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he Customs Central Region has collected Rs 8742 million under the head of all duty and taxes during the Oirst 15 days of June 2017. Sources told Customs Today that Customs Appraisement Lahore collected Rs
4,395 million during period under review while Customs Preventive Lahore collected an amount of Rs 1,316 million on account of all duty and taxes during Oirst 15 days of June 2017. On the other hand, the Collectorate of Customs Multan collected Rs 2,170 million during the period under review. In the same way, the Collectorate of Customs Faisalabad
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collected an amount of Rs 895 million during the Oirst 15 days of June, 2017. Overall the Customs Central Region collected Rs 8,742 million as duty and taxes from all the four collectorates during the period under review. Sources said that collectors of all the four collectorates have intensiOied efforts to achieve revenue target for the Oinancial year 2016-17.
Peshawar Dry Port receives Rs324.82 of All Duty Taxes during 15 days of June
Faisalabad Customs Adjudication recovers Rs327.171 million
SBP issues instructions under credit guarantee scheme for SMEs
Collector Adjudication Beelam declares seizure of Land Crusier legal
FBR chief for ending distance between officers & general staffers
The Customs Dry Port of MCC Peshawar earned Rs324.82million | See pAge 02 |
The Customs Adjudication Faisalabad recovered Rs327.171million | See pAge 03 |
SBP has issued instructions for CGS for Small and Rural Enterprises and advised | See pAge 04 |
Collector Beelamur has declared the seizure of NDP Toyota Land Crusier | See pAge 14 |
Chairman FBR Dr. Irshad said that distance between officers and general staffers | See pAge 16 |
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Faisalabad Customs seizes consignment of smuggled Rani juice Saturday, June 24, 2017
National
FAISALABAD: The Customs Intelligence and Investigation seized a consignment of smuggled Rani juice worth Rs5,00,000 involving duty and taxes amounting to Rs 3,95,369 during a crackdown. Sources told Customs Today, that the intelligence staff intercepted a trailer bearing registration no: P-2729 near Jhang Road Bypass and recovered 259 cartons of Rani float juice made in Iran with date of expiry 7-06-2016. The trailer was coming from Karachi. The intelligence team asked the driver Nasir Mehmood son of Muhammad Aslam to produce document regarding legal import of the items.
peshawar Dry port receives rs324.82m revenue inclouding duty taxes
faisalabad ASo impounds nDp car valued rs1.8m near kohinoor city FAISALABAD
PESHAWAR
nAeeM SHeikH
irfAn BAHADur
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he Customs Collectorate AntiSmuggling Organization (ASO) Faisalabad has impounded a smuggled F/O Toyota Corolla car worth Rs1.8million involving custom duty and taxes of Rs750000. Sources told Customs Today that the ASO team, on a tip-off, intercepted a Toyota Corolla car with registration No: FSA-1855 modelled 2003 near Kohinoor city, Jaranwala Road, Faisalabad. The ASO asked the owner of the vehicle named Iftikhar Ahmed, a resident of Faisalabad, to produce the legal documents regarding the possession of the vehicle but he failed to do so. The ASO team impounded the vehicle under Section 2(s) read with SRO 566 (1), 2005 section 16, 18, 157, 168, and 178 of the Customs Act-1969 and Section 3 of the Sales Tax Act-1990, Section 148 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 and forwarded the case to Customs Adjudication for further proceedings. The team, comprising Superintendent Dilawar Hussain, Inspector Khalid Ashraf Noor, Tanveer-ul-Haq and Sepoys Muhammad Ashraf, Muhammad Naeem, Muhammad Yaseen, Liaqat Ali and others, took part in the seizure operation.
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he Customs Dry Port of Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Peshawar earned Rs324.82million of All Duty Taxes during the 1st to 15th of June’s Financial Year (FY) 2016-17. During the Oirst 15 days of June’s FY 2016-17, the Dry Port Peshawar collected Rs118.72million of Customs Duty (CD) whereas it did Rs4.55million of Miscellaneous Duties and Surcharges. During above said period, the dry port received Rs165.23million of Sales Tax (ST) while it did Rs26.57million of ST on Imports and the dry port generated Rs7.40million of Additional Income Tax (AIT). During the initial 15 days of current month (June FY16-17), the Peshawar Dry Port earned Rs1.82million of Federal Excise Duty on Imports (FEDI) while it did Rs0.53million of FEDI on Rs01 kilogram. The Peshawar Dry Port collected Rs777.09million of All Duty Taxes during the month of May FY2016-17. In this way, the dry port got Rs238.48million of Customs Duty (CD), Rs316.43million of Sales Tax (ST) and earned Rs122.18million of Additional Income Tax (AIT) during May 2016-17. Meanwhile, The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Peshawar impounded various kinds of smuggled
goods and Non-Duty-Paid (NDP) vehicles worth Rs25.7million from 1st to 15th of June’s Financial Year (FY) 2016-17. According to Zakir Muhammad, Deputy Collector ASO Peshawar, the performance of the ASO squad has been good during the month of June FY16-17. During said period, the ASO took into possession six NDP vehicles valued Rs25.00million while ASO seized different kinds of smuggled goods worth Rs0.7millions and lodged cases against tax evaders.
The ASO Peshawar impounded various sorts of smuggled goods, NDP and offending vehicles (vehicles used for carrying smuggled goods) worth Rs74.48million from 1st to 15th of May’s Financial Year (FY) 2016-17. Telling details of 10 initial months of Oinancial year, he said the ASO Peshawar took into possession 627 offending and Non-Duty-Paid (NDP) vehicles during 10 months (July to April) of Financial Year (FY) 2016-17. The value of said vehicles is estimated at Rs901.98million.
The ASO also seized 32.821 kilogram of gold/silver during said period of Financial Year 2016-17. During 10 months (July to April 16-17), the ASO impounded 384 offending vehicles worth Rs549.45million. Telling the details of impounded NDP vehicles during above said period, the ASO took into possession 243 NDP vehicles valued Rs352.530million. These vehicles were impounded by different customs stations working under the jurisdiction of MCC Peshawar.
Mianwali ASo impounds smuggled Toyota car T
MIANWALI
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he Customs Collectorate Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) Mianwali has seized a non duty paid Toyota Motor car. The market value of the impounded vehicle is Rs8,37,120 involving customs duty and taxes of Rs4,37,120. Sources told Customs Today, that the ASO team comprising Azhar Hussain Jafri, Muhammad Omar
Bhatti, (inspector), and Sher Ahmad, Muhammad Amin, Muhammad Yousaf (sepoys) and Riasat Hussain driver, during their routine checking, found a Toyota bearing registration no: AAN-439 (Sib ) model 1992 as per seat belt and automatic gear system and transmission near Mosa Khail Pindi Road district Mianwali. The ASO team asked accused person namely Qasim Shah son of Shereen Khan to show legal documents regarding import of vehicle.
But he failed to show any relevant documents. ASO team further examined the vehicle and found nothing available in it except bogus copy of registration book. The ASO seized the vehicle under section 2(s), read with SRO.566(1)2005 section 16, and 18 of the Customs Act 1969 section 3 of Sales Tax Act 1990 and section 148 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 and forward the case to Customs Adjudication department for legal action.
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PFA confiscates 25000 litres adulterated milk LAHORE: Punjab Food Authority (PFA) continued checking of milk carrying vehicles entering the cities and confiscated almost 25000 litres adulterated milk. According to a spokesman for PFA, the special teams under direct supervision of DG PFA Noor-ulAmin Mengal, Director Operations Rafia Haider and Bilal Abrho, checked more than three lakh litres milk in 386 vehicles entering in different cities early in the morning. In the provincial capital,the team examined 54000 litres milk in 112 vehicles and confiscated 8190 litre milk on the spot. Similarly, special teams waisted 4772 litres milk in Faisalabad, 5890 litres in Gujranwala, 2870 litres in Multan, and 3120 litres milk was confiscated in Rawalpindi.
kohat warehouse receives rs2.22m of Duty Taxes during 15 days of June
Saturday June 24, 2017
National
faisalabad customs Adjudication recovers rs327.171 million
FAISALABAD
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he State Warehouse (SW) Kohat earned Rs2.22million of Duty Taxes during the initial 15 days of June’s Financial Year (FY) 2016-17. The performance of the SW Kohat has been better during above said period. The Kohat SW collected Rs0.02million of Customs Duty (CD) whereas it did Rs0.14million of miscellaneous duty taxes and surcharges. He added that the SW generated Rs0.04million of Sales Tax (ST) adding that during 1st to 15th of June’s FY16-17, the SW Kohat received Rs0.02million of Additional Income Tax (AIT). Telling details of May FY16-17, sources said the SW Kohat earned Rs3.5million of All Duty Taxes during the month of May FY2016-17.
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nAB arrests DSp in rs750m corruption case PESHAWAR
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AB has arrested a DSP in a Rs750 million corruption case. The DSP has linked four DPOs to the corruption case, sources in the police department said. They said the NAB chairman held a meeting on the Vehari police financial scam to know progress on the case. A DSP was arrested and he linked four DPOs to the corruption case. An amount of Rs750 million has been siphoned off in this case. The main player in this case, a superintendent, has been killed. His family recorded a statement before the NAB Multan officials and said he was killed at the behest of one of the four DPOs and that his family members were living in fear. NAB authorities have decided to make the DSP an approver against all these DPOs. The NAB chairman has directed the officials to show zero tolerance and fix all those involved in this scam.
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FAISALABAD
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he Customs Adjudication Faisalabad recovered Rs327.171million after concluding different seizure cases until May 2017. Sources told Customs Today that the Faisalabad Customs Adjudication decided almost 309 cases during said period. The adjudication issued Order-in-Original (ONO) in all the cases in favor of Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization Faisalabad, Mianwali, Sargodha, Sara-e-Muhajir and Customs Intelligence and Investigation of Regional OfOice Faisalabad. The department heard cases of smuggled oil, cloth, tea, auto parts, Iranian diesel, Rani Juice, Toyota Corolla and other items during said period. Collector Adjudication Mirza Mubashir Baig decided 15 cases which involve Rs117.762millions while Additional Collector Saeed Asad settled 62 cases involving Rs114.079million. Deputy Collector Asma Hameed decided 232 cases which involve Rs95.330million and announced decisions in favor of Customs Intelligence and Investigation. Meanwhile, The Collectorate of Customs Adjudication Deputy Collector Asma Hameed has issued an Order in Original (ONO) in favour of the Customs Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) Sargodha. As per details, ASO Sargodha has conOiscated imported foreign origin used auto
spare parts including cylinder diesel engine without gear box , used gear box , which were loaded on Suzuki Pick Up bearing registration no: RIS1388. The owner of the vehicle and auto parts failed to submit any relevant legal documents regarding possession and transportation f the auto parts. The seizing agency conOiscated the smuggled auto parts and vehicle according to section 16, 18 of the Customs Act 1969 and section of Import and Export Control
Deputy collector Asma Hameed decided 232 cases which involved rs95.330million and announced decisions in favor of customs intelligence and investigation
Shahid appointed as finance secretary
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ISLAMABAD
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hahid Mahmood, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, has been appointed as the finance secretary. “In pursuance of Establishment Division’s Notification No PF (431)/E-5(PAS), dated June 17, 2017, Shahid Mahmood, presently posted as Special Secretary, Finance Division, has re-
linquished the charge of the post of Special Secretary Finance Division on June 19, 2017 and assumed the charge of post of Secretary Finance Division Islamabad on the same date,” stated an official notification issued by the Ministry of Finance. Mahmood has replaced Tariq Bajwa, who was retired on Sunday after reaching the retirement age of 60 years. Similarly, the post of FBR chairman would also vacate from
June 30, 2017. The government had given contract to FBR Chairman Dr Mohammad Irshad till June 30 to prepare the annual budget for the next financial year. Meanwhile, the post of the auditor general of Pakistan (AGP) fell vacant on April 28 following the retirement of Acting AGP Haque Nawaz. The government had appointed Imran Iqbal – currently working as additional AGP – as acting AGP until a regular replacement is found.
Act 1950 punishable under section 156(1)89 of the Custom Act 1969. Zubair Din son of Faizud Din appeared before the deputy collector and submitted an afOidavit to deal this case on behalf of the respondents and submitted a written request to release the seized smuggled item on payments of duty and taxes and also submitted written application for summary adjudication. While no one appeared by the seizing agency has no objection on Release.
Textile exports dips 1.98% in 11 months he textile exports from the country witnessed decrease of 1.98 percent during the first eleven months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last year. The textile exports during July-May (2016-17) were recorded at $11,234.885m compared to the exports of $11,461.497m recorded during July-May (2015-16).
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Beijing and Islamabad to ensure security of the CPEC ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China agreed to ensure security of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that connects China with a Pakistani port of Gwadar for which Pakistan has already allocated 10 thousand military personnel. According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta, a meeting between Chief of Joint Staff of Chinese Army, Fang Fenghui and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistani Army, Zubair Mahmood Hayat was also held in Beijing in which they agreed to jointly provide security to CPEC.
Saturday June 24, 2017
Business
SBp issues new directives under credit scheme KARACHI
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tate Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued instructions for Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) for Small and Rural Enterprises and advised Oinancial institutions to utilize 30 percent of the allocated guarantee limit for 2017 for lending to two to three speciOic sectors. The SBP said that Under CGS sector speciOic approach, all the Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) are now advised to utilize 30 percent of the allocated guarantee limit for 2017 for lending to two to three speciOic sectors. PFIs can select and communicate
irSA releases 326,100 cusecs water ISLAMABAD
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these sectors of their choice to IH&SMEFD, SBP by July 31, 2017. The sectors chosen should be speciOic and not broad categories like manufacturing, trade & services.
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In this regard, PFIs will submit to SBP a proposal outlining the activities they will undertake through these funds. The SBP provided list some of the activities that may be undertaken under this Oinancial assistance and another annexure provides a template for proposal on fund utilization plan. The central bank said that these funds would be disbursed to PFIs in a phased manner. In Oirst phase, 1 percent of the allocated guarantee limit will be disbursed upfront to a PFI against evaluation of the submitted proposal. Effective utilization of Oirst installment against pre-deOined activities will be used as criterion for providing the remaining 1 percent amount. To track the performance of PFIs against the provided funds under sector speciOic approach, a quarterly performance report has been prescribed.
ISLAMABAD
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inistry of Petroleum and Natural Resources has established a Shale gas and oil centre to facilitate interested Exploration and Production (E&P) companies in tapping the recently identified 188 TCF gas and 58 BSTB oil technically recoverable resources in lower and middle Indus Basin.“A dedicated Shale gas and oil centre has been established at the Petroleum House, which is now open for all interested E&P companies,” official sources. They termed the identification of massive Shale reserves a ‘game-changer’ and future source for abundant supply of petroleum in the country. A study, completed in collaboration with USAID, had confirmed presence of 3,778 trillion cubic feet (TCF) Shale gas and 2,323 billion of stock tank barrels (BSTB) Shale oil in place resources. The study covered lower and middle Indus Basin which geographically spread over Sindh, southern parts of Punjab and eastern parts of Balochistan. Total area under the study was 271,700 kilometers, which is 33 percent of total sedimentary area of the country. Answering a question, the sources said a consortium of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited.
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govt allocates rs2,995 million for 3g/4g service along cpec route
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ndus River System Authority (IRSA) released 326,100 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow of 73,500 cusecs. According to the data released by IRSA, water level in the Indus River at Tarbela Dam was 1442.65 feet, which was 62.65 feet higher than its dead level 1380 feet. Water inflow in the dam was recorded as 181,800 cusecs while outflow 170,000 cusecs. The water level in the Jhelum River at Mangla Dam was 1184.15 feet, which was 144.15 feet higher than.
In order to facilitate PFIs to target speciOic sectors and to align their Oinancing products, two percent of the allocated guarantee limit will be provided as Oinancial assistance.
Shale gas to facilitate e&p companies
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ISLAMABAD
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he government has earmarked Rs 2,995 million for provision of 3G and 4G service along route of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The allocated funds under Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) would be utilized for expansion and upgradation of Next Generation Manufacturing System (3G/4G) services and seamless coverage along Korakaram Highway in Gilgit Baltistan.
Out of total allocated fund, an amount of Rs 113.267 million would be spent during the upcoming Oiscal year 2017-18. According to ofOicial sources, the ministry of Information Technology and Telecom has planned to upgrade the mobile data service in 30 cities along CPEC route from Khunjrab to Gwadar. Meanwhile, Oil and gas Exploration and Production (E&P) companies made 98 discoveries, drilled 373 exploratory and appraisal/development wells during the last four years, which helped in addition of 5.4 TCF gas and 90 million barrel
oil in the reserves. “Around 2.08 TCF gas and 42 million barrel oil have been added in the system from 68 new Oinds, while reserves of 30 oil and gas discoveries are under evaluation yet,” ofOicial sources in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources said. Answering a question, they said Pakistan witnessed an increase of 79 percent in oil and gas exploration activities in different potential areas during the last four years of current government as compared to corresponding period of the previous government.
Zero import duty for Qatar, uAe rulers proposed KARACHI
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he government of Pakistan has allowed duty free imports by dignitaries of UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, which includes household articles and personal effects including vehicles and goods for donation to projects established in Pakistan. According to updated First Schedule of Customs Act, 1969 the
goods imported by the rulers and following dignitaries of UAE, Qatar and Bahrain are allowed zero percent customs duty subject to the conditions mentioned below and the conditions mentioned in subchapter notes: Dignitaries of UAE H.H.Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed AlNahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Force. H.E.Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammad Al-Nahyan, Chamberlain of the
Presidential Court, Abu Dhabi. H.E.Sheikh Mohammad Bin Khalid Al-Nahyan, Member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi. H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al-Nahyan, Minister for Higher Education of the UAE and Member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi. H.E.Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan Al-Nahyan, Member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi. H.H.General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Chief of Staff of
UAE Armed Forces. H.E.Sheikh Tahnoum Bin Mohammad Al-Nahyan, Member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi. H.E. Sheikh Rashid Bin Khalifa Al-Makhtoum, Member of the ruling family of Dubai. H.H.Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE. H.H.Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed AlNahyan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Government of the United Arab Emirates. H.H. Sheikh Muhammad Bin Rashid Al Mak-
toum, Vice President, Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Ruler of Dubai. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance & Industry, UAE. H.H. Maj. Gen. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Member of the Ruling Family of Dubai & Head of Central Military Command. 14 H.H. Maj. Gen. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Zayed, Member of the Ruling Family of Abu Dhabi and Commander of Royal Guard.
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he Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Hyderabad has generated Rs795.834million customs duty and taxes during the two weeks of June 2017. The department collected Rs182.018million customs duty, Rs596.73million sales tax, Rs0.750million federal excise duty (Special FED) and Rs16.336million Withholding Tax (WHT) during the abovementioned period. The MCC Hyderabad received revenue of Rs795.834million in two weeks of June 2017 and expects to achieve the target during June by Rs539.31million customs duty (CD), Rs2.071million sales taxe (ST), Rs4.2million federal excise duty (FED) and Rs37million withholding taxe (WHT) so the MCC has fetched total Rs2651.51million to the national exchanger. The major sources of tax revenue remained Hyderabad Dry Port State Warehouse, Sukkur-Larkana Division, Huffaz Seamless Pipe Industries, Crescent Steel, Omni Polymer Industries, Rema Cooking Oil and Pakistan State Oil. The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) also seized non-dutypaid goods worth million 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, ofOicials said. Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Hyderabad, Anti-Smuggling Organi-
Saturday, June 24, 2017
zations (ASO) Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana Divisions foiled various smuggling attempts and made big seizures of nonduty-paid items including vehicles, high speed diesel, cloths, fabrics, narcotics, diesel pumps, 15,000 liters of High Speed Diesel HSD along with oil tanker, auto parts, cigarettes, mobile phones, tyres and tubes, toys, crockery, toiletries and electronic items in different operations worth million of rupees during the one month including May of Financial Year (FY) 2017. Meanwhile, The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Hyderabad Customs Preventive has conOiscated 100 Nos foreign origin tubes & tyres worth Rs750000 involving customs duty and taxes of Rs360000
during a recent action at Hyderabad Bypass. Collector Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Hyderabad Ikhlaq Ahmed Khattaq directed his staff to curb the smuggling attempts in the region. Additional Collector Rehmatulah Vistro received a tip-off regarding the smuggling of foreign origin smuggled and non-custom-duty-paid tubes & tyres. He formed a team, comprising ASO Customs Preventive Hyderabad Superintendent Ghulam Shabbier Phalpoto, Inspectors Imdad Ali Abro, Abdul Majeed Barich, Muhammad Iqbal, Abid Ahmad Khan, Mushtaq Ali Lakho, Hawaldar Muhram Thebo, Sepoys, Nenomal, Umar Sulangi, Ghulam Sarwar, Muhammad Ayoub ,Sadique Siddique, Drivers Sher Akbar, Ajaz Ali and Nisar Ahemdani, which participated in the action. The ASO team intercepted a public transport vehicle near Hyderabad Bypass and recovered the said goods. Prior to the recovery of goods, the ofOicials asked the driver to produce documents regarding the legal import of the items but he could not prove anything. The team impounded e of the items under the Customs u n e v d re e v i Act. A case was registered e c e re un rabad ks of J against the accused. The e e d e y w H cc et two g n r i case has been sent to the a t n The M o e illi th customs adjudication for hieve s .834m c 5 a m 9 o o 7 t t s s r cu cts e n p o further legal action. i x l l e i nd 1m e (ST ), The ASO deposited the 2017 a x s539.3 a r t y s b e ne sal u n d J o conOiscated foreign origin n i g l a l n i ) i m eD dur uty (f 100 Nos of tubes & tyres s2.071 d r , e ) s e i D h c c t into the Hyderabad State duty ( eral ex HT ) so on fed ax ( w i t l l i to g Warehouse. n m i old illion s4.2
r 1m ithh 651.5 lion w l i m 7 al rs2 t o t rs3 d he kitty as fetc tional a Mcc h n e h t
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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
Attracting foreign investment
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good thing is that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has invited Saudi entrepreneurs to invest in Pakistan and avail liberal economic opportunities of the government but bad thing is that he is not offering them a package of incentives or anything else. It is the habit of politicians in this country to issue statements and play a zero sum game with the nation. If Mr Dar is dying in harness to get foreign investment, why does he fail to offer a package of incentives to the Saudis and others to turn the country into financial capital and investment hub of the world in the first place? The country is being run on acquiring loans from every international donor agency and accepting financial assistance from various countries on humanitarian grounds at the cost of national dignity and honour. It should be cleared in the minds of the political leadership that neither Saudi Arabia is friend of Pakistan nor the United States is an enemy. It is a game of interests and we as a nation will have to protect our own national interests. No doubt Pakistan is a land of opportunities for foreign investors and it can be turned into financial capital of the world but the government needs to provide level playing field to the potential investors. So far the government is claiming to have achieved a sizeable economic progress and the gross domestic product has crossed over $300 billion mark. However, experts believe the government is playing with figures and wants to manipulate the economic progress to gain political mileage. There is no independent authority to confirm the government’s claim that the current GDP volume is real and the growth during the current fiscal year is over 5 percent of the GDP. The real question is how to establishment industrial zones along the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. The foreign investors need infrastructure and all the basic facilities at the industrial zones to set up their units. Saudis, Qataris, Emiratis and Kuwaitis have invested billions of dollars in Britain, United States, Germany and France. Pakistan can be a best destination for their capital if they are given facilities. We have to create investment opportunities with tax concessions to attract not only Arab investors, but also the European and Chinese investors.
Question of macroeconomic stability A
LAHORE
Dr AfTAB AfZAL
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ccording to newspaper reports, the International Monetary Fund has cautioned the government of the risks to the much publicized macroeconomic stability,which the government claimed to have achieved during the last four years.The lending agency fears the rising burden of debt, which has reached Rs21.2 trillion or 66.6 percent of the gross domestic product, could tarnish the positive outlook of the economy. Reports suggest it was the first review of the IMF after the expiry of a three-year $6.2 billion Extended Fund Facility pro-
gramme ended in September last year. The macroeconomic vulnerabilities are appearing again, bulldozing most of the gains achieved in the programme. The country’s current account deficit reached nearly 3 percent of the GDP during the outgoing fiscal year 2016-17 or over $9 billion. The falling exports and increasing imports are leaving a deficit of billions of dollars in trade. Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have declined to $15 billion and Islamabad has so far been resisting devaluation of rupee. However, the donor agency wants the government to allow flexibility in the exchange rate. Another blow to the economy is expected during the next fiscal
year if the government enters another loan programme with the fund. The accommodative approach of the lending agencies can be held responsible for the rising volume of loans and the country could be turned into a client state of lenders. The government has recently signed a $300 million deal with Asian Development Bank to improve and reform the power sector, as the nation is still facing the shortage of electricity both by industrial and domestic consumers. The circular debt has crossed Rs 400 billion and the government is already struggling to maintain the macroeconomic gains. The nation is still awaiting the structural reforms in every
sector to ensure inclusive growth.However, the fund officials have directed the government to implement sound policies,introduce reforms and achieve higher growth target to keep the favourable outlook of the economy intact. The tenure of the present government is almost in its final year and it will have to be proactive to continue the economic journey at the right track. The time has come the government should curtail its expenditures and take austerity measures in the administrative level. The offices of the president and governors are symbolic in nature, but consume billions of rupees taxpayers’ money every year.
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2 private Iranian airlines sign MoUs for 73 Airbus jets TEHRAN: Two privately owned Iranian airlines, Airtour and Zagros, have signed MoUs for total purchase of 73 Airbus aircraft at the Paris Airshow on Thursday. Iran’s Airtour Airlines has signed an MoU for the purchase of 45 Airbus A320neo aircraft in a deal unveiled at the Paris Airshow, PR director of Iran Airtour said on Thursday. Marzieh Jafarzadeh noted the 18 months of extensive negotiations with Airbus managers for signing the memorandum of understanding, adding “the MoU consists of the purchase of 45 Airbus A320neo aircraft including 318, 319, 320 and 321 with various capacities from 100 to 240 seats.” According to her, the MoU is worth 4.5 billion euros signed at the Paris Airshow in the presence of Airbus CEO Fabrice Brégier, Senior Vice President of Contracts at Airbus, Christophe Mourey, as well as Iran Airtour CEO Reza Mousavi and board director Majid Shekari.
Lcci greets kashif Ashfaq for getting best ceo award LAHORE
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Chambers
icci for formulating new trade policy in consultation with private sector
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resident Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Abdul Basit Sunday congratulated Mian Kashif Ashfaq, Chief Executive Officer Pakistan Furniture Council and Chenone for getting the best CEO award. LCCI Chief said Punjab Governor Muhammad Rafique Rajwana gave away this award to Mian Kashif which reflected the best qualities of the recipient. He said business community was proud of him for setting good examples for future business generation, adding that the way Pak furniture sector was being promoted and projected globally and nationwide was unprecedented to introduce the handmade best quality wood Furnitures. Abdul Basit said that Pakistan Furniture Council under his
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leadership had so far successfully organised seven mega three-day exhibitions. He hoped that forthcoming self sponsored 8th mega event of three-day “Pakistan Interiors” from July 7 at Expo Centre Karachi will provide another ample opportunities to local and foreign exhibitors to display their products. Meanwhile, The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry has called for a new and sustainable methodology to defeat the challenge of budget deficit instead of depending on conventional ways like huge borrowing or burdening the existing taxpayers. In a statement issued here, the LCCI President Abdul Basit, Senior Vice President Amjad Ali Jawa and Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan said that budget deficit is one of the major economic indicators and unfortunately, country’s budget deficit always shown a discouraging image.
Saturday June 24, 2017
FAISALABAD
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he Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called upon the government to formulate a new Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STFP) in consultation with private sector as the existing trade policy has failed to promote exports up to the desired level. Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the STPF 2015-18 has not delivered as per expectations due to which the exports of the country have dwindled. He said it was encouraging that government has decided to revise it to arrest the trend of falling exports. He said the existing trade policy had aimed to expand exports to $35 billion by 2018, improve export competitiveness, shift the economy from factor-driven to innovationdriven and increase the share in the regional trade. However, the policy has not helped in achieving all these good objectives as the exports of the country have continued to fall and were expected to reach $ 20 billion
this Oiscal year compared to around $ 25 billion in 2013. He said the unsatisfactory performance of exports necessitated the formulation of a new trade policy that should be developed in thorough consultation with private sector to make it inclusive and export-oriented. Highlighting the reasons of lacklustre performance of the existing
STPF, Khalid Iqbal Malik said that the improper structure of policy framework, late issuance of notiOications of export promotion schemes announced in the policy and cumbersome procedures for availing the schemes were the major reasons of trade policy failure. He stressed that government should review previous export promotion scheme and re-
fcci wants new airport in faisalabad FAISALABAD
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ew civilian airport is imperative to cater to the future needs of Faisalabad and the incumbent government should immediately approve the project on emergency basis, said Engineer Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI). In a statement issued here Sunday, he said that Faisalabad is one of the most important industrial, business and commercial hub of the country. It is exporting textile products worth $6 billion, which are 55% of the total textile exports of Pakistan. He said that increase in textile volume had paved the way for export of other non-traditional
items which would increase manifold after the completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. Similarly, presently our textile export is restricted to cotton, fabrics, knitwear bed-sheets and home textiles, but we are expecting that Pakistan would start export of technical textile products within the next couple of years. He said that Pakistani exporters are regularly visiting different countries of the world. Similarly, a sizeable increase in air cargo is also expected with an increase in the export volume. Moreover, the expatriates working in different countries are also regularly visiting Faisalabad airport. He said that during 2016-17 approximately 299,296 passengers used Faisalabad airport. It is
quite insufficient to accommodate further passenger load whereas it is expected to jump to 5 lakh within the next 2-3 years. Engineer Muhammad Saeed Sheikh further told that the runway of the existing Faisalabad airport is insufficient to accommodate landing of wide-bodied aeroplanes. Similarly, there is no arrangement for the parking of more than 2, 3 airplanes at a time. Regarding air cargo, he said that the PIA, Emirates, Gulf Air, Ittehad, Oman Air, Turkish Air and Saudi Air lines are managing a total of 25 flights a weak with hardly 40 tons of cargo capacity. He said that increase in export activity would also help these airlines to increase their cargo capacity, which is now 8,320 tons per annum only.
move their bottlenecks in the new trade policy to make it meaningful and result-oriented. He said that due to the difOicult procedures of existing STPF, claims of only Rs.3.3 million were received in two years from exporters while a bulk amount of Rs.4 billion had lapsed that was subsequently surrendered to the Ministry of Finance. He emphasized that the new trade policy should address such issues so that it could help in promoting exports to the real potential of the country. Meanwhile, The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has shown great concerns over an all-time high trade deOicit that has reached US$ 30 billion in the Oirst 11 months of the current Oiscal year as it would cause serious external balance payments problems and would create additional problems for the struggling economy. Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that Pakistan’s trade deOicit was around $20 billion when the current government came into power in 2013 and business community was expecting that the government would take strong measures to promote exports for reducing trade deOicit.
Lewisville’s revenues projected to increase t’s about midway through 2017, and city officials took the opportunity to evaluate Lewisville’s budget performance so far. During Monday’s Lewisville City Council workshop session, officials provided the council with a mid-year evaluation of the city’s budget. Overall, the city appears to have had a healthy first half of the year. “The general fund is showing a favorable financial outlook for this fiscal year,” said Gina Thompson, director of strategic services. “Operating revenues are performing well and the expenditures are estimated to increase less than 1 percent.”Operating revenues are projected to be up 4.7 percent or $3.8 million over the original budget. Expenditures are showing an increase of just over $690,000. –CB Report
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Superintendent Iqbal to retire on Aug 15 Saturday June 24, 2017
Islamabad Secretary Sakhawat granted performance allowance
ISLAMABAD: Iqbal Shafiq, a BS-16 officer of Sales Tax Department, is going to retire from the government service on attaining the age of superannuation. The officer, presently posted as Superintendent at Large Taxpayers Unit-II, Karachi, will stand retired from the government service with effect from Aug 15, 2017.
principal Appraiser Syed irshad exonerated from charges
ISLAMABAD
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akhawat Gul, a BS-19 officer of Secretariat Group, on selection through the process of internal job posting (IJP), has been granted performance allowance. The officer, presently posted as Secretary (Welfare), Federal Board of Revenue (HQ), Islamabad, has been granted performance allowance (equivalent to 100 per cent of basic pay) with effect from June 14, 2017. The grant of performance allowance will be governed through the terms and conditions laid down vide Circular No.6(96)S(BIC)/2013-14 dated 06.03.2015 to be read with Para10 of Finance Division’s O.M.No.1(3)/Imp/2015-360 dated 07.07.2015. The allowance will be discontinued in case prescribed terms and conditions are not fulfilled within one month from the date of issuance of this notification.–CB Report
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chief (opS) waseem’s performance allowance restored erformance allowance of Muhammad Waseem Altaf, a BS19 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has been restored. The performance allowance of the officer, presently posted as Chief (OPS) at Federal Board of Revenue (HQ), Islamabad, has been restored with effect from June 13, 2017. Meanwhile, Khairuddin Siddiqui, an Inland Revenue Service officer of BS-17, is going to retire from the government service on attaining the age of superannuation. The officer, presently posted as Assistant Commissioner-IR at Regional Tax Office-III, Karachi, will stand retired from the government service on October 14, 2017. –CB Report
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yed Irshad Ali Shah, Principal Appraiser, has been exonerated from the charges levelled against him. The disciplinary proceedings, under Government Servants (EfOiciency & Discipline) Rules, 1973 were initiated against the ofOicers posted at Directorate of Internal Audit (Customs), Karachi, vide Charge Sheet No.2(71)/2013-Cust-III-Pt dated 25.01.2016. Adnan RaOiq, Deputy Collector, Appraisement-West, Karachi, was appointed as inquiry ofOicer to conduct inquiry into the charges levelled against the ofOicer. On the basis of inquiry report, the authorized ofOicer/Chief (Man-
agement-Customs) has been exon-
erated from the charges levelled
against him.
fBr faces rs100b shortfall in achieving target T
ISLAMABAD
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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) may suffer Rs100 billion shortfall in achieving the tax target set for the outgoing Oiscal year. According to a senior ofOicial, the FBR would likely be able to collect Rs3,421 billion instead of Rs3,521 billion till June 30. However, he said efforts are being made to touch Rs3,450 billion. If compared with the initiallyenvisaged target of Rs3,621 billion the revenue loss would be Rs200 billion for the Oiscal year, ending June 30, 2017. The government revised down the target to Rs3,521 billion. OfOicials said various relief measures, taken by the government in shape of reduced petroleum prices, tax incentives on fertiliser, export package and others caused revenue loss to the tune of Rs170 billion in the Oirst eleven months (July-May) period of 2016-17. The tax machinery collected Rs2,860 billion in July-May. The FBR will have to collect Rs561
billion in June to meet the target. But, there have been exceptions in the past. FBR collected Rs465 billion in June 2016 and Rs381 bil-
lion in 2015. An ofOicial said the government decided to defer new valuation rates for property till the starting of the next Oiscal year.
“Now, we will jack up valuation rates for property for 15 to 20 major urban centres in the Oirst ten days of July,” he added.
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Appraisement East detects huge mis-declaration case KARACHI: Customs Appraisement East has unearthed a massive mis-declaration case by M/s Fawwad Steel Corporation. The company imported certain consignments from United Kingdom declared to be iron & steel re-meltable scrap of mattress scrap in shape of bales and bundles and sought clearance under PCT 7204.4100 attracting 3.0 percent customs duty, 5.6 percent sales tax, 1.0 percent income tax, 5.0 percent regulatory duty. On the directives of Collector Appraisement East Ashad Jawwad, Deputy Collector Mohammad Ali Malik, PA Tawfiq Shaikh, Appraising Officer Babar Gulzar conducted assessment.
SHc bars tax dept from taking action against M/s Al-karam Textile Mill KARACHI
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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has barred the tax authorities from taking any coercive action against M/s Al-Karam Textile Mill (Private) Limited for the recovery of disputed tax amount. The court ordered this on a constitutional petition filed by the petitioner against the demand notice issued by deputy commissioner Inland Revenue Enforcement and Collection Unit-II, Zone-V LTU-I Karachi. While the hearing of petition, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, issued notices to the tax department and deputy attorney general and directed them to file their respective comments on the next date of hearing. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that on
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pursuant order dated 1st June, 2017 passed by the respondents for the recovery of disputed amount, the petitioner moved an application before the commissioner Inland Revenue Appeals-I, LTU Karachi which is still pending before it along with stay application. However, during pendency of such appeal, the tax authorities started threatening the petitioner for the impugned demand, including attachment of its bank accounts. Citing Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue Large Taxpayers Unit LTU, the Commissioner Inland Revenue Appeals, Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) and deputy commissioner Inland Revenue Enforcement & Collection Unit-II, Zone-V LTU-I Karachi as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court may declare that act of the tax authorities is illegal, mala fide and arbitrary and restrain them from taking any coercive measures till final decision of its appeal.
Karachi
customs court extends remand of suspects in tax fraud case
pcA sends contravention report against M/s Alhamra garments & exports KARACHI
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irectorate of Customs Post Clearance Audit (PCA) authorities detected tax evasion on import of cloth consignments. Sources told Customs Today that during scrutiny of import data it was revealed that M/s Alhamra Super Garments and Exports imported 12 consignments of cloth from January to April 2017. Sources told that Customs Post Clearance Audit team comprising Deputy Director Sajid Ali Baloch, Appraiser Talha Sheraz detected the tax evasion. Sources told the above said company availed unnecessary concessions and availed undue benefits. After detecting the tax evasion, Customs Post Clearance Audit authorities issued a show cause notice to the management of the above said company. After company’s unsatisfactory reply, Post Clearance Audit authorities finalized a contravention report against M/s Alhamra Garments and forwarded the same to Customs Adjudication for further proceedings.
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cting judge of the Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Court Arshad Noor Khan extended the physical remand of suspects namely Mansoor Ahmed and Muhammad Junaid and sent them back to the customs department. The suspects were booked in a mega tax fraud case and evasion of duty and taxes to the tune of Rs 6.32 million. During the hearing, the investigation officer produced the suspects before the court and submitted that during the investigation, it was revealed that both the suspects fraudulently got the consignments of fabric cleared. The consignment were imported by others but they shifted the cargo after examination by the customs department. He said that prosecution needs further investigation from said accused therefore, court may request grant their physical remand, after his arguments, court sent back them to customs department on physical remand and directed investigation ofOicer to produce them before court on next date of hearing.
Saturday June 24, 2017
According to the prosecution, case was registered for violation of 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, Customs Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has sent a suspect, Fida Hussain, to Central Jail Karachi on judicial remand who was booked for attempting to smuggle 50,000 litters Iranian diesel. During the hearing, investigation ofOicer produced the suspect before the court and submitted that the customs authorities intercepted a Hino oil tanker registration number TMC-248 model 1994 having 50,000 liters high speed diesel which was being smuggling from Balochistan to Karachi.
Appraisement South achieves 20% growth
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he Customs Appraisement South Region has achieved a robust growth of 20 percent over the revenue collection of the Oinancial year 2015-16. This was announced in a statement issued by Customs Appraisement South here on Friday. It said that this includes growth in customs duty of 24 percent, sales tax 19 percent, income tax 13 percent and FED 17 percent. The region led by Chief Collector Abdul Rashid Shaikh, comprises of Model Customs Collectorates of East, West and Port Qasim
surpassed the Oigure of one trillion rupees by collecting Rs. 1,004 billion in the second week of June with 15 more days still to go until the end of current Oinancial year. This contributes about a third of the revenue target of FBR which is 3.621 trillion for the current year, the statement added. It said that the feat was achieved by the South Region through concerted efforts by improving the quality of assessments, controlling the `mis-use of exemptions’, maintaining transparency and facilitation of genuine trade and tax payers. The growth in taxes shows the increased efOiciency in collection by Appraisement South
by controlling revenue leakages and taking preventive measures against revenue loss. Meanwhile, Model Customs Collectorate Appraisement-East has arrested the mastermind of the NBP Pact-Deposit fraud along with a Grade-III ofOicer of NBP posted at Customs House Branch. The accused were involved in illegal removal of pay-orders from Securities section of MCC Appraisement East and depositing these pay-orders into PD accounts of the unauthorized delinquent importers illegally. Pact Deposit/Personal Deposit (PD) account is a facility by which government allows the users of WeBOC system including traders as
well as customs agents to deposit their funds with the government in advance. The funds so deposited are utilized by the owner of PD account for payment of duty and taxes towards his customs liabilities arising in the WeBOC system during the course of import/export by him. These PD accounts are maintained on the basis of NTN of WeBOC user. Mohsin Abdul Ghaffar is the mastermind of this scam, who has been arrested . Six FIRs have been lodged in this case so far. Mohsin had come to Customs Court for submitting application for a protective bail, however PA Hamood-ur-Rehman and Adil Rasheed managed his arrest.
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Faisalabad Adjudication issues notice to owner of NDP truck Saturday June 24, 2017
National Seven pre-arrest bails, hearing of 16 cases adjourned
FAISALABAD: The Collector Customs Adjudication Mirza Mubashir Baig has issued show cause notice to owner of smuggled foreign origin Hino truck Muhammad Mumtaz. Sources told Customs Today, that Customs Field Investigation Unit (FIU) Khushab has conďŹ scated smuggled Hino truck bearing registration no: TKB-713 (Sibi) involving customs duty and taxes Rs32,68000 near Mianwali Toll Plaza M.M Road Mianwali. On query driver of the vehicle failed to produce any legal documents regarding import of truck in country.
customs court extends judicial remand of gold smuggler for 14 days
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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling has adjourned four different pre-arrest bail pleas. The court on Wednesday postponed the hearing of 16 cases related to customs matters including four pre-arrest bail pleas. On Tuesday, the counsels for accused requested the court to put off the hearing of their respective cases for preparation of arguments on which the court adjourned the hearings for different dates. According to the cause list, three out of 16 cases were fixed for formal hearing of accused named Shehzad, Abdullah and Tariq and others. Pre-arrest bail pleas were also scheduled for Friday which the court has also adjourned for next hearing. The court also postponed the cases of narcotics, tax evasion, smuggling and customs matters.
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ASo impounds non duty paid Toyota Hiace van he Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) Sargodha has seized foreign origin Toyota Hiace van. The market value of the seized vehicle is Rs, 12,00,000 involving duty and taxes amounting to Rs10,00,000. Sources told to Customs Today, that Deputy Collector Usman Tariq received information regarding the smuggling of some vehicles. After receiving the tip deputy collector immediately constituted a raiding team comprising Inspector Malik Atif Mumtaz, Bashir Ahmed, Rana Muhammad Ashraf, Safdar Hussain, Hafiz Naseer Ahmed, Muhammad Mansha. The ASO team intercepted a Toyota Hiace van bearing registration no: P-6010 (Peshawar) near Khattak Road Khushab. –CB Report
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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling has extended a judicial remand of an accused Muhammad Riaz for 14 days in a notorious case of 14 kilogram gold smuggling. Accused Muhammad Riaz was arrested by the customs authorities after the rejection of prearrest bail plea by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Accused Muhammad Riaz is the main accused in smuggling of huge quantity of gold into Dubai. Earlier, the customs authorities have arrested two female suspects involved in a smuggling of 14-kg gold and currency from Multan International Airport.
Accused Muhammad Riaz was in the custody of customs investigation on physical remand. At the start of the month, he was produced before the court of Masood Arshad who sent him to jail for judicial trial.
Another accused Mazhar Hussain is still at large and customs authorities fail to arrest him. Meanwhile, The Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti Smuggling has rejected the
post arrest bail plea of an accused Agha Farrukh who was arrested in mobile smuggling case. According to details an accused Agha Farukh was arrested by the Customs Investigation authorities from Faisalabad after investigation from the accused Tayab Manzoor who is in judicial remand now. Accused Agha Farukh is a facilitator of Tayab Manzoor who is involved in smuggling of mobile phones. Earlier the Customs Taxation and Anti Smuggling Court has approved 14 days judicial remand of the accused who was arrested by the customs authorities from Faisalabad. Sources told Customs Today that accused Tayyab Manzoor was booked by the customs Preventive from Faisalabad International airport while he reached at airport from Bahrain.
collector Mcc peshawar takes notice of stranded containers due to ramazan duty hours T
PESHAWAR
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o achieve a target in the last month of FY2016-17, Collector Customs MCC Peshawar Qurban Ali Khan took a notice of a large number of the cargo vehicles laden with containers which are stuck across the border in Afghanistan due to strict duty hours in the month of Ramazan. Qurban Ali Khan, Collector Customs MCC Peshawar, took up the matter with IG FC and Political Administration at Khyber Agency on Tuesday. The FBR expressed worries over the loss of revenue to the national exchequer from stranded vehicles across the border and also shortfall in the trade activities of the transporters. The FC and Political Authorities have decided to increase the time periods by adding two hours on
daily basis to allow the vehicles to cross the border. During the remaining days of Ramazan, Pakistan-Afghanistan border at Torkham will remain open on both
sides after Iftar for two extended hours up to 10:00 p m at night. The sources said the FBR ofOicials informed the administration that almost 1,300 cargo vehicles laden
with mineral coal and other import cargo are waiting to cross the border to Pakistan for which the government of Pakistan needs to prepare an appropriate plan.
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Canadian oil production projected to grow 33% by 2030 CALGARY: The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers expects oil production to climb 33 per cent by 2030 even as pipeline constraints and competition for investment threaten to slow future growth. The forecast calls for Canadian crude oil production to reach 5.12 million barrels per day by 2030, up from last year’s projection that output would hit 4.93 million bpd. CAPP president Tim McMillan said Tuesday that the crude supply will grow by five per cent per year to 2020, but then slow to two per cent growth as major oilsands projects wrap up and new investments are hampered by market uncertainties. “What we’re predicting here is lower investment numbers going forward,” McMillan said.
Japan reels in largest haul of smuggled gold, 8 arrested ive Japanese and three Chinese men were arrested Thursday for allegedly smuggling in 206 kilograms of gold by a small ship to a port in southwestern Japan, making it the largest case of illegal gold importing, law enforcement authorities said. The local customs house is verifying the authenticity of the ship’s load seized at the Nagoya port in Karatsu city, Saga Prefecture on Wednesday. It was not immediately known if the suspects have admitted to the charge. The largest-ever gold seizure in the nation is 130 kg smuggled by air to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport in February 2015, according to the government. The eight men arrested on suspicion of breaching the customs law include Yasuaki Saito, 49, from Iki in the neighboring prefecture of Nagasaki, and Kenichi Kinoshita, 65, from Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan, according to the police and the local coast guard. –CB Report
World Customs
uS customs seizes 53 pounds of meth at canadian border
ran exported a 35,000 tonne cargo of wheat to Oman last week, traders said. Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani had said in September that the country was aiming to start exporting wheat soon after a good 2016 crop. However, traders did not expect significant volumes to flow from the country. “For the time being only one cargo of milling wheat has been traded to Oman,” a European trader said. “But because Iranian wheat is not graded, and with the current low prices of wheat from other more attractive origins, it is very unlikely that Iran will be able to sell more significant volumes.” Iran has been a major wheat importer in recent years as the country aimed to guarantee local food supplies, although its needs have varied due to erratic domestic production. –CB Report
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ATo deputy resigns, charges laid over $165 million fraud ustralian Taxation Office deputy commissioner Michael Cranston has fallen on his sword, ending what has been described as an “illustrious” public service career after his first day before court in connection with an alleged $165 million tax scam. The ATO this afternoon confirmed Mr Cranston had submitted his resignation, less than a month after he was temporarily stood down in the wake of a sting on Sydney-based payroll company, Plutus Payroll. “We can confirm Michael Cranston has chosen to resign his Deputy Commissioner role at the ATO effective June 2017,” an ATO spokeswoman said. Mr Cranston and his daughter Lauren Cranston, 24, appeared before Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court today over allegations they were connected to the scam. The pair were excused from attending coming hearings set down for August 8 and 29 on the proviso they were represented by their lawyers. The move was welcomed by Ms Cranston’s lawyer, who said the 24-year-old was expecting a child at the end of July. Both Mr Cranston and Ms Cranston are currently on bail. They both declined to comment when leaving the court this morning. Mr Cranston’s son, and Ms Cranston’s brother, Adam Cranston, 30, is accused of being a central player in the alleged $165m tax fraud, which allegedly siphoned employee tax payments away from the ATO. –CB Report
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iran exports 35,000 tonnes of wheat to oman
Saturday June 24, 2017
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S Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than 53 pounds of methamphetamine at the Pacific Highway Port of Entry on Saturday. The Field Operations officers said a man in a Hyundai Sante Fe was attempting to enter the US around 11:30 a.m. The 40-year-old driver and 33-year-old passenger said they
were coming to the U.S. for pleasure. But officers said, based on experience and training, they decided to further inspect the vehicle and discovered seven packages of meth in a hidden compartment. Officers seized the drugs and vehicle and Homeland Security special agents arrested the driver. The Blaine Border Enforcement Security Task Force is now investigating the case. Meanwhile, US Customs and Border Protection seized $201,280 worth of cocaine Monday at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge through vehicle
and canine inspections. The Office of Field Operations within the CBP conducted a second inspection on a black 2010 Jeep Compass driven by a 19year-old U.S. citizen from Alamo, according to a press release from CBP. A physical inspection of the vehicle, non-intrusive imaging inspection, and a canine team helped officers find 11 packages of cocaine weighing 26.10 pounds. The narcotics and the vehicle were apprehended. The driver is in the custody of Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.
S Arabia bans imports of egyptian strawberries RIYADH
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audi Arabia is banning imports of Egyptian strawberries due to pesticide residues, said Abdel Hamid al-Demerdash, the head of Egypt’s Agriculture Export Council, the latest such ban to hit Egypt as it struggles to revive its economy. The temporary ban comes into effect on July 11, Demerdash told Reuters on Sunday, adding that the memo re-
ceived from Saudi Arabia did not specify the levels of residues detected or name the companies that have committed violations. “Egypt will not face large losses due to the ban as the exporting season for strawberries ended on April 10,” Demerdash said. He added that strawberries represent 5-10 percent of the country’s total agricultural exports. Since a currency Oloat in November, which roughly cut the pound’s value in half, Egyptian exports have been welcomed in new markets due to their
increased competitiveness. Exports of Egyptian vegetables, fruits and legumes amounted to $2.2 billion last year. The main fruit exports include oranges and strawberries. A series of bans of Egyptian exports however has hurt the image of an import-dependent country seeking to step up exports and curb imports in an effort to narrow its trade deOicit. Exports could also help bring in desperately needed foreign currency that has been low in supply as a result of the 2011 Arab Spring uprising that drove
away tourists and investors. Sudan banned imports of agricultural and animal products from Egypt last month. The United Arab Emirates also banned imports of peppers from Egypt a month earlier “I expect the crisis of Egyptian agricultural exports to Arab countries to be resolved before the beginning of the new export season which begins mid-November,” Demerdash said. Egypt exports about 1.2 million tonnes of agricultural produce to Arab countries annually, he added.
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Customs, ANF foil heroin smuggling at Allama Iqbal International Airport Saturday June 24, 2017
Lahore
LAHORE: The Pakistan Customs Preventive and Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) at the Allama Iqbal International Airport aborted an attempt of smuggling of heroin from Lahore into Saudi Arabia. The accused was identified as Mubashir Hussain. He had concealed fine heroin in his luggage. The ANF has shifted him to an unknown place for further investigation. The recovered heroine is almost 1.5 kilogram. Worth of the heroin in the international market is over Rs15million The Pakistan Customs handed over the accused to ANF for further action. The accused was travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umera.
customs Appellate Tribunal remands back appeal of M/s Asker oil LAHORE
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he Customs Appellate Tribunal has remanded back an Appeal of M/s Asker Oil Private Limited against Additional Collector, Intelligence and Investigation-FBR Multan, and Additional Collector of Collectorate of Adjudication Faisalabad. Imran Tariq, Member Technical Bench-II, heard the case in detail and remarked in the final judgment that case has been remanded back to the adjudicating officer for due consideration as he has left out these vital points. The Intelligence OfOicer, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation-FBR FIU Sadiqabad, intercepted a truck loaded with foreign origin
fBr recovers rs 10m by seizing nDp cigarettes he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has recovered Rs 10 million by seizing non-duty paid cigarettes from different shops during the last 15 days of the current month. Sources told Customs Today that the FBR teams took actions against sellers of non duty paid cigarettes, including Yasir Karyana Store, Aminpur Bangla, Nadeem Traders, Manarwa Centre, Ilyas Traders, and Javed Trader located in Factory Area and Sabzi Mandi. Sources said that the FBR teams already expedited their efforts to recover outstanding amounts from defaulters. Sources said that FBR authorities directed relevant teams to use all available resources to recover outstanding tax revenue. Sources said that due to these measures there is marginable increase being witnessed in the revenue collection, while on the other hand due to strict measures sale of non duty paid cigarettes is being gradually decreased day by day. –CB Report
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smuggled High Speed Diesel under the grab of auction documents. On demand, driver failed to produce documents regarding the legal import. After a detailed veriOication of the vehicle, loaded oil was seized under Section 2(kk) & 17 of Customs Act-1969. After a show-cause notice, adjudicating ofOicer heard the case and examined the record provided by the Asker Oil Company and declared an outright conOiscation of the vehicle with the oil under section 157(2) of Customs Act-1696. Being aggrieved from the order, appellant challenged the ONO before the Customs Appellate Tribunal on the grounds that Order-In-Original was passed in mechanical fashion and not under the law. The Tribunal heard the case in detail and passed the fresh speaking order after a detailed hearing. The Customs Appellate Tribunal accepted the appeal of the Asker Oil Company and heard the case in detail.
collector Adjudication declares seizure of Land crusier legal
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ollectorate of Customs Adjudication Collector Beelamur Ramzan has declared
rs740million tax default: fBr confiscates properties of Sika paints
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he Federal Board of Revenue has conOiscated many properties of Sika Paints Group’s owners as they were defaulters in Rs740million. Owners of Sika Paints were involved in the tax evasion. Sika Paints has been defaulter from 2013 to 2016. The FBR had also issued arrest warrant for Javed Iqbal. Sources said the Federal Board of Revenue had issued many notices to Sika Paints but it did not pay any attention to solve the issue of heavy tax amount. The
FBR has sealed 107 kanal properties of three directors of Sika Group. Sources have told CT that the FBR has also written a letter to the Chief TrafOic OfOicer Lahore to impound the costly vehicles of Sika Paints. The FBR had got the record of the vehicles from the Excise Punjab. About 73 kanals of costly property sealed by the FBR belongs to Muhammad Javed Ibal, Director of Sika Group. About seven kanal property belongs to Muhammad Asif Iqbal who is also a Director of Sika Group. –CB Report
the seizure of non-duty paid Toyota Land Crusier bearing registration no: JAE-226 Quetta as legal. The vehicle was impounded by Customs Intelligence and Investigation near G.T. Road Gujrat. Sources told Customs Today Customs Intelligence and Investigation Gujranwala team was on a patrol
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when it intercepted the vehicle. The owner of the vehicle, who was identiOied as Sajid Ali son of Muhammad Waris, a resident Warriachanwala district Gujrat, failed to produce legal documents regarding possession and transportation of the vehicle. After his failure, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Gujranwala impounded the vehicle and sent its chassis number and registration number to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency for veriOication. During scrutiny, it was revealed that chassis number of the vehicle was tempered. After receiving the report, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation department forwarded the case to Customs Adjudication for further proceedings. The Customs Adjudication issued notice to the owner of the vehicle, asking him to appear in person along with relevant record and documents. However, the owner of the vehicle failed to appear before Customs Adjudication to prove his innocence.
customs Tribunal adjourns hearing of 11 cases he Customs Appellate Tribunal’s division bench-II comprising Judicial Member Omer Arshad Hakeem and Member Technical Imran Tariq, heard 11 cases and adjourned all of them until the next hearing. A single bench of Customs Appellate Tribunal, comprising Imran Tariq, heard four cases of Customs Faisalabad versus J.K Spinning, Ghulam Habib versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Multan, Nasir Durrani versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Faisalabad and Salman Daud versus Di-
rectorate of Intelligence and Investigation Faisalabad. The division bench-II heard 07 cases, including Directorate Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Lahore versus Imran Hardware Stores, Bashrat Ali versus customs Lahore, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Lahore versus Toy Center. Furthermore, the tribunal heard cases filed by customs Lahore versus Creative electronic, customs Lahore versus Basharat Ali, customs Multan versus H&D Enterprises, Customs Lahore versus Ahmed International. –CB Report
fTo postpones hearing of case filed by M/s falcon Trading co
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LAHORE
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he Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has heard an appeal filed by proprietor of Falcon Trading Company against Corporate Regional Tax Office (CRTO) Lahore until the next date. According to details, FTO Con-
sultant Tariq Yousaf heard the case in which the counsel for the appellant argued that the Corporate Regional Tax Office (CRTO) had failed to release the tax refunds of the last two years claimed by the company. He said that the RTO collected excessive tax from Malik Munawar Ahmed, proprietor of M/s Falcon Trading Company during the last two years.
He approached the commissioner concerned many times for issuance of refunds but the CRTO officials did not pay the refunds after the passage of reasonable time. At the end, the company decided to approach the FTO seeking interference in this case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to direct the CRTO to clear the refund claims.
On the other side the counsel of the complainant said that CRTO ready to solve the case complainant should be providing the details of record. After hearing the arguments from both sides, Advisor Tariq Yousaf adjourned the case until next date for further hearing and directed the parties to appear on said date to present arguments in the case.
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Port of Charleston terminal evacuated over ‘potential threat’ WASHINGTON: Authorities investigated a “potential threat” in a container on a ship at the Port of Charleston in South Carolina early Thursday, the Coast Guard said. The ship, Maersk Memphis, is at the Wando terminal, the Coast Guard said in a statement. The terminal is used for container cargo, and has been evacuated to allow federal, state and local bomb detection units to investigate. The threat came in about 8 p.m. ET, according to the Coast Guard. It later tweeted that a “safety zone has been established around the vessel while law enforcement authorities investigate the threat.”
Two ships take berth at port Qasim wo ships M.V Calipso and M.T Tiamat Gas carrying Soya Bean Seeds and LPG took berths at Grain & Fertilizer Terminal and SSGC LPG Terminal respectively during last 24 hours, said a report issued by Port Qasim Authority (PQA) here on Thursday. Meanwhile five more ships MSC Veronique, Mehuin, Othont, Argent Daisy and New Nexos carrying Containers, LPG, Palm oil and Furnace oil also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. Berth occupancy was observed at the port at 56% on Wednesday where a total of nine ships namely, APL Charleston, Maersk Chicago, Nord Leader, Anthemis, Calipso, Central Park, Tiamat Gas, Ginga Tiger and Al-Mahfooza were occupied PQA berths to load/offload Containers, Coal, Canola Seeds, Soya Bean Seeds, Chemicals, LPG, Palm oil and Furnace oil respectively. Cargo throughput during last 24 hours stood at 112,870 tonnes, comprising
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82,850 tonnes import cargo and 30,020 tonnes export cargo inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 1,980 containers TUEs) 400 imports TUEs and 1,580 TUEs exports) was handled at the port. Two ships, oil tanker Al-Mahfooza and Edible oil carrier Ginga Tiger sailed out to sea on Thursday morning, while four ships APL Charleston, Maersk Chicago, Central Park and Tiamat Gas are expected to sail on same day. A total of six ships C.V Mehun, C.V MSC Veronique, M.T Chemroad Hope, M.T Umm Bab, M.T Sun Ploeg and M.T Shalamar carrying Containers, Phosphoric Acid, LPG, Palm oil and Furnace oil are expected to take berths at QICT, EVTL, EETL, LCT and FOTCO respectively on Thursday, while M.V Cerulean and M.T New Nexo are due to arrive at PQ on same day. Container Vessels Francisca is due to arrive on Friday. –CB Report
Ports & Shipping
port announces future plans for two new fireboat stations WASHINGTON
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he Port of Long Beach (POLB) took a step forward with the planning of two new Oireboat stations that will be vital to protecting the major commercial gateway. On Monday, Harbor Commissioners approved engineering design services for Fireboat Stations Nos. 15 and 20, as well as a baseline project budget of $50.1 million for the Oirst station to be built, Fireboat Station No. 15, the port announced. Station 15 will be located on the Main Channel and is expected to be completed in 2020. Fireboat Station No. 20, with an estimated budget of $51.6 million, will be located in the Port’s Inner Harbor and is scheduled to be completed in 2021. “These fireboat stations will safeguard the Port and our customers in this new era of big ships,” POLB Executive Director Mario Cordero said in a statement. “They will provide the best water-
side response possible, maximize landside firefighting coverage and serve as a home for our new, stateof-the-art fireboats.” Each fireboat station will include living quarters, a garage for firefighting apparatus and a full waterside wharf with enclosure for the fireboat. In accordance with the port’s efforts to be a worldwide leader in sustainable operations, the Oireboat facilities will be designed to attain the Leadership in Energy and Envi-
ronmental Design Program’s (LEED) gold rating by using water-saving technology, energy-efOicient appliances, natural ventilation and other features. “With ships more than doubling in size in the last decade and cargo trafOic breaking monthly records, this is a needed upgrade to Port safety,” Cordero said in a statement. Later this year, commissioners will consider putting the construction of the project out to bid, according to the announcement.
Saturday June 24, 2017
Spain port employers to consider labor deal he noise of cranes, chassis and trucks typically dominate ports, but in Spain, El Pais says, workers’ voices have drowned out the machines. The months-long battle over terms of employment is culminating with a last hurrah by the stevedores, who having lost full employment rights at the ports must now settle for guarantees of pay and job retention. Employers and laborers had reached an agreement earlier in the year, but employers maintain the agreement was conditional to solutions defined later on a port-by-port basis. Workers are protesting that condition, in preference of a universal agreement. The fact there is a new offer on the table by the stevedores is encouraging, but does not guarantee a new deal. The offer was presented to employers on Tuesday in the hopes of averting a strike. After receiving the deal, employers said they maintained their position but would discuss the results Friday. In the meantime, ANESCO, the employers’ association, asked dockworkers to call off the twoday strike, as a sign of good faith to the negotiations. –CB Report
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Qatari port sees opportunity in embargo WASHINGTON
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he Saudi-led embargo on Qatar means that container lines can longer use deepwater terminals in the UAE for Qatari transshipment cargo, causing disruption to supply chains and forcing carriers to reroute cargo through Omani ports on the Arabian Sea. But the suspension of transshipment at the UAE’s giant Jebel Ali and Khalifa ports may also be an opportunity for Qatar’s biggest seaport, Hamad Port. “It’s a blessing in disguise,” a Hamad Port ofOicial told Reuters Wednesday. “We’re looking at signing agreements with shipping companies that can improve direct services instead of having to come through Jebel Ali.” The port has already added four new services, two from India and two feeder
routes from Oman. And the port’s operations manager suggested that more deals may be in the works soon. With all of the new trade lanes, ofOicials say that business is already back up to normal levels despite the embargo. An ofOicial with knowledge of the diplomatic situation told Bloomberg on Thursday that Saudi and UAE leaders will relay a full list of demands to mediators over the weekend – a starting point for negotiations between the two sides. Qatar contends that Saudi Arabia’s public statements, which call for the suspension of Qatari support for Hamas and Hezbollah and an end to Qatar’s warming relations with Iran, are not speciOic enough to form a basis for discussion. Once the detailed demands are delivered, ofOicials say, the crisis may be resolved in short order. “I am sure this storm will pass peacefully to the beneOit of the Gulf
Cooperation Council,” said Kuwaiti Sheikh Salem al-Ali al-Sabah, speaking to Al-Seyassah. al-Sabah credited the Emir of Kuwait for his efforts to mediate between the parties. In social media posts, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for the Saudi-led sanctions, and on Friday he accused Qatar of sponsoring terrorism “at a very high level.” However, despite Trump’s apparent concerns, his Department of Defense Oinalized a landmark $12 billion arms deal with Qatar on Thursday. The agreement, signed by Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis at a meeting with Qatari ofOicials in Washington, will allow Boeing to sell the strategically important ally a total of up to 36 F-15 Oighter jets. The Pentagon suggests that the sale will increase interoperability between Qatari and American air units. Qatar hosts the largest and busiest American air base in the
Middle East, Al Udeid, which is the main launching point for the air campaign against Islamic State. Shortly after the Saudi-led alliance denounced Qatar for supporting terrorist groups, the U.S. Department of Defense thanked Qatar for its “enduring commitment to regional security”; Secretary Mattis has refrained from taking sides, describing the situation as “very complex.” “The mixed signals from the U.S. aren’t productive when it comes to negotiating a settlement,” said Allison Wood, an analyst with Control Risks in Dubai, speaking to Bloomberg. “The different signals will allow the various parties to ally themselves with the individuals and departments that support their side within the Trump administration.” There is already evidence that the nations involved are selectively picking the American messaging that best supports their positions.
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Gawadar Customs seizes mobile accessories worth Rs1.4m KARACHI: The Customs Collectorate Gawadar foiled a smuggling attempt and seized mobile accessories in an operation. The seized items are said to be worth Rs1.4 million. According to details, Collector Gawadar Saeed Akram received a tip-off regarding transportation of smuggled goods in Omarra. He immediately constituted a team of Customs Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) to curb the smuggling attempt. The team, under the supervision of Inspector Badar Shah, started search operation in Omarra.
Saturday, June 24, 2017
CUSTOMS BULLETIN
fBr chief for ending distance between officers & general staffers ISLAMABAD TAriQ DerYA
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hairman Federal Board of Revenue Dr. Irshad Khan said that distance between ofOicers and general staffers must be ended. We must respect the uniformity as it is our pride. People should respect the uniformity and they should also try to respect the layman. Inland Revenue Service and Customs Department must work together. The current culture of working environment must be changed. We should adopt a healthy culture and working environment in our ofOices. On his welcoming remarks, Collector Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Islamabad Dr. Arslan said It is a pleasure that today Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Dr. Muhammad Irshad has come here at the MCC to inaugurate the ofOice of the FBR Foundation. The Director General (DG) said he has a Oirm belief that the FBR Foundation will work for the welfare of the people working under the umbrella of the FBR. DG Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) and Chairman FBR Foundation Saleem Ranjha appreciated the efforts of Chairman FBR to
promote the efforts of people working for Foundation and said the foundation will work for the betterment of the FBR’s retired ofOicials. He presented thanks to the Chairman FBR for taking keen interest in doing the groundwork. Addressing the gathering, Chairman IPO Shahid Rashid threw light on the function of the IPO. Under the
supervision of DG IPO, the IPO will work well as he is foreseeing the bright future of the IPO and FBR Foundation. Chairman FBR Irshad Muhammad Khan said the FBR Foundation is a great hope for the staff of the FBR and Customs. He said the Inland Revenue Service (IRS) must work jointly. He advised the young ofOicers to work hard with honesty.
He further said the FBR staff must be morally strong as demoralized people cannot win the competition. The Chairman said that during his chairmanship, he always tried to fulOil the needs of his co-workers and staff. He told the staff that he established a path for promotion of grade 16th and 17th so now they will be promoted easily without any hurdle.
He said he has some expectations from the FBR Foundation that when a worker will retire then he gets the key of his new built home. The foundation must provide better medical facilities to the retired staff of the FBR. Besides planting a sapling of Araucaria at the lawn of the MCC, the chairman announced two extra salaries for the staff of the IPO.
court extends physical remand of suspect involved in smuggling KARACHI
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cting Judge of the Customs (Taxation & AntiSmuggling) Court, Syed Arshad Noor Khan, extended the physical remand of the suspect, Asif Iqbal s/o Muhmmad Iqbal, and sent him back to customs department lockup. He was booked in a case of attempting to smuggle 181 contraband mobile
phones from Dubai into Karachi. The court also directed the Investigation OfOicer to produce him on the next date of hearing along with his progress report. During the hearing, Investigation OfOicer produced him before the court and informed the it that during the search, staff of the Preventive, Model Customs Collectorate, intercepted abovementioned accused, coming from Dubai by Emirates Airlines Flight No: EK-602, and recovered 43 Samsung mobile phones, 26 Motorola, 73 LG, 29 HTC and 10 IPhones valued Rs5.6million.
Investigation OfOicer added that after the formalities, said goods were seized and accused arrested and case registered in violation of section 2 (s), 16 and 139 of the Customs Act1969 punishable under clauses (8) (9) ibid read with baggage rules 2006 notiOied by FBR vide SRO 666(1)/2006 dated 28/06/2006. He has submitted that investigation has not been completed yet and prosecution needs further physical remand of said accused for concrete evidences. After his arguments, court sent him to customs department and directed the Investigation OfOicer to produce him on the next date of
hearing along with a progress report. Meanwhile, Link Judge of the Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Court Syed Arshad Noor Khan has sent a suspect, Muhammad Asif Aslam, to Central Jail Karachi on judicial remand. He was booked while attempting to smuggle 340 mobile phones from Dubai to Karachi. The tentative value of the contraband phones is Rs 10 million. During the hearing, investigation ofOicer produced the accused before the court and informed that the Customs Collectorate Preventive staff intercepted him who had come from Dubai by Emirates Airlines Olight no EK-602.
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).
He further informed the court that during the search of his baggage, the staff recovered 28 Samsung mobile phones, 9 Motorolla, 172 LG, 45 HTC and four I-Phones. He was asked to produce lawful documents of the goods, but he failed the produce anything. The investigation ofOicer added that after the formalities, the goods were seized and the accused was arrested. A case was registered against him under section 2 (s), 16 and 139 of the customs act, 1969 punishable under clauses (8) (9) ibid read with baggage rules, 2006 notiOied by FBR vide SRO 666(1)/2006 dated 28/06/2006.