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Karachi, Thu July 13, 2017

ISLAMABAD

M FAIZAN

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nder the supervision of Director General Shaukat Ali, the Directorate General Customs Intelligence and Investigations unearthed money laundering cases of $21.9 million (Rs 2.2 billion) and registered Qirst information reports against more than one and half dozen importers during the Qinancial year 2016-17. The first case of

money laundering was detected against M/s Marush International in which an amount of $10 million was illegally transferred to the suppliers through seven Dubai based exchange companies. The second FIR was registered against M/s Sundar Trading Company and M/s MMYZ Lahore, in which an estimated amount of $1.4 million was illegally transferred to the suppliers in Singapore and China through three Dubai based exchange companies. The third FIR has

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registered against M/s Zeal Pak Cement. It was revealed that actual CIF value of the imported clinker was $32 per metric ton and that $405,192 had been paid in excess to what was declared to the Pakistan Customs. M/s Kontel Technologies and Comprehensive Business International Lahore were also involved in money laundering as total amount paid for the imports was $3,050,866 out of which $2,889,755 had been transmitted to the exporter in US through illegal channels.

North Region collects Rs 28.65m surplus amount under head of CD in FY 2016-17

Court seeks charge sheet against suspects involved in tax evasion case

DC Adjudication orders release of sewing machines after payment of duty, taxes

Pharma exports to get more booster shots: minister

Pakistan seeks assistance from International Trade Centre

Customs North Region collected Rs 28.65m surplus amount under the head | See pAge 02 |

Court has directed the investigation oďŹ&#x192;cer to submit a challan against suspects | See pAge 03 |

DC Adjudication has ordered the release the 30 foreign origin sewing machines | See pAge 04 |

Saira Afzal, said major reforms in drug regulation, introduced over the last 3 yers | See pAge 14 |

ITC has been supporting trade and private sector development in Pakistan since 2004 | See pAge 16 |

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FBR relaxes examination of imported vehicles Thursday, July 13, 2017

ISLAMABAD: FBR has granted relaxation in importing vehicles from examination under transshipment at port of entry. According to amendments made to Customs Rules, 2001, the FBR deleted the word ‘except vehicles’ from Rule 501. The rule now redeﬁned as: “examination of goods under transshipment to inland destination. The consignment under transshipment except vehicles shall not subject to examination at the port of entry, unless- (a) illicit ﬁre arms or explosive material is detected during scanning; (b) the goods are not carried to inland customs-station despite lapse of 72 hours of the arrival of the goods.

Islamabad

North region collects rs 28.65m surplus amount as cD in FY 2016-17

ISLAMABAD

cuStoMS BuLLetIN report

tArIQ DerYA

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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has made it mandatory for terminal operators to require a specific area for storage of auctionable goods. The FBR amended Customs Rules 2001 to make this direction mandatory. According to amended Customs Rules, 2001 the terminal operator/off-dock terminal shall earmark a dedicated area for storage of un-cleared / abandoned cargo to be put to auction. All such cargo / containers shall be shifted to such dedicated area after the stipulated period in terms of section 82 of the Act. In case the cargo/containers is to be shifted to such dedicated area, beyond the secure environment defined in terms of Rule 554, the Terminal Operator or off-dock terminal, shall get such location approved by the collector of Customs who may prescribe minimum conditions or requirements, including such securities and/or infrastructural requirements prior to allowing shifting of cargo. It further said that movement of cargo between the terminal/off-dock terminal and such secure area shall be through inter-port movement.

he Customs North Region collected Rs 28.65 million surplus amount under the head of customs duty against the assigned revenue target of Rs 2,444.86 million during the Qiscal year 2016-17. The North Region comprises of the Customs Collectorates of Islamabad, Peshawar, Sambrial and Gilgit-Baltistan. According to details, the North Region showed excellent performance during the period under review. The Customs Collectorate Islamabad collected Rs 950.88 million under head of customs duty against the assigned target of Rs 867.64 million. Sources stated that during above said period the Customs Collectorate Peshawar earned Rs 1,182.32 million while it was assigned Rs 1000 million revenue collection target under the head of customs duty. The Collectorate of Sambrial collected Rs 5.77 million of rebate against assigned target of Rs 76 million during FY2016-17 . Sources told Customs Today that during FY2016-17, the Gilgit Baltistan collected Rs 257.88 million under head of customs duty, adding that the performance of GB is highest as compared to other Collectorates working under the umbrella of North Region. Meanwhile, Sarwat Tahira Habib, Chief Collector of Customs, North Re-

FBr directs terminal operators to require storage area

gion, which comprises Model Customs Collectorates (MCC) Islamabad, Samberial (Sialkot), Peshawar and Gilgit-Baltistan, appreciated the efforts of the Customs Staff of the North Region for achieving the assigned revenue collection target designed for Financial Year (FY) 2016-17. The Model Custom Collectorates, North Region, exceeded the monthly (June FY1617)

revenue target of Customs Duty (CD). The North Region collected extra revenue of Rs544.42million against the allocated revenue collection target of CD during June FY16-17 whereas the North Region received an extra revenue of Rs583.88million of All Duty and Taxes during the same period of FY16-17. Talking to Customs Today during an exclusive interview at her

ofQice, Chief Collector North Region said that with the grace of Allah Model Customs Collectorates of the North Region worked really hard for the achievement of the tax collection targets and had been able to exceed the monthly Customs Duty target and total tax targets with an outstanding performance during the month of June FY2016-17.

customs tribunal adjourns hearing of four tax references

ISLAMABAD

NAeeM uLLAh tArIQ www.customsbulletin.com

single bench of the Customs Appellate Tribunal on Thursday dated in ofQice the hearing of four customs references for the next week. According to the details, Member Technical, Ziaddin Wazir of the Customs Appellate Tribunal heard the cases and adjourned the hearing for further arguments. The bench also

asked the counsels to assist the bench in the cases properly in order to reach a just decision. Raja Nabeel, Waqas Enterprises, Arshad Khan and Musawir Shah had Qiled the cases. Raja Nabeel had Qiled the cases against Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad. Other three appellants had Qiled their cases against Model Collectorate of Customs, Islamabad. Last week he had accompanied in hearing some cases, however, this time he would hear cases alone as single

bench. It is necessary to mention here that Customs Appellate Tribunal expedited efforts to conclude hearing of cases on priority basis. Meanwhile, Customs Appellate Tribunal dated in ofQice hearing on couple of customs matters issuing directives to parties to ensure presence before the tribunal on next date of hearing. The tribunal was hearing cases involving Collectorate of Customs and Directorate General of Investigation and Intelligence, Islamabad.

Member tribunal Ziaudding Wazir adjourned hearing on cases Qiled by M/s Chief Autos and M/s Fazal Razaq. The appellants had Qiled cases against Directorate General of Investigation and Intelligence, Islamabad and Collectorate of Customs, Islamabad. M/s Chief Autos had Qiled cases against Model Collectorate of Customs, Islamabad. M/s Fazal Razaq had made Directorate General of Investigation and Intelligence, Islamabad respondent in the cases.

Earlier, Chairman Justice (r) Manzoor Hussain and Ziaudding Wazir had announced decisions on cases filed by M/s Trade Master, M/s Waseem Autos, M/s Nisar Traders, M/s Parts and Parts, M/s Chief Autos, M/s Aman Elahi, and M/S Kohinoor Traders had filed these references. M/s Trade Master had filed case against MCC only. All of other appellants had filed cases against DGI&I. M/S Kohinoor Traders had filed two cases against DG I&I, Islamabad.

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Govt to start refund payments from 10th KARACHI: The government has decided to start disbursing money against customs rebate and sales tax refunds. It will make payments of outstanding refunds of up to Rs1 million initially. Higher amounts will be disbursed after July 15. The objective is to clear all outstanding refunds by August 14 against Release Payment Orders (RPOs) issued so far. The outstanding payment against issued RPOs is estimated to be around Rs50 billion. Although exporters claim that outstanding rebate and sales tax refunds are around Rs300 billion, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) insists the amount is less than Rs150 billion.

Shc seeks remarks on plea filed by Yasin & Sons seeking St registration

Thursday July 13, 2017

Karachi

court seeks charge sheet against suspects involved in tax evasion case

KARACHI

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has sought comments from the tax authorities and deputy attorney general on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Yasin and Sons, seeking restoration of its sales tax registration number suspended/ blocked by the commissioner Inland Revenue Zone-II RTO Karachi. A two-member bench was hearing the petition. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner stated that he always fulfills all liabilities and requirements properly and paying taxes regularly. However, on June 5, 2017 officials of the tax authority blacklisted the petitioner without any lawful authority.

‘potential of furniture industry is enormous’ KARACHI

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he potential of furniture industry is stated to be quite enormous and the frequent holding of ‘Interiors Pakistan’ exhibition in mega cities is developing entrepreneurship through various capacity building measures and educating woodworkers to adopt modern designs eﬃciently on high-end furniture machines besides triggering further investments and employment in the country. This was stated by S.M. Muneer, Patron-in-Chief United Business Group and former Chief Executive Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). Inaugurating the exhibition at Expo Center he maintained that the potential of furniture industry here in Pakistan is enormous and that within 2-3 years, it could even be double if the government patronized this industry.

KARACHI

M B rANA

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he Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Court has directed the investigation ofQicer to submit a challan against suspects, Mansoor Ahmed, Muhammad Junaid and others ,who are booked in a case of duty and tax evasion of Rs 6.32 million. During the hearing, the investigation ofQicer appeared before the court and sought time to Qile charge sheet against the accused persons. However, the court granted his request and directed him to complete investigations within reasonable period. On the last date of hearing, the investigation ofQicer produced the said accused persons before the court and submitted that during the investigation, it was revealed that both the accused committed the offense of fraudulent clearance/ delivery of fabric consignments imported by other importers by cross shifting the same after examination by the customs department. According to the prosecution, a case was registered under section 2 (s) 16, 32 (1) 32 (2) 32A, 79 and 192 of the Customs Act 1969 read with SRO 566, section 33 of Sales Tax Act, 1990, section 148 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001, and section (1) of Import and Export Control Act 1950 punishable under clauses 9, 14, 14A, 43, 45, 72 and 86 of section 156 (1) of the Customs Act, 1969 customs

11c of the section Sales Tax Act 1990 and section 148 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001, and section 3 (3) of Import & Export Control Act 1950. Meanwhile, Sindh High Court (SHC) sought a detailed reply from National Accountability Bureau (NAB) by July 20 on a petition against an inquiry into illegal appointments and corruption in excise department case. A division bench headed by Chief Justice of SHC Justice Ahmed Ali M Shaikh

During the hearing, the investigation oﬃcer appeared before the court and sought time to file charge sheet against the accused persons

Ltu to initiate probe against manufacturers

KARACHI

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arge Taxpayers Unit (LTU) is contemplating to initiate criminal proceedings against one of the leading cigarette manufacturers in Customs court, due to massive tax evasion, sources say. The cigarette manufacturer, which paid Rs 25 billion tax in last Qiscal year, has deposited only Rs 12 billion in current Qinancial year,

sources said. LTU Karachi has posted its ofQicials at the premises of the said leading cigarette manufacturer in March under section 40B of the Sales Tax Act 1990 to monitor its production, sales of taxable goods and the stock position. The Tobacco squad established by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has also kicked off crackdown against this leading cigarette manufacturer in Rawalpindi and detected massive tax evasion that led to a contravention report with a penalty of Rs 500 million.

LTU, Karachi has Qinalized its proceedings and imposed a hefty penalty of Rs 3 billion and raised a FED demand of Rs 700 million against the said cigarette manufacturer. The department was expecting to generate Rs 4-5 billion additional revenue after Qinalizing the Qindings on section 40B of the Sales Tax Act 1990. LTU, Karachi was contemplating to initiate criminal proceedings against the said cigarette manufacturer in customs court and the FIR in this regard was likely to be lodged in couple of days.

heard the petition filed by former secretary excise department Badar Jameel Mandhro. An Investigation officer (IO) of the NAB, on the occasion, informed the court that Badar Jameel made illegal appointments to the posts of BPS-17 and BPS-18 in Excise Department in 2012 and he manipulated his powers. And the bureau had solid evidences against him therefore he (IO) be given some time to file a detailed reply on it.

SBp updates board of directors SBP updated the formation of Directors on the board of the central bank. The board of directors has been updated following the assumption of charge by Tariq Bajwa as SBP governor. According to the functions and responsibilities of the Board of Directors: (1) The Board, with the exception of the powers entrusted to the Monetary Policy Committee.

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FBR freezes bank account of Narson Chemical Industries Thursday July 13, 2017

Lahore

LAHORE: The Federal Board of Revenue has frozen the bank account of Narson Chemical Industries Private Limited which is a defaulter of Rs05million. The FBR has conducted a raid on Narson Chemical Industries and froze the bank account of the company. The industry defaults on income tax of Rs05million. The company failed to submit its income tax returns for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013. Now the Federal Board of Revenue has frozen the bank account of the company and recovered Rs03million.

customs court sends accused to jail on judicial remand of 14 days LAHORE

M IMrAN MehAr

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he Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Organization approved a 14-day judicial remand of an accused in a case of cigarettes smuggling. The customs investigation team presented accused Rameez Iftikhar before the court of customs taxation and anti-smuggling judge. The team requested the court for a Qive-day physical remand of the accused to investigate him. Shakeel Ahmad, judge of the customs court, sent him to jail on judicial trial. Accused Rameez Iftikhar was arrested on the charge of smuggling of cigarettes to America. The value of the goods is more than Rs1.3million. On the other hand, seventeen

other cases were also scheduled for hearing on Wednesday. Most of the cases were adjourned without any proceedings. Framing of charges against Rasheed was also adjourned for next week. Final arguments and statements of the parties concerned in a case of smuggling against Rafique Ali were also scheduled for hearing which is rescheduled for next week. Meanwhile, The Special Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling has asked for the witnesses and statements in the next hearing in the case of smuggling of expensive and historical statues from Lahore into Bangkok. A case of statues smuggling was scheduled for hearing before the special court where Muhammad Shakeel, after hearing the arguments of the lawyers, asked the witnesses to appear on 10th of June.

Dc Adjudication orders release of sewing machines LAHORE

M hAYAt

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eputy Collector of Customs Adjudication Muhammad Farid has ordered the release the 30 foreign origin sewing machines which were illegally imported. According to the details, the deputy collector, however, took a lenient view under section 181 of the Customs Act 1969 and gave an option to the claimant of the seized goods to redeem the same on payment of redemption fine equal to 20 percent of the value along with duty and taxes leviable thereon in term of section 156 (1) 90 of the Customs Act. The deputy collector also ordered to re-appraised the goods from the concerned appraisement staff. The deputy collector also ordered the release of the carrier vehicle of the ma-

NDp parado handed Fto adjourns hearing of case filed by M/s New pak punjab Metal Industries over to customs authorities he Federal Tax Ombudsman has collected excessive tax from the he which was attacked by a Lahore Traffic Warden at the Multan Road near Yatim Khana has been handed over to Custom authorities. According to details, an incident took place a week before Eid when Dolphin Force tried to stop the vehicle on a call placed by Customs authorities of Lahore and it fled away. Then, the police and warden personnel followed the noncustom paid car and successfully intercepted it at Yateem Khana crossroad. The man in warden uniform directed the driver to get out of the car, which he did not follow. Following that the warden threw flying kicks on his side window which got recorded on a video camera. Police said the driver also pulled the trigger of his gun. Chief Traffic Officer Roy Ejaz said it was not a suitable act for a traffic warden. He had no right to behave like this even if it was a non-custom paid car. –CB Report

(FTO) has heard of a case Qiled by Proprietor of M/s New Pak Punjab Metal Industries, against the Regional Tax OfQice (RTO) Gujranwala and postpone until the next hearing. According to the details FTO Advisor Mian Munawar Ghafoor heard the case in which the counsel for the appellant argued that the RTO Gujranwala has not released the refund to the appellant of the last two years. He said that the RTO Gujranwala

appellant during the last two years. The company approached the ofQicer concerned many times for issuance of the refunds but the department did not pay the refunds after the passage of a reasonable time. Finally, the appellant decided to approach the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO), seeking interference in this case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to direct the commissioner of RTO Gujranwala to clear the refund claims. –CB Report

chines as there was no allegation of regular usage of the truck for goods smuggling. The collector ordered to release the Hundai Shahzore loader bearing registration no: LZR 9874 used for transportation of the impugned articles. The machines were

impounded by a team of Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) on information that a truck was carrying the machines which were non customs duty paid. The Customs ASO Qinally intercepted the vehicle near Naulakha Park, Faiz Bagh Lahore.

NAB arrests Sho cIA gujrat ational Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore took custody of serving SHO Rana Imran Saleem posted in CIA Gujrat as station chief against charges of mounting up assets beyond his means of income. According to a NAB spokesman, his arrest warrants were issued by Director General NAB Lahore Shahzad Saleem whereas the accused was nabbed from Gujranwala. During the investigations, various properties/plots in Gujranwala and millions of rupees have been found in the accused and his family members’

names, besides several vehicles. Accused SHO Rana Imran Saleem will be produced Saturday before Accountability Court for his physical remand. Meanwhile, On the directions of NAB Chairman Qamar-urZaman, the Bureau constituted a Prevention Committee for Reforms in Cooperative Department Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). The NAB constituted the committee under Section 33-C of NAB Ordinance, 1999, comprising representatives of all stakeholders including representation from Cooperative Department ICT. –CB Report

customs tribunal orders to handover truck to owner

LAHORE

SAJID NAwAZ

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he Customs Appellate Tribunal has accepted an appeal Qiled by one Muhamma Ayub, a resident of Qila Abdullah, against the Director, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation-FBR, and Collector of Customs (Adjudication)

Lahore. Omer Arshed Hakeem, Member Judicial Bench-II, heard the case in detail and declared that the impugned order is modiQied to the extent that the impugned truck has been ordered to release unconditionally to its lawful owner. On the controversy, staff of the Customs Intelligence and InvestigationFBR Lahore intercepted a truck loaded with foreign origin steel and iron. On

demand, driver produced a bilty regarding the loading of goods and failed to justify legal import of foreign goods. The truck along with goods was impounded under Section 168(1) & (3) of Import Export (Control) Act-1950 and Section 178 of Customs Act-1969. The show cause notice was issued to the appellant for the contravention of provisions of law. The adjudicating ofQicer, hearing the case in detail, passed

the Order-In-Original to hand over truck to its lawful owner on the payment of redemption Qine equal to 20 percent of value of the aforesaid vehicle. Being aggrieved from the order, appellant challenged the ONO before the Customs Appellate Tribunal on the grounds that the impugned order was passed in a mechanical fashion and without the application of the mind judicially.

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Thursday, July 13, 2017

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LAHORE M hAYAt

www.customsbulletin.com hina Pakistan economic Corridor (CPEC) can only be a fate or game changer for the country if sufQicient preparations are made to face the challenges and get maximum out of it. These views were expressed by Directorate General of Training and Research Director Rubina Wasti while addressing the gathering at a seminar on China Pak Economic Corridor held at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. DGTR Lahore Director Sima Shahzad, Director Customs Intelligence Faisalabad ZulQiqar Younas Deputy Director Kanwal Ali and other were also present on the occasion Addressing the participants Rubina said that in order to get maximum beneQits from the CPEC for reaching preparations have to be made so that issue, problems and other bottlenecks could be pre-determined to better cope with the difQiculties concerning CPEC. She said that the Customs DGTR has adopted a pro-active approach and has started initiating awareness program as far as the customs de-

partment is concerned. “We have planned to hold a number of seminars in order to create awareness among the stake holders. This the Qirst seminar at the LCCI while second and third seminar in this connection will be held in Karachi and Islamabad respectively,” she informed. She appreciated the corporation extended by the LCCI. She said that DGTR is meant to train the stakeholders and raise voice to the concerned parties. She added that presently DGTR Customs is focusing on enhancing skills in various areas including human resources, export and import so that the large quantum of the CPEC trader and business could be comprehended. LCCI President Abdul Basit said that whole benefits and control to the outer companies

would be a sheer injustice to the local industries that are already working in challenging conditions. They said that local manufacturers should not be ignored at any cost while granting incentives to the Chinese companies. He said that equal opportunities to the local manufacturers would help industrial expansion in the country. He said that said that projects like CPEC have the capacity to support the local economy by increasing the demand for locally manufactured goods. He said that such increase in demand will not only allow full utilization of the existing manufacturing potential, but will also encourage the manufacturers to increase their capacity. Faiz Ahmed, Chief Exemption and Export, FBR, Saleem Ranjha, DG IPR, Yasir Arfat, Head Research Associate Centre of Excellence, CPEC, Wang Zihai, PCJCCI, Brig. Nadeem Raja, Director NLC Thokar Niaz Beg, Maqsood Butt and LCCI VP Nasir Hameed Khan also spoke on the occasion.

while e LccI h t t a minar this first se inar in e m h t e s s i and ird th arachi and th k d n n i o d c . el se ormed ll be h he inf ion wi s t c ,” y e l n e v con specti bad re a m a l Is

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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

Yet another loan

t a time when the country is facing the challenge of current account deficit, declining exports and under performance of the industrial sector, the government has obtained another $700 million loan from a European bank to offload pressure on the foreign currency reserves. The latest loan obtained at an interest rate of 4.47 percent has brought the total borrowings to $9 billion in one year which is the highest figure in a single year in the history of the country. However, the government has accepted the loan on the grounds that the markup on the borrowing is lower than the returns the country paid to the Sukuk and Euro bonds holders. Incidentally, the government will also have to pay 0.5 percent per annum as fee to the World Bank for providing policy-based guarantees. It has brought the borrowing cost to nearly five percent. At least 0.25 have apparently been paid to the bank as upfront fee. The lion share of the loans has gone under the head of debt servicing. The wholesale borrowing policy shows how much the current leadership is able and capable of running the financial affairs of the country. The borrowing from foreign commercial banks was introduced by the previous Pakistan Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party government and the PML-N has continued this policy after coming to power in 2013. This borrowing, which is often done without competitive bidding, has become a sport for the financial managers of the country. According to World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Illango Patchamuthu, two World Bank guarantees have helped Pakistan secure over $1 billion in international commercial financing at very attractive rates last week. He also claimed that the World Bank guarantees have helped Pakistan expand market access, saving $120 million in interest payments. The government ministers are not tired of claiming remarkable growth in GDP during the current government, but the factual position is that the industrial and financial sectors have failed to perform up to the expectations. On another note, the policymakers find it an easy way to borrow from foreign commercial and meet external requirements of the country. As a result, the country is heading toward financial disaster.

Share of agriculture in gDp T

LAHORE

Dr AFtAB AFZAL

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hough Pakistan is moving fast toward industrialization, the major share of the gross domestic product still comes from agrarian economy. Pakistan is one of the major exporters of food items in the world, including rice, grams, citrus fruit and many many other commodities. However, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s share in overall rice export has been declining as compared to other countries in the region, including India. The government in the neighbouring country not only supports its farmers and has bigger cultivation farmland, but it also focuses on research and

development to get better quality yields. In Pakistan, inconsistent government policies, lack of research and old methods of cultivation have kept the agriculture sector at the lower ebb. The government support in every economic sector is minimal and all the business is running on the basis of individual efforts. As a result, every sector of the economy is facing challenges, including the export sector. The imports are increasing and the country is facing billions of dollars trade deficit, pushing the country toward another bailout programme from any international donor agency. It seems the policymakers in the country have failed to understand the dynam-

ics of the modern economy. As a matter of fact, the successive governments in Pakistan have failed to encourage the private sector to produce value added goods and all the focus of the officials remained on the export of food items. Ironically, best quality rice, fruit and vegetables of Pakistani origin are freely available at distant lands on nominal prices, but Pakistanis are unable to buy those commodities at home. Rice and mangoes are the worst example of food exports where the nation is deprived of best quality items at home. However, rice and mangoes are available at throwaway prices in Gulf States and European countries. No doubt Pak-

istan has potential to produce quality food and increase per acre yield of rice, pulses, grams and other commodities. It can not only fulfill the local demand, but also feed the world. According to the United Nations, Pakistan could face food insecurity in future and most of the children in the country are still suffer from malnutrition. Unless the corporate sector takes interest in the agriculture sector, it is difficult to enhance per acre yield and launch research and development programmes. It is necessary that the policymakers minimize their reliance on the government funds and involve the private sector in programmes of economic development.

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FBR grants input adjustment on coal supply ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has granted input adjustment on supply of coal in case the supply is made by registered persons and value of supply exceeded Rs5000/metric tonne. The FBR issued SRO 592(I)/2017 to amend SRO 549(I)/2006 stating that input adjustment restriction shall not apply to registered persons making taxable supply of locally produced coal where value of supply exceeds ﬁve thousand rupees per metric tonne. Previously, the FBR restrained the registered persons from claiming input adjustment making taxable supply of locally produced coal.

FBr updates tax rate slabs for salary income

Thursday July 13, 2017

National

Shc seeks comments on petition filed by M/s Anthro pharmaceuticals

ISLAMABAD

cuStoMS BuLLetIN report www.customsbulletin.com

ederal Board of Revenue has issued new tax rate slabs for salary income to be applicable during 2017-18. The tax is payable by persons making taxable income and to be deducted by employees at the time of salary is paid. 1. Where the taxable income does not exceed Rs, 400,000 0% 2. Where the taxable income exceeds Rs, 400,000 but does not exceed Rs, 500,000 2% of the amount exceeding Rs, 400,000 3. Where the taxable income exceeds Rs, 500,000 but does not exceed Rs, 750,000 Rs,2,000+5% of the amount exceeding Rs, 500,000 4. Where the taxable income exceeds Rs, 750,000 but does not exceed Rs,

1,400,000 Rs, 14,500+10% of the amount exceeding Rs, 750,000 5. Where the taxable income exceeds Rs, 1,400,000 but does not exceed Rs, 1,500,000. Rs, 79,500+12.5% of the amount exceeding Rs, 1,400,000 6. Where the taxable income exceeds Rs, 1,500,000 but does not exceed Rs, 1,800,000 Rs, 92,000+15% of the amount exceeding Rs, 1,500,000 7. Where the taxable income exceeds Rs, 1,800,000 but does not exceed Rs, 2,500,000 Rs, 137,000+17.5% of the amount exceeding Rs, 1,800,000 8. Where the taxable income exceeds Rs, 2,500,000 but does not exceed Rs, 3,00,000 Rs, 259,500+20% of the amount exceeding Rs, 2,500,000 9. Where the taxable income exceeds Rs, 3,000,000 but does not exceed Rs, 3,500,000 Rs, 359,500+22.5% of the amount exceeding Rs, 3,000,000.

KARACHI

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the tax authorities and deputy attorney general on a constitutional petition Qiled by M/s Anthro Pharmaceuticals (Private) Limited against a notice for the recovery of disputed amount. The notice has been issued by the Commissioner Inland Revenue Audit Unit-I, Corporate Regional Tax OfQice (CRTO). While hearing of the petition, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, also directed them to Qile their respective para wise comments on the next date of hearing. The court adjourned the matter for July 6, 2017. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that the Commissioner Inland Revenue Audit Unit-I Zone, Corporate Regional Tax OfQice (CRTO), passed an order for tax period from July 2015 to June 2016, creating an alleged tax demand and has directed the petitioner to deposit the same within 30 days. However, the petitioner moved

Commissioner IR Appeals-III and Qiled an appeal along with stay application which is pending for disposal. According to the petitioner, during the pendency of such appeal, the petitioner is being threatened by the tax department for the re-

covery of the disputed amount through bank accounts. Citing Commissioner Inland Revenue AppealsIII Karachi, Commissioner Inland Revenue Audit Unit-I, Corporate Regional Tax OfQice (CRTO) and OfQicer of the Commissioner Inland Rev-

enue Audit Unit-01 Zone, Corporate Regional Tax OfQice (CRTO) as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court may restrain them from taking any action and direct CIR Appeals to decide its appeal within reasonable period.

customs tightens noose around smugglers of Iranian oil KARACHI

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he supply and distribution of smuggled Iranian diesel is flourishing in Pakistan as the relevant Customs authorities are patronizing the smugglers while an oil marketing company is providing legal cover to the distribution. Smuggling causes collateral damage to the economy while the money earned from this dirty business is funding anti-social and terrorist elements in the country under-mining all the efforts of country’s brave and dedicated military. Smugglers of Iranian diesel have formed dump points in Balochistan. The commodity is supplied through launches via Dasht, Kund Malir, Hub industrial area. There are several industrial

units in Hub industrial area, but actual these industrial units are dumping grounds. This poses a grave security threat as these storage points have not been made as per proper standards. One oil marketing companies (OMC), Byco Petroleum has also formed its unit office in Hub industrial area. Sources said tankers filled with smuggled Irani diesel are issued fake invoices by the unit office of the said oil marketing company and the smuggled commodity is then supplied to fuel stations across Sindh under a legal cover. Additional Commissioner Ashfaq Tunio in his report couple of years back mentioned that Byco Petroleum was involved in issuing fake invoices to provide legal cover to the distribution of smuggled Irani diesel. Then Director I&I Asif Marghoob Siddiqui

formed an investigation team in this regard headed by a superintendent, but the case couldn’t be pursued at length. One Inspector posted at ASO Karachi for the last 10 years is said to be patronizing rather operating distribution of the smuggled Irani diesel. Former Director General I&I Lutfullah Virk had transferred the said Inspector to Hyderabad, but he managed his transfer back to ASO Karachi within three months. Sources allege the Customs Intelligence & Investigation is getting Rs0.35 million as bribe on the movement/distribution of a 40,000 liters tanker. Moreover, the smuggled diesel is also dumped at Kati Pahari, Manghopir, Yousuf Goth and Orangi Town in Karachi. These dumping points pose severe safety threat as these are well populated

areas. The commodity is supplied from these points through Suzuki pick-ups. Over 100 vehicles are employed by these smugglers and every vehicle allegedly pays Rs0.15 million every month to Customs Intelligence authorities. The supplies to Punjab are routed through Dadu and these smugglers have developed routes through the Katcha areas. Sources said one Badshah Khan, Aslam Panjgori, Haji Mudeer and several other persons are active and running this dirty business. An official said there was no office decorum at Directorate General of Customs Intelligence & Investigation and senior officers including ASO directors at various directorates are helpless and the lower staff, being in direct contact with the Director General, is running the show.

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Performance allowance of ﬁve Customs oﬃcers of BS-16 restored Thursday July 13, 2017

National Ashraf Ali assumes charge as karachi transit trade Director

ISLAMABAD: The performance allowance in respect of five Pakistan Customs Service officers of BS-16 has been restored on completion of their declaration of assets. The performance allowance, (equivalent to 100 per cent of basic pay) in respect of the said officers, which was discontinued vide FBR’s Notification No2III -C-III/2015 09.09.2015. According to the notification, the officers whose performance allowance was discontinued on account of imposition of minor or major penalty, besides shortfall of declaration of assets, will however not be restored through the above notification, until they have gone through fresh process of selection for grant of performance allowance.

two Superintendents promoted as Assistant collectors

ISLAMABAD

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ISLAMABAD

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shraf Ali, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-20, has assumed charge of the post of Director, Directorate of Transit Trade, Customs House, Karachi on June 19. The officer, in pursuance of Board’s Notification No.1667-CI/2017 dated 14.06.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Director, Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation-FBR, Quetta/Gwadar with effect from June 15. Meanwhile, KARACHI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has promoted 18 Assistant Collectors to the post of Deputy Collectors (OPS). As per notification, Waqar Hussain is promoted and posted as Deputy Collector (OPS) at MCC Preventive, Kaleemullah at MCC Gwadar, Talha Salman at MCC Appraisement East, Syed Itrat Hussain at Directorate of I&I Faisalabad, Ms. Maryam Khalid at Directorate of I&I Islamabad.

Senior preventive officer Syed Asghar retires yed Asghar Imam, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-16, has retired from the government service on attaining the age of superannuation. The officer, last posted as Senior Preventive Officer at Model Customs Collectorate of Preventive, Karachi, retired from government service on August 18, 2015. Meanwhile, Nadir Mumtaz Warraich, a BS-21 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has been assigned the additional charge of the post of Member (Administration) on retirement of Muhammad Majid Qureshi (BS-21) on June 25, 2017. Nadir Mumtaz, presently posted as Director General of Research and Development at FBR (HQ) Islamabad, will continue to perform additional duties till the posting of regular incumbent. –CB Report

wo Superintendents in the Pakistan Customs Department have been promoted to the post of Assistant Collector (BS-17) with immediate effect and until further orders The promotions of Ameer Ahmad, posted at MCC Appraisement, Lahore and Muhammad Ijaz Shaheen, posted at MCC, Preventive, Lahore, will take effect from the date of their joining/charge assumption subject to the condition that no disciplinary proceedings/enquiry is pending against them. Their postings/ transfer will be notiQied in due course of time. They will be on probation for a period of one year, extendable for further period, not exceeding one year, provided that if no

order is issued by the day following the termination of probationary period, the appointment shall deem to be held until further order. The ofQi-

cers already drawing performance allowance equal to 100% of basic pay will continue to draw it on their promotion. 5. The ofQicers are re-

quested to relinquish/assume Charge, using online HRMS facility made available at all FBR Qield ofQices or by using IJP login.

Islamabad AFu generates rs235m more St than allocated target during FY2016-17 T

ISLAMABAD

tArIQ DerYA

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he Air Freight Unit (AFU) Islamabad earned Rs235 million extra sales tax against the assigned target of Qinancial year 2016-17. The AFU was assigned the revenue target of Rs1880 million under the same head against the surplus collection of Rs2114.52 million for above said period. According to details told by Additional Deputy Collector Khawaja Khuram Naeem that the AFU Islamabad was assigned the hard revised targets for the last four months (March to June) FY1617.During the month of June FY16-17, the AFU Islamabad earned Rs144.24 million extra revenue against the assigned target of ST. During June 16-17, the AFU received Rs584.24 million Sales

Tax against the assigned target of Rs440 million. During the month of May, the AFU generated

Rs301.43 million of ST against the target of Rs350 million whereas it was assigned Rs300 million target

of ST against the collection of Rs208.57 million during the month of April FY 16-17.

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PFA seal juice factory LAHORE: Punjab Food Authority (PFA) sealed a juice factory on the charge of preparing adulterated fruit juices. According to ADG PFA Raﬁa Haider, OlFresh Juice Factory situated in Kasur,was preparing substandard juices of pomegranate,Leechi,orange and other fruits,while using chemicals and textile colours. The PFA team recovered 34000 litres juice,huge quantity of raw material and sealed the factory.

customs Appellate tribunal settles case filed by M/s kpI private Limited LAHORE

SAJID NAwAZ

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ustoms Appellate Tribunal has disposed off case filed by M/s KPI Private Limited against Additional Collector of Customs (Adjudication), Customs House Faisalabad and assistant collector of Customs (Recovery) Faisalabad. Imran Tariq, Member Technical Bench-II heard the case in detail and remarks that appellant has informed that he have deposited default that should by verified by the customs authorities and penalties imposed on the appellant are not remittable. According to the details, Assistant Collector Bonds, Faisalabad was reported that M/s KPI private Limited was granted export oriented unit license for two years for duty free

plant, equipment apparatus and input goods but same was used malafide purpose. After the complete audit Rs22, 57, 781 were charged from the appellant regarding default of duties and taxes and violations of laws. Show cause notice was issued and case transferred to the adjudication authority where case was heard and Order-in-Original was passed that duties and taxes imposed by the department is recoverable from the appellant. Appellant dis-agree with the order and challenged before the Customs Appellate Tribunal on the grounds that ONO is bad in law and against the fact and liable to set aside. The respondent denied all allegations. Customs appellate tribunal after complete hearing decided the case with order to recover duties and taxes from the appellant but verified the paid amount.

National

Agreement with china to streamline cooperation: NAB chairman Qamar Zaman

Faisalabad ASo impounds goods valued rs06 million FAISALABAD

NAeeM SheIkh

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he Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Faisalabad conducted various operations against smugglers and recovered various items worth Rs06million during of June 2017. Sources told Customs Today that Deputy Collector Usman Tariq constituted a team to curb the smuggling attempts. The ASO team consisted of Superintendent Dilawar Hussain, Inspectors Khalid Ashraf Noor, Ali Zahid and Sepoys Muhammad Ashraf, Liaquat Ali, Israr Ahmad and Muhammad Abdullah. The team impounded a non-duty-paid vehicle valued Rs01.5million under Section (U/S 157). Under the said section, vehicles are used for smuggling transportation. The vehicle was smuggled into the country without payment of customs duty and taxes. Foreign origin (F/O) and other miscellaneous items taken into possession were of value Rs03million. The ASO team asked the accused to provide legal documents regarding the legal import of the items but he failed to do so.

ISLAMABAD

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ational Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry on Tuesday said that an agreement signed with China would help streamline cooperation in of anti-corruption efforts. In the context of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), this cooperation and the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would further boost conQidence in projects, being undertaken in Pakistan. Chaudhry said this while chairing a meeting to review the performance of NAB at the bureau’s headquarters, read a statement released on Tuesday. The NAB chief said that the bureau was committed to working with absolute professionalism, transparently and on merit. He further said that there was no shortcut to hard work, commitment and professionalism and added that NAB believes in “zero corruption, 100 per cent development.” The NAB chief pointed out that the anti-corruption watchdog had prescribed timelines for efficient,

Thursday July 13, 2017

effective and expeditious disposal of cases by putting a maximum limit of 10 months. The bureau had also introduced a new system of combined investigation team (CIT) to benefit from

the experience and collective wisdom of senior supervisory officers. This system, he said, was not only lending quality to work but also ensuring that no single individual could influence the proceedings.

potential of furniture industry in pakistan is enormous

KARACHI

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Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). Inaugurating the exhibition at Expo Center here on Friday, he maintained that the potential of furniture industry here in Pakistan is enormous and that within 2-3 years, it could even be double if the government patronized this industry. He said the exhibition featured a comprehensive range of furniture by a diverse portfolio of quality exhibitors; and attracts a healthy and well-represented attendance of trade buyers and visitors. Appreciating the role of PFC in organizing frequent exhibitions inside the country, S.M. Muneer said

such exhibitions would allow companies the opportunity to increase brand awareness and have the chance to strengthen relationships with their existing customers as well as establish relations with international exhibiting companies attending the fair. Muneer was of the view that Pakistan can earn billions of rupees by increasing export volume of furniture items but there is also need of what he termed `export friendly policies’. Vice President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iftikhar Ali Malik addessing on the occasion said the employment generated by the timber industry is ab-

solutely critical to the working class and it is therefore equally critical that the industry takes even bigger steps towards making this industry truly sustainable. However, he said, the illegal cutting of timber over time- without any new plantations to replace the trees- has led to an acute shortage of local hardwood for the city’s furniture makers. Besides, the illiterate and unskilled labour is also stunting the industry’s growth. He said with a little innovation, investment and government support, furniture industry can generate even more employment and income from sustainable economy.

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World Customs Thursday July 13, 2017

France to ‘ban all petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040’ PARIS: Franceplans to outlaw all petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040, its new environment minister, Nicolas Hulot, has announced. It will also ban any “new project to use petrol, gas or coal”, as well as shale oil, by that date. The radical measures were unveiled at a press conference this morning as part of French president Emmanuel Macron’s plans to make France a carbon neutral country by 2050 and “make the planet great again”.

customs confiscate over 40,000 chinese yuan from two men

hobby Lobby fined $3m for smuggled artifacts BAGHDAD

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TAIPEI

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ustoms ofQicials at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport conQiscated more than 40,000 Chinese yuan (US$5,900) from two men trying to take the undeclared cash out of the country Sunday, the Qirst such seizure since new anti-money laundering rules went into effect on ofQicials said. A 47-year-old man surnamed Wang was found to be carrying 30,330 yuan before boarding a China-bound Qlight, exceeding the legal limit of 20,000 yuan. Customs ofQicials conQiscated the outstanding 10,330 yuan from Wang. The other incident involved a 44year-old man surnamed Lin, who was found with 54,900 yuan in cash. The “extra-legal” 34,900 yuan was also impounded. Both men claimed they did not know about the new

Samsung to invest $19b in chip, display plants amsung Electronics said it will invest 21.4 trillion won ($19 billion) in the next four years in its memory chip and display plants in South Korea. The South Korean company’s announcement comes as the global memory chip industry enjoys a massive boom thanks to a surge in demand for microchips. Global tech companies have been increasing servers and data centers to handle more data from mobile devices and auto vehicles and also on expectations that adoption of artificial intelligence would create even more demand for handling data. Samsung said by 2021, it will spend an additional 14.4 trillion won ($12.5 billion) to increase the capacity in its memory chip factory in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, which began operat ing in the day. –CB Report

rules, but Customs urged the public to “understand the relevant rules” before heading to the airport to avoid falling foul of the customs authorities. Under the new rules, passengers are obliged to declare any

cash, securities or other items valued at over NT$100,000, 20,000 Chinese yuan, or US$10,000, or foreign currencies of equal value. Failure to do so could result in conQiscation of excessive amounts.

Afghanistan reacts to Iran’s comments on dam projects

ollowing comments by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Afghanistan’s dam projects, the Afghan Ministry of Water and Energy on Wednesday said building dams on Helmand River is Kabul’s top priority which is aimed at managing the country’s waters and improving the national economy. According to the ministry, Iran has used four times more water than stipulated in the Helmand River

Treaty over the past few years – under the pretext of being in the neighborhood of Afghanistan. And meanwhile, Iran has built over 30 water dams on rivers which Qlow to Afghanistan – stopping the Qlow of water to Afghanistan. Iran, the ministry said, has used unprecedented volume of waters from Afghanistan’s Helmand and Harirod Water Zones, in the bordering areas with Iran, over the years. –CB Report

he arts-and-crafts retailer Hobby Lobby has agreed to pay a $3 million Qine for illegally smuggling thousands of ancient clay artifacts into the United States from Iraq, federal prosecutors said Wednesday. Under a civil complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Hobby Lobby will forfeit thousands of cuneiform tablets, clay bullae and cylinder seals it falsely labeled as “samples” and shipped through the United Arab Emirates and Israel. The Oklahoma-based company brought more than 5,500 artifacts for $1.6 million in December 2010 from an unidentified dealer in an acquisition prosecutors said was “fraught with red flags.” Hobby Lobby got conflicting information

about where the artifacts had been stored and never met or communicated with the dealer selling them, according to court documents. When it came time to pay, the company wired money to seven separate bank accounts. Before the sale, the complaint says, an expert on cultural property law warned Hobby Lobby that artifacts such as cuneiform tablets and cylinder seals may have been looted from archaeological sites. A United Arab Emirates-based dealer sent 10 packages to three different corporate addresses in Oklahoma City, with shipping labels reading “ceramic tiles” or “clay tiles (sample),” according to the complaint. U.S. Customs and Border Protection later intercepted five shipments, all of them falsely declaring that the artifacts came from Turkey. A final shipment containing about 1,000 clay bullae arrived at one of Hobby Lobby’s addresses from Israel in September 2011.

Sarkozy’s aide convicted of tax fraud

former adviser to former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was convicted on Friday of tax fraud and money laundering after being caught trying to take hundreds of thousands of euros in cash out of France. Boris Boillon, 47, was given a one-year suspended prison sentence and barred from holding public ofQice for Qive years. Customs ofQicers stopped Boillon at Paris’s Gare du Nord railway station in July 2013 with luggage stuffed with 350,000 euros ($400,000) and $40,000 in undeclared cash as he was about to board a train for Belgium.

The court on Friday ordered the seizure of the funds and the payment of a customs Qine of 95,036 euros as well as the payment of 30,000 euros to the French government for tax fraud. Boillon, who was Sarkozy’s ambassador to Iraq from 2009 to 2011, was also convicted of failure to declare a Qinancial transfer within the European Union exceeding 10,000 euros. The exdiplomat claimed to have made the money working as a middleman for an Iraqi company, mainly for a public works project. He blamed Iraq’s deQicient banking system for the need to carry cash. –CB Report

govt gets lowest oﬀer of $430 per ton in rice import

B DHAKA

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angladesh received a lowest offer of $430 tonne CIF liner out from Phoenix in a tender that opened on Sunday to import 50,000 tonnes of parboiled rice, ofQicials at the state grains buyer said. Bangladesh is stepping up im-

ports due to depleted stocks and record local prices following Qlash Qloods. Six traders competed for Sunday’s tender, the fourth issued since May by the Directorate General of Food. Growing demand from Bangladesh should stoke Asian prices that have already hit multiyear highs in recent months. The rice is to be shipped within 40 days of contract signing. Last week, a

Bangladeshi delegation visited Thailand to Qinalise imports of rice in a government-to-government deal, ofQicials said. Bangladesh is buying 200,000 tonnes of Vietnamese white rice at $430 a tonne and 50,000 tonnes of parboiled rice at $470 a tonne in a state-to-state deal – at rates much higher than in the tenders. “We don’t have any other option but to speed up imports,” said a

senior food ministry ofQicial. “This time we won’t be able to achieve our local procurement target. We are going for state-to-state deals even if it is costlier, as importing via tenders is a lengthy process.” The state grains buyer bought 50,000 tonnes of white rice at $406.48 a tonne and 100,000 tonnes of parboiled rice at $427.85 and $445.11 a tonne in three previous tenders.

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AD Ports lines up Fujairah development DUBAI: As part of the agreement, the entities have announced the establishment of Fujairah Terminals, an operational arm wholly owned by Abu Dhabi Ports. Through the establishment of Fujairah Terminals, the agreement will grant Abu Dhabi Ports the exclusivity to enhance existing infrastructure in addition to managing all container, general cargo, ro-ro and cruise Ships in the port. The agreement also includes the deepening of berths to 16.5 m to allow for larger vessels, building a 300,000 sq m yard of storage space as well as an additional 1 km quay to accommodate the expected growth in the number of ships arriving at the port.

Six ships take berth at port Qasim ix ships C.V MSC Valencia, C.V CMA CGM Maupasant, M.V CF Fortune, M.T Bow Sagami, M.T Maria-III and M.T Lion-M carrying containers, Project Cargo, Soya Bean Oil, LPG and Furnace Oil at Qasim International Container Terminal, Multi Purpose Terminal, Liquid Cargo Terminal, Engro Vopak Terminal and FOTCO Oil Terminal respectively during last 24 hours, said a report issued by Port Qasim Authority (PQA) here on Friday. Meanwhile four more ships with Containers, Palm oil and LNG also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. Berth occupancy remained at the port at fifty percent on Thursday where a total of eight ships namely, MSC Valencia, CMA CGM Maupasant, Friendly Seas, CS Fortune, Maria-II, Sakizaya Diaono, Bow Sagmi and Lion-M were occupied at PQA berths to load/oﬄoad Containers, Coal, Proj-

Ports & Shipping

port of Baltimore ranks as fourth fastest-growing port WASHINGTON

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he Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore handled nearly 10 percent more cargo last year than the previous year, making it the fourth fastest-growing port in North America, according to a recent study by the Journal of Commerce, an industry publication. In 2016, he port handled the equivalent of 648,770 20-foot containers, the truck-sized boxes that can be readily moved between ships, trucks and railroads and typically come in 20- or 40-foot leangths. The port’s public marine terminals handled a record number of containers last year and for the Qirst time surpassed 10 million tons of general cargo. The port also announced a record Qirst quarter of this year for general cargo tonnage, including cars, containers, farm and construction machinery, forest products and breakbulk, or goods loaded individually.

“The Port of Baltimore continues to be a major economic engine for Maryland, achieving a recordsetting year in 2016 and continuing to post even more records in 2017,” Gov. Larry Hogan said in an announcement. The Maryland Port Administration, part of the state transportation department, has purchased 70 acres near the Seagirt Marine Terminal that will be used to handle additional cargo in-

cluding containers. Since last July, when the first large container ship arrived at the port through the newly expanded Panama Canal, the number of containers increased 7 percent. The port generates about 13,650 direct jobs and a total of 127,000 jobs with links to port activities. The Journal of Commerce recently recognized the port as he most efficient container port in the U.S. for the third straight time.

Thursday July 13, 2017

Maersk systems hit by wave of cyber attacks global wave of cyberattacks that began in Russia and Ukraine recently wrought havoc on government and corporate computer systems as it spread to Western Europe and across the Atlantic. Several multinational companies said they were targeted, including US pharmaceutical giant Merck, Russian state oil giant Rosneft, British advertising giant WPP and the French industrial group SaintGobain. The wave of cyberattacks also impacted Maersk, a global cargo shipping company; Saint-Gobain, a French company producing glass and other construction materials; and British-based WPP. The first reports of trouble came from Ukrainian banks, Kiev’s main airport and Rosneft, in a major incident reminiscent of the recent WannaCry virus. The cyberattack also recalled a ransomware outbreak last month which hit more than 150 countries and a total of more than 200,000 victims with the WannaCry ransomware. In the United States, Merck was hit as was New York law firm of DLA Piper. –CB Report

ports of Indiana names new bulk terminal operator ect Cargo, LPG, Soya Bean Seeds, Soya Bean Oil and Furnace oil respectively. A cargo volume of 85,661 tonnes, comprising 62,538 tonnes import cargo and 23,123 tonnes export cargo inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 2,793 containers TEUs) 1,576 imports TEUs and 1,217 TEUs exports) was handled at the port. Two container ships MSC Valencia and CMA CGM Maupasant sailed out to sea on Thursday morning. Three ships C.V Tucapel, C.V Maersk Izmir and M.T Maran Gas Asclepius carrying Containers and LNG are expected to take berths at Container Terminal and Elengy Terminal respectively on June 30, while C.V CMA CGM Rossini and C.V Nicoline Maersk with Containers are due to arrive at PQ on July. –CB Report

WASHINGTON

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he Ports of Indiana expects to see double the amount of bulk shipments going through the Burns Harbor port within the next Qive years, now that the oldest stevedoring company in the country has taken over as its new bulk terminal operator. The Ports of Indiana announced that Metro Ports is now managing the loading and unloading of shipments along the port’s east harbor for both port tenants and outside companies. Its contract started Saturday. Metro Ports is the brand used to identify stevedoring afQiliates of Metropolitan Stevedore Co. and its parent company, Nautilus International Holding Corp., both of which are based in Long Beach, Calif. The company dates back to 1852, dur-

ing the Gold Rush. Ports of Indiana spokesman Rich Allen said Metro Ports will replace the current bulk terminal operator, Lakes & Rivers, whose contract expired on June 30. He said proposals were sought from several stevedores around the country. “Metro Ports was selected as the replacement because of the company’s business development vision, extensive nationwide network of maritime resources and successful track record for operating port terminals,” Allen said. Allen said Metro Ports will continue to use local labor force to load and unload ships at the port. “Employment will likely increase as shipments increase,” Allen said. Metro Ports operates at 27 U.S. ports on the East, West and Gulf coasts in the states of Washington, New York, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Texas, Florida, Louisiana, California, North Carolina and Georgia. This is the com-

pany’s only Great Lakes facility, according to a port statement. “Having a 165-year-old company like Metro Ports select Indiana to launch its Great Lakes operations is a tribute to our state’s business climate and our extremely successful port system,” Rich Cooper, CEO for the Ports of Indiana, said. Cooper said Indiana’s maritime economy supports 155,000 Hoosier jobs and generates $21.5 billion in annual economic activity. Metro Ports handles a wide range of bulk and breakbulk cargoes around the country, including aggregates, potash, coke, coal, cement, fertilizer, borax, bauxite, military, steel, wind energy, yachts and project cargo, according to the the Ports. “Metro Ports is recognized as a world-class stevedore and terminal operator for handling bulk commodities,” Cooper said. “We’re excited to partner with such a high-caliber team of professionals and are looking forward to working shoulder-to-

shoulder with them to grow business at the port.” Metro Ports President Michael Ferguson said Indiana was an obvious choice for the company to expand into the Midwest and establish a Great Lakes presence. “We see tremendous potential here to leverage the port’s connections to ocean ships, Great Lakes vessels, river barges and multiple rail carriers, as well as the region’s powerful industrial base located within sight of downtown Chicago,” Ferguson said. In 2016, the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor handled nearly 2.6 million tons of cargo, completing the highest three-year total in the port’s history. The Ports of Indiana invested nearly $2.5 million into infrastructure, including dredging and stabilization of two ship berths to increase dock capacity for handling Seaway draft vessels as well as replacement of 2,000 feet of rail track and rehabilitation of multiple rail turnouts.

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FIA arrests 3 human-trafficker SIALKOT: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested three alleged humantraffickers—Ansar Iqbal, Israel Ahmed and Muhammad Shabir. According to FIA Deputy Director Khalid Anees, the accused had been sending people abroad illegally. Separate cases have been registered against the accused. Meanwhile, The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) immigration staff has taken custody of eleven illegal Pakistani immigrants deported by Greek authorities arrived at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport (BBIA).

Thursday July 13, 2017

Business

‘pharma exports to get more booster shots’ ISLAMABAD

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aira Afzal Tarar, Minister for National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, said major reforms in drug regulation, introduced over the last three years, proved to be shots in the arm for Pakistani pharmaceutical exports, which registered a heartening growth in the aforementioned period. “For the Qirst time in the country’s history barcodes are being introduced for all medicine packs. It will put Pakistan’s pharmaceutical products in the list of countries, where such items are coded in line with international best practices,”

pArc chairman punishes 2 oﬃcers KARACHI

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Ms Tarar disclosed, while speaking at “1st Pakistan Pharma Export Seminar.” “This development will not only help make quality drugs available to ailing patients but also

SBp selects 11 banks as primary dealers for govt securities in 2017/2018

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he chairman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (Parc) has sent two oﬃcials of the organisation on compulsory retirement after finding them guilty of corruption in the oil promotion and development project. A Parc statement said that disciplinary proceedings were initiated against Dr Nasir Mehmood Cheema, project director (Olive) and Sakit Saleem Mirza, deputy director (Ledger Section) under the Government Servants (Eﬃciency and Discipline) Rules, 1973.

eradicate the menace of spurious drugs on top of boosting exports of pharmaceutical products.” Ms Tarar said the national pharmaceutical industry was a

collateral partner of Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP) and ministry of health in achieving their targets, while effectively meeting the major medicine needs of domestic as well as export quality products to about 40 countries. “I am aware that industry is still facing some problems in some of the areas but the DRAP and the health ministry are committed to resolve them on priority,” the minister said adding her department had successfully addressed many problems weighing on the pharmaceutical exports over the years. Going ahead, she revealed that the DRAP’s registration board had decided to grant one molecule as out-of-queue to a manufacturer having an export value of $100,000.

LAHORE

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tate Bank of Pakistan (SBP) nominated 11 banks as primary dealers of government securities i.e. Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) and Market Treasury Bills (MTBs) for 2017/2018. The SBP while referring to the rules governing Primary Dealer System issued vide DMMD Circular No. 12 dated July 03, 2012 and DMMD Circular No. 11 dated May 31, 2013. Applications were invited for selec-

tion of Primary Dealers for the Financial Year (FY) 2017-18 vide DMMD Circular No. 06 dated May 18, 2017 from all Banks, Investment Banks, Development Financial Institutions and Listed Brokerage Houses. SBP received thirteen applications for appointment of Primary Dealers of Government Securities (PIB & MTB). Upon evaluation of each applicant’s performance under the criteria laid down in the aforesaid rules, please be advised that the following institutions have been selected as Primary Dealers of Government Securities (PIB & MTB)

for FY 2017-18. The banks are included: Habib Bank Limited, National Bank of Pakistan, United Bank Limited, Bank Alfalah Limited, Allied Bank Limited, Pak Oman Investment Company Limited, JS Bank Limited, MCB Bank Limited, Faysal Bank Limited, Citibank NA (Pakistan Operations), Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited. The SBP said that top three performing PDs during FY 2016-2017 are as under: Habib Bank Limited, National Bank of Pakistan, United Bank Limited.

ADB executive Director calls on Finance Minister ISLAMABAD

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sian Development Bank (ADB) Executive Director Sami Saeed has called on Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here and discussed matters related to ADB’s various projects and programmes, including those in Pakistan. He briefed the Finance Minister on his interactions with senior government oﬃcials regarding ADB’s ongoing projects in Pakistan, including the Sustainable Energy Sector Reform Programme, the Peshawar Sustainable Bus Rapid Transit Corridor, and the Punjab Intermediate Cities Improvement Investment Project, according to a press release. He said that the Finance Minister’s participation in the 50thAnnual Meeting of ADB in Yokohama in May 2017, had enabled further strengthening of relations between Pakistan and ADB. The Finance Minister appreciated the support of ADB for development projects in Pakistan. He highlighted the work done by the present government to establish the Pakistan Development Fund, as well as the Pakistan Infrastructure Bank in partnership with development partners, in order to further facilitate both public and private sector development projects in the country.

NAB receives 343,356 complaints so far ISLAMABAD

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ational Accountability Bureau (NAB) has so far received about 343,356 complaints from individuals, private and public organizations and recovered around Rs 287 billion from corrupt persons. The ill-gotten money was deposited in national exchequer, Chairman NAB, Qamar Zaman Chaudhry said

this while chairing a monthly coordination meeting held here to review progress on previous decisions. He said NAB has so far authorized 11,581 complaint veriQications, 7587 inquiries, 3846 investigations, Qiled 2808 corruption references in respective accountability courts and overall conviction ratio is about 76 per cent. NAB’s prime focus is on cases of cheating public at large by fraudulent Qinancial companies, bank frauds, willful bank

loan defaults, misuse of authority and embezzlement of state funds by government servants etc. He said figures of complaints, inquiries and investigations are almost double as compared to same period of 2015 to 2017. The comparative figures for last three years are indicative of hard work being put in by all ranks of NAB staff in an atmosphere of renewed energy and dynamism, where fight against corruption is being taken

as a national duty. Increase in number of complaints also reQlects enhanced public trusted in the NAB. The PILDAT in its report supports the position stated above as 42 per cent people trusted NAB against 30 per cent for police and 29 per cent for government ofQicials. The recent report of Transparency International also rated Pakistan in Corruption Perception Index (CPI) from 126 to 116. The World Economic Forum and

Mishal Pakistan according to Global Competitiveness Index of World Economic Forum rated Pakistan from 126 to 122 this year. He said to create awareness against ill effects of corruption among the youth, NAB in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and established over 45,000 Character Building Societies (CBSs) in universities/colleges.

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Russia exported over 1.5 MMT of sunoil this season MOSCOW: In May 2016/17, Russian sunoil exports revived again and totaled 227 KMT, or 53% more than in the previous month (148 KMT) and 65% more than in May 2016 (138 KMT). Despite problems with sunoil supplies to Turkey, overall exports for the season (September-May) still hold at a record 1517.2 KMT, or 38.5% more than at the same time last season, UkrAgroConsult notes. As before, the top importer of Russian sunoil is Turkey (30% of total exports). Apart from this season’s rise in deliveries to major destinations such as Egypt (19%) and Iran (10%), previously minor importers of Russian sunoil (Iraq, Lebanon, Tajikistan, India, Algeria and Afghanistan) also stepped up its purchases. Further prospects of the world oilseeds/vegoils market will be discussed at the V International Conference “Black Sea Oil Trade”, which will take place on September 19, 2017 in Hilton hotel, Kiev, Ukraine.

FpccI executive committee meeting on July 20 ISLAMABAD

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Chambers

IccI for drastic reforms in taxation system to improve tax revenue

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he 3rd Executive Committee meeting of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry will be held on July 20. The committee will be in session simultaneously at FPCCI Regional Oﬃce Lahore (chair), FPCCI Head Oﬃce Karachi and FPCCI Capital House Islamabad, through video link which will be presided over by President FPCCI Zubair Farid Tufail, says FPCCI release here on Friday. The agenda will include to discuss decline in exports, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, Pakistan’s recent status as a permanent member of Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the implication of BREXIT on Pakistan’s economy. Zubair F. Tufail will also present FPCCI quarterly

review of last three months. Meanwhile, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Chairman on Horticulture Exports Committee Ahmad Jawad Wednesday underlined the need for value addition in the horticulture sector. He was of the view that the horticulture sector did not perform well as value-addition dropped from 14.50 percent (in 2005-06) to 11.30 percent (in 2015-16), a press release said. He said “transformation from subsistence to commercial agriculture can only be achieved by fully availing the synergy among pre-production and post-production cycles. That can only come by adding value at each stage.” He said the strategic thrust, thus, needed to be on value-addition and value-chain investment and only then, agriculture could become the engine of economic growth and poverty alleviation.

Thursday July 13, 2017

ISLAMABAD

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halid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called upon the Federal Board of Revenue to introduce drastic reforms in consultation with private sector in the taxation system as the prevailing tax regime has failed to improve tax revenue and achieve annual tax collection targets. He said that despite applying all tactics and means, the tax authority has missed the annual tax collection target which was a cause of concern as it would create new problems for the economy. He said that the Parliament had approved tax collection target of Rs3.621 trillion for FY2016-17 while the Federal Finance Minister had revised it downward to Rs.3.521 billion, but FBR reportedly collected Rs.3.330 billion till 30th June 2017 which showed that the tax authority has failed to achieve even the revised tax collection target. He said that the shortfall in tax revenue has surfaced despite the fact that the federal government

had levied additional taxes and charged higher sales tax on petroleum products. He said this state of affairs showed that the present tax system was not helpful in promoting business activities and strengthening the economy Khalid Iqbal Malik said that to show improved tax revenue, the tax authority used to withhold billions of rupees of tax refunds of business community every year,

which was unfortunate. He said the tax refunds of around Rs.300 billion were still stuck up with the FBR due to which the exporters and businessmen were facing liquidity problems. He stressed that FBR should clear all tax refunds on urgent basis that would facilitate in improving country’s falling exports. He said the high tax rates and large number of taxes in Pakistan were major hurdle in pro-

‘eﬀective role of commercial sections direly needed’ SIALKOT

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resident Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Majid Raza Bhutta has demanded the government to appoint specialist marketing personnel as commercial and trade ofQicers in mission abroad to better tap the markets and promote “Made in Pakistan Brand”. Talking to the media here, he said that Commercial Sections could play an instrumental role in developing and maintaining export markets, attracting inward foreign investment and catering an image of the home country at international market. There is a dire need of making commercial sections more effective for bringing signiQicant boom in export of the country, he said. He also urged the govern-

ment to take drastic steps for setting up EXIM Bank (Export import bank of Pakistan) on priority basis to facilitate the export sector of the country in terms of Qinancing and other related issues. The EXIM bank should be given practical shape in the larger interest of export sector the country, he said. Keeping in view the contribution and importance of Sialkot in term exports, the government should take step for setting up Special Economic Zone in Sialkot to facilitate the business community of Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot and many other adjoining areas, he said. The SCCI President suggested that Sialkot Export Processing Zone (SEPZ) should be given the status of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to facilitate business community of Gujrat, Gujranwala and Sialkot. The SCCI President further said

the government should provide special incentives to encourage the export of high priority sectors like textile and clothing, surgical and dental instruments, leather products, sports goods, footwear, gems and jewelry and furniture. Similarly potential sectors like surgical implants, composite products, light engineering products, printing and packing, sports wear, Qitness apparel, gloves and musical instruments etc., needed special focus and facilities to perform optimally, he added. Emphasizing the need of setting up “Marketing Intelligence Cell” at Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) for providing assistance to manufacturers and exporters in obtaining information pertaining to international demands for commodities, competitive price index, expanding markets and other essential trends.

moting tax culture in the country. He emphasized that the authority should bring down tax rates and reduce number of taxes that would be instrumental in encouraging tax culture and improving tax revenue. He said instead of putting more burden on existing taxpayers, FBR should focus on expanding tax base that was the best approach to enhance tax collection. He said that an easy and business friendly tax regime was the key to put the economy of fast track growth. Meanwhile, The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called upon the Pakistani diplomats to play role in promoting tourism potential of Pakistan in their host countries as Pakistan has immense potential to attract tourists from around the world to its unparalleled scenic sites and wonderful landscapes. Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that tourism creates plenty of jobs, alleviates poverty and contributes significantly to the economic development of a country.

tDAp needs revival: FpccI ederation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) Regional Chairman on Horticulture Exports Committee, Ahmad Jawad has said continuously export decline during last four years was a matter of great concern and put a question on the performance of Trade Development Authorityof Pakistan (TDAP).In a statement issued on Sunday, Jawad said “Only way for the sustainable economy to increase our exports and remittances”. Despite the fact Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has made its all efforts to revive the poor performance of country exports, but the lethargic attitude of the TDAP officials has put thier credibility at stake since 2013 to date, said a press release issued by FPCCI. –CB Report

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Faisalabad Customs Appraisement earns Rs226m FAISALABAD: The Customs Collectorate Appraisement collected Rs1559.67million during the month of June 2017 against the set target of Rs1334.39 surpassing it by 81 percent. The Customs Appraisement generated revenue under the heads of customs duty, sales tax, income tax and federal excise duty during said period. It received Rs385.02million of customs duty against the set target of Rs 288 million. The collectorate also achieved the target set for sales tax as it got Rs1233million against the set target of Rs940.67million which is more than 76 percent.

Thursday, July 13, 2017

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pakistan seeks assistance from International trade centre ISLAMABAD cuStoMS BuLLetIN report www.customsbulletin.com

nternational Trade Centre (ITC) has been supporting trade and private sector development in Pakistan since 2004 through two Trade-Related Technical Assistance projects funded by the European Union (EU). Federal Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan said this while speaking at the 51st annual session of the Joint Advisory Group (JAG) of ITC held in Geneva. “We are looking forward to further assistance from ITC to strengthen the capacity of trade support institutions to undertake trade facilitation efforts,” he added. He said that Pakistan greatly acknowledges the commendable work being delivered by ITC around the world to achieve inclusive growth by building the capacity of small and medium enterprises and enabling them to connect to international markets. The minister said that from 2004 to 2007, ITC increased awareness and knowledge of the private sector, trade support institutions and policy makers

about WTO issues, established WTO reference centres in the country, conducted sector-specific studies to identify export poten-

tials of the automotive, footwear, furniture, pharmaceutical and sports goods sectors, and provided advisory support for

strengthening Pakistan’s capacity in the Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) negotiations. He further said that since 2011,

ITC has been strengthening the institutional capacity of the Pakistan Institute for Trade and Development (PITAD) through mentorship and training of trainers, the production of a training curriculum and certificate on International Trade Law and Commercial Diplomacy. “ ITC has also provided advisory support to the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and produced evidence-based research papers which have informed Pakistan’s policy reform for export enhancement in key sectors inducing leather, textile and garments, pharmaceutical and surgical instruments industry, horticulture, dairy products and livestock”, he added. Dastgir said that Pakistan appreciates and values the assistance provided by the ITC in deepening the dialogue and discussions on Trade Facilitation Agreement in Pakistan. “ITC provided assistance to build capacity of all stakeholders in engaging with TFA related processes nationally and at multilateral level, which includes support for facilitation our national ratiQication of the protocol of amendments and notiQications to the WTO and the evaluation of Qinancial and technical assistance required for Category C provisions”, he added.

hyderabad ASo confiscates 400 smuggled juice valued rs748584 HYDERABAD

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he Anti-Smuggling Organization Hyderabad seized foreign origin nonduty-paid 400 smuggled crates of Rani Juice and foreign origin nonduty-paid 42 tyres worth Rs748584 involving duty and taxes of Rs438979 during an action near Hyderabad Bypass during the month of June 2017.

Smuggled items were being transported from Iran. Following the strict instructions by Hyderabad Customs Collector Akhlaq Ahmad Khattaq, ASO team conducted various anti-smuggling activities. The ASO Customs Preventive team, headed by Additional Collector Customs Hyderabad Rehmatulah Vistro, constituted a raiding party, comprising Superintendent Ghulam Shabbir Phulpoto, Inspectors Mirza Asad Uddin, Iqbal Mughal, Imdad Abro, Abid Khan, Mushtaq Ali Lakho, Sepoys Nenomal, Luqman, Abdul Razaq, Saddiq Khaskheli, Sarwar Ayoub, Drivers Sher Akbar, Ajaz

Saddam, Jawaid Mashkoor and Nisar Ahemdani, which took part in the action. The team intercepted a vehicle with registration No: TLU-184 near Hyderabad Bypass and recovered the above said items. Prior to the recovery, ofQicials asked the driver to produce any legal document related to the possession of the items but he was unable to produce any documentary proof. So the consignment was conQiscated. A case was registered and an investigation was also started. Meanwhile, The Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Hyderabad has generated Rs 1,673.9 million customs duty and taxes during 29 days

of June 2017. The department collected Rs 548.240 million customs duty, Rs 1,095.639 million sales tax, Rs 2 million federal excise duty (Special FED) and Rs 28.076m Withholding Tax during the abovementioned period. The MCC Hyderabad received Rs 1673.955m in 29 days of June 2017 and assigned the target with the collection of Rs 539.31m customs duty (CD), Rs 2.071m sales tax, Rs 4.2 million federal excise duty and Rs 37m withholding tax during June so the MCC has fetched a total of Rs 2651.51 million to the national exchanger. The major sources of tax revenue remained Hyderabad Dry

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Port State Warehouse, SukkurLarkana Division, Huffaz Seamless Pipe Industries, Crescent Steel, Omni Polymer Industries, Rema Cooking Oil and Pakistan State Oil. The AntiSmuggling Organization (ASO) also seized non-duty-paid goods worth millions of rupees. Under the supervision of Hyderabad Customs Collector Akhlaq Ahmad Khattaq, Additional Collector (HQ) Rehmatulah Vistro, Deputy Collector Mushtaq Shahani, Principal Appraiser Mashuq Ali Pahnwar and Statistical Revenue and others played an important role in the revenue collection, ofQicials said.