companies. These companies have foreign investors from Afghanistan, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan,

Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, the UAE, the UK and the US. Moreover, 63 foreign companies from China, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UAE, the UK and the US have established places of business in Pakistan during the last Riscal year.

Meanwhile the report stated that these companies are engaged in the Rields of auto and allied, cable and electric goods, communication, construction, engineering, food and beverages, healthcare, services, power generation, trading, textile, transport, fuel and energy, information technology, insurance, steel and allied and other sectors.

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Russian Finance Ministry suggests taxation of cryptocurrencies mining

World Customs

MOSCOW: The Russian Finance Ministry suggests collecting a tax on mining [of cryptocurrencies – TASS] similarly to taxes on business operations, Deputy Minister Alexei Moiseev. “We categorize mining as a business activity. Sole entrepreneurs or legal entities can deal with it,” the official said commenting on the draft law on regulation of digital financial technologies.

The draft law contains no direction guidance on the mining taxation procedure and therefore norms of current taxation laws will apply, Moiseev noted.

Tuesday January 9, 2018

china issues smuggling crackdown turkish gov’t sets 2018 export target over $170b as large pangasius importer ISTANBUL

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hina highest customs authority has spearheaded a nationwide operation against seafood smuggling this week resulting in eight smuggling rings involving numerous companies being “smashed”. Among the casualties appears to be one of China’s largest pangasius importers who will face criminal charges after it was implicated in smuggling 41,000 metric tons of pangasius products worth CNY 690 million ($106m) into China from Vietnam.

According to industry sources not based in the country it’s possible the crackdown has resulted in smuggling routes into China from Vietnam being closed, which, in the run up to Chinese New Year, could prove disastrous for Chinese seafood importers which haven’t al-

S. korea Increasing energy imports from uS outh Korea’s crude oil, petroleum product, LNG, LPG and coal imports from the United States totaled US$4.009 billion from January to November this year, up 148.2% from a year ago, according to the Korea International Trade Association (KITA).

Specifically, LPG imports from the U.S. increased 57.9% year on year to US$1.71 billion, accounting for 64.5% of South Korea’s total LPG imports.

During the same period, South Korea’s LPG imports from the Middle East fell 35.5% to US$637 million. Coal imports from the U.S. rose 187% to US$748 million. Crude oil and LNG imports from the U.S. began to increase rapidly in the fourth quarter of last year. LNG imports skyrocketed from almost zero to US$673 million and crude oil imports soared by no less than 779% to US$606 million. –CB Report

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ready taken delivery of product.

Undercurrent News was not able to verify with sources in Vietnam and China whether smuggling routes have been closed or not. Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, as well as seafood hubs Qingdao, Zhanjiang and Haikou. In all, officials inspected 37,000t of suspected smuggled seafood, initially

valued at an estimated CNY 197m, according to the GAC. On Wednesday reporters from state broadcaster CCTV accompanied police and customs officials in an early morning raid at a shrimp processor in Hebei province. Officials were shown inspecting frozen shrimp including Argentine red shrimp and vannamei shrimp.

Auto imports resume in Iran new rules resemble a ban

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fter months of squabbling over shutting down the online auto import registration system by the government, the website resumed work on Sunday. As per law, after getting auto import permits from the Industries Ministry, local Rirms must also register online with the Trade Promotion Organization separately for every single unit.

According to the website of the Cabinet, the government passed an

amended version of auto import rules on Saturday, according to which, depending on engine capacity, import tariffs on gasoline-fueled vehicles have increased 15-40%. Furthermore, while most governments are offering incentives to promote use of and create interest in hybrids, the customs duty in Iran for hybrid gasoline-electric cars has been increased signiRicantly from 4% to 45-65% depending on the vehicles gasoline engine capacity. –CB Report

urkish exports have produced a number of records this year and are even expected to surpass the government’s goal of $155 billion. According to the Turkish Exporters Assembly’s (TİM) Rigures, Turkey’s exports from January to November 2017 reached $142.7 billion, marking a 10.7 percent hike over the same period last year. As for next year, Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci highlighted that the government’s target of $169 billion will easily be exceeded.

“Next year, Turkish exports will break new records. Our government aims to secure more than 6 percent growth and exceed $170 billion in exports,” the minister explained.

Therefore, the minister said, international institutions will not set their early year targets at 2.5 per-

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cent and then revise them up to 7 percent as they already estimate a 5 percent growth for the Turkish econmy next year.

Recalling that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (WB) and European Union (EU) all estimated that the Turkish economy would grow 2.5 percent this year, Minister Zeybekci underscored that the ministry and the government set a 5.5 percent growth target in the Medium Term Programme, which is it in fact surpassed. The minister highlighted that 1.5 percent of the 7.4 percent gross domestic product (GDP) expansion in the Rirst three quarters of the year came from exports, while 2.5 percent consisted of investments and production. The strong share of exports and investments in the growth is very promising and pleasing for the Turkish economy, he said. With regard to the fourth quarter, the minister highlighted that indicators, such as capacity utilization rate, exports and industrial production.

china introduces new emissions tax hina is getting serious about Righting environmental pollution. As of January Rirst, the Asian superpower has introduced a new tax aimed at reducing emissions. hina is getting serious about Righting environmental pollution. As of January Rirst, the Asian superpower has introduced a new tax aimed at reducing emissions.

The tax varies according to the quantity and toxicity of pollutants emitted – and whether the emissions affect air or water.

Provinces and regions across the country set their own rates, based on their geographic conditions and

economic status. Businesses have to install automatic monitoring devices and share emissions data with authorities. “Even before the emissions tax, our company’s environmental departments have begun to monitor the density and amount of 24hour wastewater and emissions of air pollutants,” said Xie Ping, Deputy General Manager of Chengdu Dayun Automobile in Sichuan. Meanwhile, A great step toward reducing elephant poaching will come into effect on Sunday when it will become illegal to process or sell ivory and its products in China, once the world’s largest market. –CB Report

SA starts 2018 with gasoline, power tariff hike and new tax

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RIYADH

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audi Arabia started the hike of local gasoline prices and electricity tariff and the activation of the value-added tax (VAT). About gasoline, the Octane 91 will sell for 1.37 riyals (0.36 U.S. Dollar) a liter, up from 0.75 riyals (0.2 U.S. Dollars),

while Octane 95 will sell for 2.04 riyals (0.544 U.S. Dollars) a liter, up from 0.90 riyals (0.24 U.S. Dollars), Al Arabiya local news reported on Monday. The price of diesel for trucks remains unchanged. This is the second hike since the beginning of disturbance in oil prices in the international markets.

The country also introduced on Monday the VAT within the frame-

work of a uniRied agreement endorsed by the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

“The imposition of VAT will help to raise tax revenues of the Saudi government to be utilized for infrastructure and developmental works,” said Mohammed Al-Khunaizi, a member of the Shoura (consultative ) Council according to Arab News. It is a Rive percent tax on most

goods and services to boost revenue, like food, clothes, electronics and gasoline, as well as phone, water and electricity bills, and hotel reservations. Meanwhile, the country has defended the decision to enforce the new electricity tariff to raise economic efRiciency, rationalize consumption of natural resources and boost the contribution of the non-oil sector.

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Shipping activity at Port Qasim KARACHI: Brisk shipping was recorded of the Port where five ships, Maersk Denver YM Miranda, Yasa Pembe, Khor Gas and Quetta carrying Containers, Chemicals, Coal, LPG and Furance oil were allotted berths at Qasim International Container Terminal, Multi-purpose Terminal, Engro Vopak Terminal and FOTCO Oil Terminal respectively. Meanwhile gas carrier ‘Kano’ and Edible oil ship lime Galaxy also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. Berth occupancy was observed of the Port at sixty five percent where a total of eleven ships namely Maersk Denver, MSC Heldi, Pan Oceanis, Yasa Pembe, Eptalofs, Corana, YM Miranda, Khor Gas, Maria-III, Ejnan and Quetta are currently occupying berths to load/offload Containers, Rice, Coal, Canola seeds, Chemicals, LPG, LNG, Palm oil.

pak must take steps to increase exports to Japan onsul General of Japan, Toshikazu Isomura has said that the trade balance is in favour of Japan and Pakistani Government must take steps to increase the export trade with Japan. He was talking to the delegation of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) led by the Senior Vice Chairman, Rafique Suleman and Secretary REAP Altaf Hussain Shaikh was also present in a meeting at his office here. Isomura informed that around 100,000 citizens from South Asian countries (Pakistan, India, Nepal etc) living in Japan and REAP must take steps for the increase of Pakistani basmati rice. The bilateral trade between both the countries is around $2 billion and still, there is a good potential to increase. However, the trade balance is in favour of Japan and Pakistani Government must take steps to increase the export trade with Japan. On the occasion, Rafique Suleman informed about the current rice crop and export figure of Pakistani rice. Pakistan produces about 6.5 million tons of rice annually and it ex-

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Ports & Shipping

gwadar Shipyard project to commence shortly KARACHI

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he Chief of the Naval Staff announced the establishment of shipyard in Gwadar and said that the project would commence shortly and will be completed in three to Rive years. He was speaking as chief guest at the Pakistan Navy’s second `PN-Industrial Seminar’. The event was held at the Pakistan Navy Engineering College, Karachi, says a PN statement.

The Naval chief lauded the participation by the representatives of various industries from Private Sector. He highlighted that the seminar shall indeed be beneRicial to formulate way forward to further enhance role of private sector in support of Pakistan Navy’s technological requirements. The chief guest further stated that global scenario in general and regional geo-political situation in particular warrant concrete and long term policy decisions for achieving self reliance.

While announcing the establishment of shipyard in Gwadar, the Admiral said that the project will commence shortly and will be completed in 3 to 5 years. “Technical know-how and basic industrial infrastructure to support Research and Development (R&D) is available in the country. However, it is time to integrate and optimize these facilities with a view to further strengthen process of self reliance” he added. Chief of the Naval Staff emphasized on increase in

the number of ports to cater future requirements and maritime challenges.

He said Pak Navy is the custodian of blue economy and maritime awareness is need of the hour in the context of maritime affairs. While expressing his confidence, the Naval Chief said that through meaningful engagement of the private sector and well articulated strategy, Pakistan will attain complete self-reliance with diligence and focused attention.

Tuesday January 9, 2018

Azerbaijan, Russia introduces new cruise he agreement was signed during the visit of the Russian delegation headed by Konstantin Anisimov to Baku. The agreement provides for joint activities on study and development of optimal routes for cruise passenger vessels, such as ports of the Black Sea – inland waterways of the Russian Federation – Astrakhan – ports of the Caspian Sea; MoscowBaku; Astrakhan – Makhachkala – Baku; Baku-Anzali- Nowshahr -Turkmenbashi-Aktau-Astrakhan and others. Shipping companies of the two countries will conduct preparation of joint investment projects, including joint exploitation of the “Peter the Great” cruise passenger liner and the construction of new cruise vessels for the development of sea tourism along the planned routes. ACSC and MRSC will work together to develop the coastal infrastructure to organize cruise tours – including berths, border posts, customs and sanitary control, bunkering and supply, and to optimize port charges and share experience of mutually beneficial cooperation. –CB Report

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AIabama state port authority, Apm terminals growth ports earns about $2 billion to more than 100 countries. Rafique Suleman said rice exports to Japan are very negligible and the REAP is planning to send a trade delegation to Japan for the marketing and promotion of Pakistani rice. He urged the Japanese Consul General for his assistance in this regard. Meanwhile, Power in 2012 at the height of post Fukushima anti nuclear sentiment, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has promoted nuclear energy as a pillar of his economic agenda at home and abroad. Indeed, despite the industry’s diminishing domestic prospects, his return to office signals the continuation of policies promoting Japanese nuclear technology abroad as a means of addressing the nation’s trade deficit, ironically a product of the suspension of most of Japan’s own reactors. –CB Report

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he Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA) and APM Terminals boards of directors in separate actions have approved a USD 49.5 million expansion of the container facility at the Port of Mobile. The Port Authority and APM Terminals jointly will deliver a Phase 3 expansion that includes a dock extension and an additional 20 acres of improved yard to maintain excess capacity to accommodate new business opportunities.

When completed, the project will accommodate an annual throughput capacity of 650,000 TEU. Mr Brian Harold, managing director for APM Terminals Mobile, said that “The Phase 3 expansion enables us to stay well ahead of the growth pattern we’ve seen in the

Port of Mobile, as well as add dock space to support the growing vessel sizes that are coming to the terminal. It will help us maintain the efRiciency levels our customers have come to expect, while also creating the extra capacity needed to support potential future economic growth in our market.”

The Phase 3 is part of a 5 Phase long-term plan that can grow the terminal’s annual throughput capacity to 1.5M TEU. Under the Phase 3 development, a 400 ft. dock extension, super Post-Panamax crane rails and upgrades to the fender system will accommodate 14,000 TEU ships.

The 20-acre yard expansion ensures excess capacity at the terminal to accommodate new shipper and carrier business opportunities. The dock extension will take approximately 24 months to complete, while the yard will take 18 months to complete.

When completed, Phase 3 will

complement the recently completed Phase II investments that delivered 20 acres and installed two new super Post-Panamax cranes to accommodate new business through the terminal, including containers bound for Walmart’s 2.6 million square foot import distribution center at Mobile, Ala. The project will also compliment the recently completed Intermodal Container Transfer Facility, which is accessible by Rive Class I railroads, including the Canadian National, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Kansas City Southern and BNSF. Currently, the Canadian National provides container intermodal rail service to key U.S. midwest and Canadian markets.

Mr James K. Lyons, chief executive of the Alabama State Port Authority, said that “Container intermodal growth continues to drive investment at the Port of Mobile.” Since 2005, the Port Authority and its partners have invested $535

million in shore-side and channel improvements to support the larger container ships calling the Port of Mobile.

“These prior investments have competitively positioned the Port and set Mobile as an alternate gateway for U.S. trade. This expansion and our channel deepening and widening program will provide both shippers and carriers with a cost effective, customer service oriented option,” added Lyons. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers harbor modernization study is underway with a record of decision expected by year-end 2019. Meanwhile, APM Terminals is a leading global port and cargo inland services provider with a presence in 59 countries providing the world’s most geographically balanced global terminal network with 76 operating port and terminal facilities, Rive new port facilities under construction, and an inland services network spanning 117 operations at 87 locations in 37 countries.

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NAB to probe into land scam against ex-MPA ISLAMABAD: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal has taken notice of the illegally occupied 827 kanal land of the government by former MPA Jawad Kamran Khar and others. The NAB chairman directed the NAB Multan director general to investigate the matter and submit the report within two months, said a news release issued here. In another notice, the chairman directed the NAB Multan DG to investigate the corruption allegations against MPA Sardar Ahmad Ali Dareshak and submit the report within two months.

Tuesday January 9, 2018

Business

govt not to take any loan from Imf: miftah ISLAMABAD

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dvisor to the Prime Minister on Economic Affairs Miftah Ismail has said the government did not have any programme to take loan from International Monitory Fund (IMF) in coming days.

Talking to a private news channel, he said the national economy was strengthened as compared to past and exports were increasing and imports were decreasing from last few months.

He said Pakistan wanted good relations with all the countries but on equal basis, adding he don’t think

IRSA releases 20,200 cusecs water KARACHI

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so that US would adopt any confrontation policy against Pakistan.

The advisor said the US would never

power ministry seeking tax exemption from fBR for cpec energy projects

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he Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Monday released 20,200 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow of 30,500 cusecs.

According to the data released by IRSA, water level in the Indus River at Tarbela Dam was 1442.04 feet, which was 62.04 feet higher than its dead level of 1,380 feet. Water inflow in the dam was recorded as 14,600 cusecs and outflow as 5,000 cusecs. The water level in the Jhelum River at Mangla Dam was 1104.40 feet.

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succeed in Afghanistan without Pakistan. To a question, he said the US president had violated diplomatic

principles through tweeting against Pakistan with harsh words and tone.

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner Thomas Drew called on Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance, Economic Affairs and Revenue, Dr. Miftah Ismail.

Thomas Drew congratulated Miftah Ismail on assuming responsibilities as Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and assured him of full support in the efforts for further consolidating Pak-UK cooperation.

He also apprised the Adviser about activities of DFID in support of Government’s development plans and programmes. Adviser to Prime Minister on the occasion said that Pakistan and UK have always enjoyed cordial relations. He appreciated efforts of Thomas drew for further strengthening these relations.

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ISLAMABAD

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ower Ministry is negotiating with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to introduce tax exemption for power sector projects being carried out under the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari assured this to powersector investors during a meeting with project sponsors. The huddle was in line with the commitment to facilitating the investors and resolv-

ing the challenges being faced by ongoing projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to ensure their timely completion.

Chinese Deputy Head of Mission M Lijian Zhao, nominated by the Chinese embassy as the focal person for power projects, co-chaired the meeting along with the Power Division minister.

People representing alternative energy projects – wind and solar power – including Hydrochina Dawood Power, Sachal Energy, Three Gorges, Western Energy and Crest Energy briefed the meeting about their projects. Responding to the investors on

complaints of delay and extension in the Letter of Support and the Letter of Intent, Leghari, who is also the chairman board of directors of the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB), directed the PPIB to hold its next meeting on January 11. PPIB will thoroughly work out details of these requests and put before the board for its consideration and decision on merit. The meeting was also briefed by the representatives of1320MW Port Qasim Coal Power Plant and 1320MW Sahiwal Coal Power Plant regarding their operations and the future development activities.

fIA arrests 440 human traffickers in 2017 MULTAN

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he Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Multan claimed to have arrested 440 outlaws allegedly involved in human trafficking during year 2017. According to Deputy Director FIA Multan Faraz Monis on Sunday, the FIA teams arrested overall 629 outlaws, including 440 human traffickers, 110 proclaimed offenders, 19 court absconders and 311 alleged criminals in 2017. He said that the FIA also recovered over Rs 110 million from criminals. Under anti-corruption act, Rs 2576,118 were recovered, whereas Rs 53,736,785 were recovered from human traffickers and Rs 54,140,000 were recovered in different cases related to commercial bank services, he added. He said that 27 cases of copy right act, 12 power theft, two of cyber crimes, 30 of human trafficking, six of spurious drugs, eight of bribe and nine cases of other types were registered during last year. In high profile cases including Nishtar Hospital/Unregistered drug cases, DHO Office Bahawalpur/Unregistered drug case, Peshawar Kidney case and Bright Future Visa Fraud case, the FIA Multan had arrested 22 criminal so far and raids were being conducted to arrest remaining 13 outlaws, he added.

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exports likely to touch $23.5 billion by June this year ISLAMABAD

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he Ministry of Commerce and Textile is expecting gradual increase in the country’s exports volume which would touch $23.5 billion by the end of the financial year 201718. “We are in consultation with all the stakeholders, including chambers of commerce and

traders, for developing consensus on Strategic Policy Framework (STPF),” a top official of the Ministry of Commerce. He said initial draft for STPF would be prepared in February and the commerce policy 2018-19 would be announced in July this year.

He said in last seven months, 12 to 13 percent growth was witnessed in the exports, which was a good omen and hoped that the increasing trend would con-

tinue. Replying to a question regarding the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with different countries, he said the FTA between Pakistan and Thailand would be signed in March for enhancing bilateral trade between the two countries. He said Pakistan and Thailand exchanged final lists of the FTA on December 30, 2017 for increasing trade liberalization.

The two sides also exchanged

the final offer lists of items for free trade to remove reservations. He said Pakistan had relative advantage over Thailand in some 684 commodities, including cotton yarn and woven textiles, readymade garments, leather products, surgical instruments and sports goods.

As regards the second phase of Pak-China FTA, he said China had agreed to provide market access to 65 items, shared by

Pakistan besides providing concession on all items included in the offer list during the talks held in Beijing.

The next round of negotiations would be held in mid of January in Islamabad, he added.

The official said Pakistan desired to have duty relaxation on 65 products which China had already given to the Association of South East Asian Nation countries.

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Iran Gas exports to Georgia still on agenda TEHRAN: Iran, which holds the largest conventional gas reserves in the world, sees Georgia as a potential market for its gas exports. While the country has increased its gas output significantly and targets an output of 1 bcm/d by the end of the current fiscal year (March 20, 2018), Turkey and Iraq remain the only destinations for the country’s gas export. Tehran exports 30 million cubic meters of gas to Turkey and 14 million cubic meters to Iraq per day at the moment. Iran’s deputy oil minister, Hamid Reza Araqi, told the ministry’s official news agency on Jan. 6 that Tehran has the capacity to export gas to various countries, including Georgia, thanks to its geographical position. Araqi, who heads the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC), said that gas export to Georgia is still on the agenda and the private sector would take part in the issue once agreements are finalized.

hccI, hcStSI felicitate uBg on victory in fpccI elections

Tuesday January 9, 2018

Chambers

IccI for reducing heavy taxes on real estate sector in coming budget

HYDERABAD

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he Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry have felicitated the candidates of United Business Group who clinched the elections of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry with thumping majority. In a statement on Tuesday, the President HCCI Goharullah has termed the victory of the candidates of United Business Group in FPCCI elections as the success of traders and industrialists of the country. He congratulated the Patron in Chief of UBG S.M. Munir, Chairman Iftikhar Ali Malik and Chairman Coordination

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Malik Sohail whose hectic efforts brought success to the group candidates. He also congratulated the elected office bearers of FPCCI and hoped that they would continue efforts for resolving the genuine issues of the business community. The President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry Muhammad Akram Ansari also congratulated the UBG for clinching the elections of FPCCI with thumping majority. He also congratulated the Patron in Chief of UBG S.M. Munir, Chairman Malik Iftikhar, Chairman Coordination Malik Sohail, elected FPCCI President Ghazanfar Ali Bilour and other successful office bearers for their victory in the elections. He hoped that the elected office bearers of FPCCI under the banner of UBG would strive for resolving the issues of the business community of the country by interacting at higher forums of the government.

ISLAMABAD

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uhammad Naveed, Senior Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said that facilitating the growth of real estate sector was crucial for promoting commerce, industry, growth, employment and poverty reduction and called upon the government to reduce heavy taxes imposed on this sector in the coming budget in order to trigger the economic growth of the country. He said this while addressing a meeting of Gulberg Association, Islamabad.

Muhammad Naveed said that the growth of about 250 ancillary industries in Pakistan including cement, steel, brick, timber and building material was dependent on real estate sector, but the increase in taxes on this sector has slumped the business of all these allied industries. He said due to this situation, many investors were leaving the real estate sector and emphasized that government should pay urgent attention to resolve issues of this sec-

tor to facilitate its better growth as its growth would yield multiple beneRits for the economy including more jobs creation, increase in tax revenue, growth of trade & industrial activities and the overall economy.

Speaking at the occasion, Malik Najeeb, President, Gulberg Association, Islamabad highlighted various issues of real estate sector. He said increase

in taxes on property has badly affected real estate business and urged that government should revise these taxes to provide relief to realtors. He said that CDA had started developing some new sectors about 12 to 15 years ago, but the same have not been developed as yet. He urged that CDA should set timeframe for the development of new sectors and ensure

fg felicitates uBg for thumping victory LAHORE

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ounders Group of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry has felicitated the United Business Group (UBG) for securing thumping victory in the election of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) – 2017-18.

In a greeting message to the UBG patron-in-chief S.M. Muneer and Chairman Iftikhar Ali Malik, founders group leaders Mian Muhammad Ashraf, Mohsin Raza Bukhari, Sheikh Muhammad Asif, Farook Iftikhar, Khawaja Khawar Rashid, Zeshan Khalil and FG former presidents said that momentous victory of United Business Group is a clear proof of business community’s trust of UBG leader-

ship and remarkable services for the cause of the economy.

They said that being the largest trade body of the country, role of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry has become more crucial as economy is facing a tough time. They said that declining exports, rising trade deRicit, miseries of Pakistani rupee and poor international ranking in doing business call for good economic plan from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry.

They hoped that new team of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry would best perform to the expectations of the business community and take up their issues at supreme forums.

They were also optimistic that under the leadership of the leadership its Patron-in-Chief S.M. Muneer and the Chairman Iftikhar Ali Malik, the

UBG would be playing very vital role for unity of the business community and for economic prosperity of the county. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Russia are equally important for each other therefore both countries should strengthen cooperation in all economic sectors for mutual interests. This was stated by the LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid while talking to the Trade Representative, Embassy of Russian Federation in Pakistan Yury Kozlov here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The LCCI Senior Vice President Khawaja Khawar Rashid, Vice President Zeshan Khalil, Moazam Rasheed and Hasnain Raza Mirza also spoke on the occasion. The LCCI President spoke highly about the trade and opportunities and economic potential of Pakistan and importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

their completion within the set timelines as delay in their development was causing losses to the investors and the people. He said CDA has also increased commercialization fee on real estate sector that has created additional problems and urged that CDA should revise the fee to facilitate the business activities in this important sector of the economy.

Delegation of Alibaba.com visits RccI evelopment Director, Jason Jia, and Patrick Wang, Country Managers of Alibaba.com visited Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here on Sunday. Addressing the traders, the delegation shared the data about Pakistani Suppliers on Alibaba.com and how exporters can utilize the platform to identify and capture business opportunities from abroad. Martin Wang said there is a great potential for e-commerce market development in Pakistan. The delegation briefed on the services of e-commerce platform and said that it can provide an opportunity for SMEs in the Rawalpindi region to gain direct access to buyers without establishing their own presence in overseas markets. –CB Report

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Additional Collector Saeed Asad hears 18 cases FAISALABAD: The Collectorate of Customs Adjudication Additional Collector Muhammad Saeed Asad heard 18 cases of smuggling involving duty and taxes.The Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO), Faisalabad, Mianwali, Sargodha, Jhang and Sara-e- Muhajir seized huge quantity of smuggled goods, including non-duty paid Hino truck, foreign origin cloth, cigarettes, Toyota vehicle, ball bearing and other miscellaneous contraband items.

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

mianwali ASo seizes non duty paid cigarettes during operation MIANWALI NAeem SheIkh

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Mianwali has seized huge quantity of non duty paid cigarettes worth Rs2,60,000 involving duty and taxes amounting to Rs33,502.

Sources told Customs Today that ASO Assistant Collector Shah Samad Hamadani after receiving information regarding the smuggling attempt constituted a team following the instructions of Collector Muhammad Sadiq to foil the smuggling bid. The team comprising Superintendent Chaudhary Muammad Sardar, Inspector Muhammad Umar Bhatti and Sepoy Muhammad Amin conducted a raid and recovered 500 cartons of non duty paid cigarettes of different brands, including Milano, and Pine from a loader rickshaw, which was being used for the transportation of the items from M/s Al Atif Goods Forwarding Agency to city area. The customs ofRicials asked the accused person who were later identiRied as Ghulam Mohayuudin son of Muhammad Sharif to produce documents regarding legal possession of cigarettes. But he remained failed to provide the same.

ANf makes all endeavours to curb drug trafficking RAWALPINDI

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nti Narcotics Force (ANF) had conducted 364 drug abuse prevention activities throughout the country during 2017 to aware the masses about hazards of drugs with special focus on educational institutions. These activities included seminars, lectures, awareness walks, sports events,

tableau, essay competitions, free medical camps, advertisements in print & electronic material and distribution of informational material etc. The statistics issued on Sunday showed that the other initiatives included publication of ANF public service message “Say No to Drugs” on public sector advertisements published in newspapers, inscribing ANF awareness message on Gas consumer bills, inscribing ANF awareness message on inland postal envelopes issued by Pakistan Post, displaying ANF awareness message at Metro Bus

Terminals in Lahore and Islamabad/Rawalpindi, nscription of ANF awareness message in NTC regulated telephone bills and printing ANF awareness message on passenger tickets, cargo receipts and publicity cards of Bilal Bus Travel Service. In addition, Higher Education Commission (HEC) has been asked to issue instructions to all public and private universities for arranging awareness raising programmes in order to create awareness against drug abuse for students, teaching faculty and parents through lectures,

seminars, debates, workshops, tableau, drama shows, sports events, cultural events and exhibiting public service warnings at visible spots at universities’ campuses. Accordingly, HEC has instructed all higher educational institutions to undertake the task.

During year 2017, ANF registered 1172 cases, arrested 1338 persons including 27 foreign nationals involved in drug trafRicking, seized 164.07 metric tons of drugs and 56.358 metric tons of prohibited chemical while busted nine domestic and one international Drug TrafRicking

Published by M S Raza Off# 42, 3rd Flr Gull Plaza M.A Road Karachi, Printed by (Ibne Hassan Offset Printing Press, Shop No. 33 to 36 , Hockey Stadium, Karachi).

Organizations (DTOs).

The seized drugs comprised 32574.1 Kg Opium, 7132.2 Kg Morphine, 19754.6 Kg Heroin, 102113.193 Kg Hashish, 387.089 Kg Cocaine, 57.07 Kg Cannabis, 1891.517 Kg Amphetamine, 39.937 Kg Methamphetamine, 23.368 Kg Ecstasy Tablets, 14.741 Kg Xanax Tablets, 9.413 Kg Diazepam Tablets, 73.5 Kg Prazolam Tablets, while prohibited chemical include 917.5 Liter Acetic Anhydride, 50594.8 Liter Sulfuric Acid, 4130 Liter Hydrochloric Acid and 715 Liter Acetone.