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Karachi, Fri March 17, 2017

ISLAMABAD

TARIQ DERYA

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he Pakistan International Airline (PIA) deposited three pending monthly instalments of Rs70.00million on 14th of February 2017 into the account of Model Customs Collectorate Islamabad. The MCC Islamabad has been corresponding with the Chairman PIA to pay its dues so that colletorate

can meet its assigned target of third quarter of Financial Year 2016-17.

According to Shahid Jan, Deputy Collector Customs Air Freight Unit (AFU) Islamabad, it is a major recovery deposited into the account of the MCC Islamabad. From the total amount of Rs70.00million, the AFU recovered Rs50.00million Sales Tax whereas Rs16.00million was collected under the head of Federal Excise Duty (FED) and rest of the Rs04.00million was collected under the head of

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Customs Duty. Shahid Jan said that in year of 2016 the PIA has been given notice for immediate deposit of Rs1.173billion on three wet leased aircrafts imported by the PIA at the Islamabad International Airport in 2013, against which PIA has only paid Rs310million till 2016 in violation of the decision of the ECC taken in 2013, according to which PIA was required to deposit the amount of Rs1.4billion in monthly instalements but it has not been deposited since the past three months.

DG Valuation revises customs value of non-cellular rubber sheet

Gwadar port gateway of CPEC;to change destiny of Balochistan people:PM

Circular debt in petroleum reaches Rs272.3m: Khaqan

Zulfiqar Younas assumes charge as director Customs I&I Lahore

FBR receives 1,038,291 tax returns till March 9: Dr Iqbal

DG of CustomsValuation revised the customs value of non-cellular rubber sheet | SEE pAgE 02 |

PM Nawaz said that Gwadar Port was the gateway of CPE) and it would change | SEE pAgE 03 |

The circular debt in petroleum sector has reached Rs272.3 million, Shahid Khaqan | SEE pAgE 04 |

Zulfiqar has assumed the charge of director of customs I&I Lahore after relinquishing | SEE pAgE 14 |

FBR Dr. Muhammad Iqbal has said that 1,039,291 returns are received until March | SEE pAgE 16 |

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PIA decides to float separate tender to sell aircraft engines Friday, March 17, 2017

National

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has decided to float a separate tender for the sale of engines of all four grounded A-310 aircraft in order to generate an additional $30 million approximately; it was learnt. The decision was made after the allegations leveled by officials, serving in different departments of the airline that the management of PIA sold one of the all four grounded A-310 aircraft with its engine, which cost US$ 7.5 million to the PIA. They were of the view that such aircraft without engines were more than US$1 million a piece but PIA sold one of the aircraft at just Euros 0.2 million, alleging that no airline in world did ever make earning through wet leased aircraft.

Dg Valuation revises customs values of non-cellular rubber sheet

ISLAMABAD

KARACHI

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wAQAR AhmED AnSARI

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hairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Qamar Zaman Chaudhry on Wednesday lauded efforts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Bar Council in eradication of corruption especially through active involvement in Bureau’s Awareness and Prevention Campaign. He was talking to a delegation of KPK Bar Council led by its Vice Chairman, Muhammad Sareer, which called on him here. Prosecutor General Accountability (PGA) NAB, Waqas Qadeer Dar was also present. Members of KPK Bar Council discussed various matters and appreciated NAB’s role in eradication of corruption especially during period of its present management. Bureau’s processes, especially SOPs, timelines for completion of cases and introduction of Monitoring and Evaluation system was appreciated. The delegation asked Qamar Zaman Chaudhry to visit KPK Bar Council during his next visit to Peshawar. The Chairman also supported KPK Bar Council’s efforts for strengthening of institutions and desired interaction between Bar Councils.

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he Directorate General of Customs Valuation revised the customs value of noncellular rubber sheet through Valuation Ruling No 1071/2017 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. According to details, the Customs values of non-cellular rubber sheet were circulated vide VDB letter No.179 dated 03.02.2017. It was deemed expedient to issue a Valuation Ruling hence an exercise was conducted to determine Customs values of non-cellular rubber sheet in line with current price trends in the international market.

Sources said that a meeting with the stakeholders was scheduled on 06-03-2017. All participants were requested to submit invoices of imports during last three months showering factual value, websites, names and e-mail addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the item in question through which the actual current value can be ascertained, copies of contracts made/LCs opened during the last three months showing the value of item in question and copies of sales tax invoices issued during last three months showing the difference in price (excluding duty and taxes) to substantiate that the beneUit of difference in price is passed on to the local buyers.

nAB chief lauds kpk Bar council’s efforts in eradication of corruption

The meeting was attended by importers of non-cellular rubber sheet.

The importers contended that the prices of the subject commodity were lower in the international market as compared to the values circulated vide VDB letter 179 dated 0302-2017.

No requisitioned, documents have been received/submitted by any of the importers.

Meanwhile, The Directorate General of Customs Valuation issued the reference values Pentaerythritol 98

percent min and another Valuation is ice cream. According to details, the Directorate General is populating Valuation Database Values for different items wherein it has been observed that declarations are of wide range and do not correctly reUlect values of the items as traded in the international market. During the scrutiny of previous clearance data, it was observed that Pentaerythritol 98 percent min falling under PCT heading 2905.4200 are being as-

sessed at different values and certain transactions are on very low side. The Directorate General, after carefully examining the clearance data, also conducted market inquiries to verify the authenticity of declarations. Online prices were also obtained to corroborate the Uindings of the market surveys.

Therefore the VDB values of Pentaerythritol 98% min are as Pentaerythritol 98% min China/Taiwan origin US$1.425 per kilogram.

‘Investors term pakistan as ideal country for investment’ A

SIALKOT

ZAfAR mALIk

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delegation of different European countries’ leading businessmen related to the soccer ball industry have termed Pakistan an ideal and safer place for direct foreign investment and business, saying that Pakistan is a peaceful country and world should see it through the fresh eyes.

The foreign leading businessmen

led by Peter Knap Denmark said that they were very happy while visiting their business partners in Sialkot-Pakistan, assuring that they will further expand their business activities through investing in different joint ventures with their business partners in Sialkot-Pakistan.

They also pledged to promote the “soft image” of Pakistan in their respective countries, besides, motivating their business partners around the globe to do maximum business in Pakistan.

They added that the world should focus on broadening the scope of mutual cooperation by extending it to the areas of trade, investment, and energy and infrastructure development with Pakistan.

They pointed that there was a vast scope of doing and expending business in Pakistan, as Pakistan was an ideal and safer country for foreign business and investment as well. On this occasion, the Sialkot based leading soccer ball manufac-

turer and exporter Dr. Khurram Anwar Khawaja welcomed the foreign businessmen in Sialkot and gave them detailed brieUing about the foreign business trends, their need and challenges ,opportunities of foreign business growth and investment in Sialkot as well.

Peter Knap (the CEO of Demark based SELECT Company, the world’s biggest and No.1 soccer balls manufacturing and exporting company) proudly announced to expand their business of soccer balls manufac-

turing and exporting with their business partners Anwar Khawaja Industries (AKI) in Sialkot-Pakistan, besides, continuing their investment in Sialkot-Pakistan.

Giving detailed brieUing about the global business trends, needs, markets access and growing business opportunities, Peter Knap revealed that he has brought his company’s business partners in different European countries to Sialkot to see excellence of business and work in Sialkot-Pakistan.

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OGDCL announces new discovery at Chhutto Well-I ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDCL) has announced a discovery of gas and condensate from its Chhutto Well-I in district Hyderabad of Sindh province.

“The well has tested 8.66 MMSCFD of gas and 285 BPD of Condensate through 32/64 choke at Well Head Flowing Pressure (WHFP) of 2100 Per Square Inch (PSI) from “A” sands of Lower Goru formation,” an OGDCL press release said. The OGDCL, being the operator of joint venture of Nim Block having 95 percent share and Government Holdings (Pvt) Limited (GHPL) five percent, drilled the well 3,820 meters deep and made a successful discovery.

Friday March 17, 2017

National

Deputy collector Asma hameed issues ono in favour of ASo

‘gwadar port gateway of cpEc to change destiny of Balochistan’

FAISALABAD

IQRA ShEhZADI

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he Deputy Collector Customs Adjudication Asma Hameed has issued Order-in-Original (ONO) in favour of Anti-Smuggling Organization Faisalabad. According to details, a team of the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) intercepted a bus bearing registration no. FSA- 4055 loaded with with tyres and tubes.

The smuggled vehicle was brought into country without payment of customs duty and taxes through unauthorized way. The Customs team arrested the driver of the vehicle Muhammad Shahid to produce documents regarding import of vehicle and goods. But he failed to produce the lawful proof.

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cng sector gradually reviving: paracha ISLAMABAD

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entral Chairman All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha has said that the Compressed Natural Gas sector was on the path of gradual revival. In a statement issued here, he said motorists have started giving preference to CNG on petrol again, which is an inexpensive and environment-friendly fuel. Paracha hinted that per kg CNG price would be reduced in Punjab soon. He said the association was planning to import lightweight 22kg CNG cylinders and compatible kits to help improve efficiency of the gas-run vehicles. “Samples are arriving from European countries and South America, which will be submitted to technical experts of OGRA for evaluation and getting approval for import of the CNG cylinders and kits,” he said.

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GWADAR

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rime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that Gwadar Port was the gateway of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and it would change the destiny of the people of Balochistan.

He expressed these views during a brieUing on the progress of various development projects of Gwadar here. Director General, Gwadar Development Authority Dr. Sajjad Hussain made a presentation regarding water supply, electricity, road connectivity, land acquisition, special economic zones, capacity enhancement and performance of Gwadar Development Authority.

The Prime Minister said that the present government had focused on the development of Balochistan including infrastructure, energy, health facilities and socio-economic uplift of the people of Balochistan.

He emphasized that priority should be given to employment of local people in development projects and directed for early completion of Vocational Training Institute at Gwadar for skills’ development and employability of local youth.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the security provided for the projects and routes and directed to expedite work on the Western Link routes so that Gawadar was linked to Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa province early. He also directed to expedite pace of work on road links in interior Balochistan The Prime Minister stated that CPEC was an integral part of regional connectivity and held huge potential for development of Pakistan and the region. He said that Gwadar Port expressway and new Gwadar International Airport along with Gwadar Port free zone and business complex would make Gwadar an attractive destination for investors. “Our gov-

pm directed to expedite pace of work on road links in interior Balochistan and stated that cpEc is an integral part of regional connectivity and held huge potential for development of pakistan and the region

Billions can be earned through exports

T GILGIT

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www.customsbulletin.com he main strength of the economy of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) depends largely on dry fruits and agriculture and is famous for its almond, apricot, cherry and other dry fruits production in the world, but, the most popular fruit of GilgitBaltistan is almond; a huge variety of almond is found in all districts of GB. Each type has its own speciUic characteristics. Gilgit-Baltistan pro-

duces about 120650 tons of almonds per year. Farmers of GB could earn billions of rupees through almonds export.

The fresh and dried almond in Gilgit-Baltistan is famous for its rich taste and organic nature. The pollution free environment and abundant water resources make it ideally suitable for natural growth of fruits and vegetables. The people in the region have highest life expectancy in Pakistan due to the healthy eating of organic and fresh fruits like almond,

and having ideal natural environment. During the months of March, April and May the valley is full of Ulowers and panoramic view. The view of Gilgit from Jutial in spring is incredible, though it remains spectacular at any time of the year. Almonds get ready in the month of August and then dried in sun before they are sent to the markets across the country.

Tons of almonds transported between Gilgit and other parts of the country by road, take several hours to reach the destination.

ernment has provided necessary legal cover to ensure ease of business for foreign investors and many international companies are now keen to invest in Pakistan,” he added. The Prime Minister directed Gwadar Development Authority to complete legal and administrative formalities and timely completion of ongoing and planned projects. He was also briefed on the Gwadar City Master Plan that was being developed in cooperation with China.

Anf arrests 11 street peddlers he Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Sindh during its campaign against Street Drug Peddlers and suppliers in Educational Institutions, apprehended 11 accused and recovered a huge quantity of drugs. An official of ANF on Wednesday informed APP here that the force also recovered 15.33 kgs Heroin and 51.37 kgs of Hashish. He said the cases have been registered against the accused.

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MoU inked for AJK marble sector development Friday March 17, 2017

Business

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Stone Development Company (PASDEC) and Azad Kashmir Mineral and Industrial Development Corporation (AKMIDC) on Moday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop marble and granite sector of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) through implementation of modern quarrying methods, establishment of marble and granite industrial estates (Marble Cities), machinery pools, warehouses and other projects. PASDEC Chief Executive Officer Zahid Maqsood Sheikh and Secretary of Industries, Labour and Mineral Resources of AJK signed the document on behalf of their respective organizations.

circular debt in petroleum reaches Rs272.3m ISLAMABAD

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he circular debt in petroleum sector has reached Rs272.3 million. Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi told National Assembly. He said that receivable from power sector had soared to Rs231 million. “PIA has to pay Rs15 million, whereas the arrears in LNG and SNGPL are around Rs41 million.

He said government had instructed Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to ensure uninterrupted supplies to WAPDA, HUBCO and KAPCO to avoid power crisis in the country.

Services exports rise 14 percent LAHORE

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akistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) report shows that Pakistan’s exports of services witnessed growth of nearly 14 per cent.

The increase will help the government control the widening current account deficit in 2016-17. In the first seven months of the current fiscal year, exports of services recorded negative growth. Similarly, they fell 10.30pc to $2.895 billion in July-Jan. The annual drop was 7.14pc to $5.46bn in 2015-16.

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However, Ministry of Water and Power could not make timely payments to PSO against supplies which resulted in considerable accumula-

tion of receivables against these entities. Abbasi said the gap between demand and supply of petroleum products was widening fast. “The

consumption of POL products during 2015-16 was around 24 million tons, while the local production of POL during the same year was around 11.7 million tons against the installed capacity of 18.79 million tons,” the minister said in his reply.

He said demand for POL products by 2023-24 was projected to be around 29 million tons- therefore, there was need to set up more oil refineries in the country for which necessary steps are being taken. Answering another question, he said thirty seven exploration wells had been drilled during the last three years in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He said 333 mmscfd gas and 18259 bbls of oil had been injected in the system during the last three years.

‘govt committed to achieving sustainable development goals’ M

ISLAMABAD

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inister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb speaking at the International Conference on the Role of Women Parliamentarians in Strengthening Democracy and Social Justice here Tuesday asserted that the PML (N) government was vigorously pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as laid down in its vision 2025.

She said that the government had an unswerving commitment to promote socio-economic development in the country. She pointed out that under the leadership of PM Nawaz Sharif a remarkable achievement had been made with regard to Sustainable Development Goals particularly in the Uields of health and education sectors and the PM Vision-2025 also had an important role in achieving the SDGs. The minister expressed that the Census which was being launched throughout the country from Wednesday would help collect authentic and

credible data for evidence based policy making and legislation in the distribution of resources and Uinances across the country. She recalled that the last census in the country was also held during the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 1998 and now again it was being carried out under the leadership of same prime minister after a gap of 18 years. She exhorted the people of country to cooperate with the census staff and provide them correct and authentic data. She reiterated that it was the constitutional and national duty of all citizens of Pakistan.

opc offices in uSA can promote foreign investment LAHORE

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he Pakistan Consul General in New York Raja Ali Ejaz hosted a dinner in honour of the overseas businessmen in the USA. The meeting discussed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to the USA and his meetings with the overseas Pakistanis. Participants of the meeting stressed the need for granting voting rights to overseas Pakistanis and discussed its mechanism. They said that the facility of online voting should be provided to 8 million new overseas Pakistanis. Services of Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) were also appreciated at the meeting. It was suggested to appoint OPC’s coordinator in each USA state to strengthen liaison with the immigrants and resolve their issues, besides attracting foreign investors to Pakistan. Participants of the meeting lauded Punjab CM for hosting the PSL final in Lahore, which, they hoped, would help promote the soft image of the country and improve confidence of the foreign investors.

The dinner was attended by Overseas Vice Commissioner Capt Khalid Shaheen Butt, PML-N USA President Rohail Dar, General Secretary Rana Saeed, Information Secretary Syed Anwar Wasti and PML-N New York President Mohammad Jan.

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SBp prioritises trade with Iran: Ashraf wathra LAHORE

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overnor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Ashraf Mahmood Wathra said Cabinet Committee had approved an agreement between the SBP and Central Bank of Iran that would soon be formally signed. He said the agreement would allow Pakistani and Iranian exporters to settle their claims

through the State Bank of Pakistan and Central Bank of Iran, respectively. He was speaking at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). The SBP Governor said: “Trade with Iran is very close to my heart. I am pursuing since my appointment without wasting any moment”.

The agreement between the State Bank of Pakistan and Central Bank of Iran would help boost mutual trade volume, he added. He said in

Pakistan and India, credit-to-GDP ratio was correlated to tax-to-GDP ratio that was around 11 per cent and 26 per cent in Pakistan and India, respectively.

He said credit-to-GDP ratio would automatically better tax-toGDP ratio in Pakistan. To a question, Ashraf Mahmood Wathra said issue of charity collection by Islamic banks would be monitored.

He said restriction of cash margin had been imposed on selected con-

sumer items and country was spending around $8.5 billion on the import of consumer items out of which a number of merchandise were unnecessary and being produced locally.

He said late payment limit of 90day for the industries was limited to information only, not for labeling as defaulter. He said law for establishment of credit bureaus had been approved that would help transmission of loans.

He said economy had turned around due to supportive macroeconomic policies, successful completion of IMF programme, sharp fall in oil prices and improvement in energy supplies.

He said markup and inUlation were at the lowest, real GDP growth rate was at 4.7 per cent in FY 2016 that was only 2.8 per cent during FY 2009-13, remittances grew to 19.9 per cent in 2016 from 11 per cent in during 2009-13.

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KARACHI

muhAmmAD YouSAf www.customstoday.com

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ollectorate of Customs Adjudication-II Deputy Collector Baasit Hussain has issued Order-in-Original (ONO) against M/s Naseem Autos for evading customs duties and taxes evasion of Rs 458,077.

According to the ofUicial sources, M/s Naseem Autos imported four consignments of aerosol spray paints under PCT Heading 3208.9090 paying customs duty @ 12.5% after claiming beneUit of SRO 659(I)/2007 dated 03.06.2007. However, the subject goods are correctly classiUiable under PCT 3208.2090 attracting customs duty @ 20% sales tax @ 17%, additional sales tax @3 % and income tax @ 6%.

Thus, by way of mis-declaration of classiUication, M/s Naseem Autos, Lahore, evaded Rs 458,077 taxes.

Therefore, the importer, has violated the provisions of Section 32 (1) (2) & (3A) of the Customs Act, 1969, Section 3, 6 & 7 read with Section 34 of the Sales Tax Act 1990 and Section 148 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 punishable under clauses (1), and 14 of Section 156(1) of the Customs

Act 1969, Section 33(5) of the Sales Tax however, failed to come up with any tanAct, 1990 and Section 148 & 182 of gible evidence and explanation and was Income Tax Ordinance 2001 also unable to refute the charges leveled and section 7-A of the Sales by the Department.

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

DC Baasit Hussain observed four orted that the case against the p m i Autos ray importer has established sol sp seem o a r n e s a / f and therefore directed it m ts o nmen ading to deposit evaded duty onsig cT he c p r e d and taxes of Rs 458,077. dut y @ s un stoms paint u A penalty of Rs 25,000 c g f in efit o 0 pay was also imposed on the g ben 8.909 n i 0 2 m i 3 07 importer. cla .06.20 after 3 0 % d 5 e .

Earlier, the contravention t 12 07 da report was issued to M/s (I)/20 9 5 6 SRo Naseem Autos, Lahore, for explaining and clarifying as to on what basis they have avoided/ evaded the leviable duty and taxes. The importer,

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Friday, March 17, 2017

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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

new report of Transparency International

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latest survey of the Transparency International has revealed that corruption is not confined to only one region or one country, but it more or less prevails in every nation of the world. Corruption is rampant in Pakistan though the country has improved its image by two points and has moved up from 30 to 32 out of 100 — again improving its ranking by nine spots to 61 in the list of most corrupt countries in 2016 from 52 a year ago. The survey also reveals that at least 900 million people in the Asia-Pacific region have paid illegal gratification to the government officials at a certain point of time. At least 22,000 people were consulted across 16 countries in the Asia Pacific region and were asked about their experience with corruption.

However, over one in four of them had paid a bribe to get their jobs done. At least 40 percent Pakistanis admitted that they paid bribe in the form of a gifts and favours. The police emerged as the top earner in the list of public services sector. The poorest segment of society have the highest number in paying a bribe which shows how the force cries loud enough for an urgent overhaul. Islam strictly prohibits bribery in any shape and form and disallows offering of even gifts to government officials. However, it is dilemma of this country that it is listed as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. The police department is the legacy of the colonial era and it cannot be reformed by any means. The only panacea is to establish a new civil force and not a single official from the existing police cadre should be included in it. The motorway police is the best precedent to qualify this suggestion. The survey notices that 35 percent Pakistanis have perception that corruption has increased in the last one year.The country obtained a score of 32 on the Transparency Index earlier this year, which is two points higher than the previous year. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has successfully persuaded the Swiss authorities to reveal the accounts data of the Pakistani depositors. He told the National Assembly that Pakistan and Switzerland are going to sign an agreement on exchange of information regarding bank accounts.

pakistan as 20th powerful economy I

LAHORE

DR AfTAB AfZAL

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n a survey conducted by Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and global brand consultants BAV Consulting to assess the best countries in 2017, Pakistan has been projected as the 20th most powerful economy in the world and 74th in the category of overall top countries. The new global ranking of the best countries puts India at the 16th position and at 25th in overall best countries category. However, Pakistan is ranked 40th in terms of being an influential country and the last among 80 evaluated countries in education category. At

least 21,000 top businessmen, political elites and common citizens were consulted to assess the economic performance of various countries in which Switzerland emerged as the No 1 and the United States 7th after falling from 4th position it was holding last year. The United States has still been ranked as No1 in the category of most powerful nation, followed by Russia, China, the United Kingdom and Germany.

Under different heads, Pakistan is ranked 61th among the emerging economies, 59th in the entrepreneurship category, 75th in headquarters a corporation, 76th in transparency, 77th in quality of life, 78th in adventure and 79th in travel alone category.

The United States has shed its points in the areas of business, citizenship, adventure tourism, education, transparency and headquartering a corporation. At least 80 top countries are evaluated across a range of criteria, from economic development to their global perception. In Asian economies, Japan has moved up two points up to grab 5th position this year whereas China is ranked 20th among the overall best countries.

As regard to Pakistan, it is ahead of many regional economies under different heads but desperately needs political stability and financial management. The exports of the country have been falling, debt burden is rising and energy crisis still exist

despite the present government is near to complete its four years in the office. The government is still short of technocrats and policy advisers to leading the country to the next phase of the economic journey. Despite the fact that the world media has begun to realize the good performance of the Pakistan’s economy, it still has to go a long way to achieve the cherished goal of prosperity.

The nation is always in disagreement even on vital issues and far from reaching consensus on any point from politics to economy and security to foreign affairs.

However, the development process is gaining momentum and every citizens of the nation should work hard to keep this process in running mode.

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Etisalat posts $2.29bn profit for 2016 DUBAI: Etisalat, the UAE’s leading telecom service provider, reported a consolidated net profit after federal royalty of Dh8.4 billion ($2.29 billion) for 2016, resulting in a net profit margin of 16 per cent and year over year increase of 2 per cent. In the fourth quarter, consolidated net profit after federal royalty amounted to Dh2.2 billion ($600 million) resulting in a net profit margin of 17 per cent. The consolidated revenues for 2016 amounted to Dh52.4 billion ($14.27 billion), an increase of 2 per cent compared to the previous year. The consolidated revenues for the fourth quarter amounted to Dh12.9 billion ($3.51 billion), representing an increase of 3 per cent year over year. Earnings per share (EPS) amounted to Dh0.26 in the fourth quarter of 2016 and Dh0.97 for the full year of 2016. The proposed final dividend payout of 40 fils per share for 2016 represents a total dividend payout of 80 fils for the full year and a dividend payout ratio of 83 per cent, it said.

LccI concerns over fast widening of revenue short fall LAHORE

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he Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Wednesday showed grave concern over fast widening revenue short fall. 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 reported tax collection shortfall during the first eight months of the ongoing financial year is not only an ample proof of the miseries of trade and industry but is also describing trust gap between the business community and the revenue

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collectors. They said that said that revenue shortfall would add to the financial woes of the present regime.

The LCCI office-bearers said that Federal Board of Revenue should discard the policy of squeezing and burdening the existing taxpayers as it is giving a wrong message to those who want to come into tax net. They urged the Federal Board of Revenue to stop attachment of accounts as it is a routine matter and shattering the confidence of business community.

How businessmen can do their business with peace of mind when their own amount is not save even in the banks. Likewise, they said, withholding tax on bank transactions should be withdrawn immediately as it is an extra burden on the businessmen.

They said that there are 3.5 million registered taxpayers out of which only around 1 million file their tax returns. Government should take all the measures to ensure filing of returns by remaining 2.5 million individuals and businesses.

Friday March 17, 2017

Chambers

Sheikh community rendering valuable services for welfare of society S

FAISALABAD

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heikh Community is rendering laudable services for the welfare of down trodden and in this connection Sheikh Foundation has laid down a comprehensive network of social welfare services, said Sheikh Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Speaker National Assembly.

Addressing the annual family diner of Sheikh Foundation here late last night, he said that Sheikh Community has always played a leading role in the social sector while Mian Muhammad Idrees has provided a system to make these services more effective and target oriented under the banner of Sheikh Foundation. He termed Sheikh Foundation as a plant that will give cool and comfort to many destitute belong to the Sheikh community.”Similarly Mian Muhammad Idrees will also enjoy the blessing of Allah beause of his services in this and the world hereafter.

Mian Muhammad Idrees president Sheikh Foundation said that this Foundation has been serving sheikh community for the last 9 years. He told that 2062 children be-

longing to the 972 deserving families are getting educational scholarships on monthly or annual basis.

Similarly, Sheikh Community also provided free medical treatment to 1140 patients. He told that the Sheikh Foundation has also doled out interest free loan of Rs. 22.5 Million to deserving people to start their own businesses. He said that it is actually a revolving fund and on the recovery of this fund, the same amount is pro-

vided to other needy persons. Similarly, 207 lawyers belonging to Sheikh Community are also offering free legal aid to the needy individuals belonging to this community. Mian Muhammad Idrees said that the members of Sheikh Foundation have now jumped to 4000 and we are planning to extend more educational facilities in addition to arranging the marriages of 200 girls belonging to this community during this year. He

Dubai chamber panel of judges select winner of mRm Business Award

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panel of judges recently met to select the winners of 9th cycle of the annual Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (MRM) Business Award and the 1st cycle of the MRM Business Innovation Award. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, the United Arab Emirates’s minister of economy and chairman of the MRM Business Award, chaired the panel. Joining him on the panel were Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, undersecretary for economic affairs at the UAE’s Ministry of Economy; Fadi F. Farra, co-founder and partner at Whiteshield Partners; Angela Kok and Selvakumar Shanmugam of Management Committee

SPRING – Singapore Quality Award; and Duke Urbanik, co-founder of the Venture Generator and Yes! Delft Entrepreneur in Residence. The steering committee for the MRM Business Award was led by Hamad Buamim, president & CEO of the Dubai Chamber and Dr. Belaid Rettab, senior director of the economic research and sustainable business development sector. Winners of the awards were announced at a ceremony organized by the Chamber at Madinat Jumeirah Arena. The event was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai. Government departments, dignitaries, Dubai Chamber ofUicials, business leaders and members of the local and regional media attended the event. Meanwhile, The

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently hosted the Gulfood Breakfast BrieUing at its headquarters. The meeting was attended by 250 delegates from 36 countries in addition to several representatives from Dubai’s business community.

Held on the sidelines of Gulfood 2017, the event was an opportunity to discuss new trends and opportunities for growth in Dubai’s food and beverage sector. Atiq Juma Nasib, senior vice president of commercial services at Dubai Chamber, delivered an opening speech, outlining the advantages that Dubai can provide food suppliers and exporters across the globe. He noted the Emirate’s strategic location, which can provide trade partners with easier access to markets in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

said that he is also working to set up various wings of Sheikh Foundation to deal with special sectors. The provincial minister Sheikh Allaud Din, Members National Assembly Mian Abdul Manan, Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan, Haji Muhammad Ikram Insari, Chairmen FDA Sheikh Ijaz Ahmad, Deputy Mayor Sheikh Muhammad Yousaf and members of Sheikh Community also attended this annual dinner along with their families.

civil Defence Day celebrated at RccI awalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) celebrated World Civil Defence Day here Friday. Deputy Commissioner Talat Mahmood Gondal was chief guest on the occasion. Assistant Commissioner City Maleeha Jamal, Civil Defence Officer Sanjeeda Khanam, Chief warden Civil Defence, Malik Paker, President RCCI Raja Amer Iq2bal, Vice President Asim Malik, group leader Sohail Altaf, members of the Chamber and a large number of civil defence volunteers were also present on the occasion. Speaking at the ceremony, the deputy commissioner said the role of volunteers and civil defence department was important in the prevailing law and order situation as volunteers help protectlives and properties of people during natural disasters, flood, emergency and war. –CB Report

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Mubashir assumes charge of Collector Adjudication Faisalabad Friday March 17, 2017

National faisalabad ASo impounds non-Duty paid Toyota Surf FAISALABAD

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FAISALABAD: Customs Adjudication Collector, Federal Board of Revenue, Mirza Mubashir Baig, a BS-19 officer of Pakistan Customs Service, has taken the charge of the post of Collector Customs Adjudication Faisalabad.

Mubashir Baig, in pursuance of the FBR’s notification No. 0568-C-I/2017 dated 24.02.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Adjudication Collector, Federal Board of Revenue (HQ) Islamabad, with effect from March Meanwhile, Customs Collectorate Deputy Collector Headquarters Usman Tariq has reshuffled eight customs employees with immediate effect.

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he Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has seized foreign origin (F/O) Toyota Surf with registration No: LWQ-918 modelled 1976 worth Rs1.5million involving customs duty and taxes of Rs1.2millions. Sources told Customs Today that Deputy Collector Muhammad Rizwan received a tipoff regarding some smuggling attempts. He formed an ASO team under the supervision of Superintendent Saeed Akhtar Joiya which also included Inspector Khalid Ashraf Noor, Mehmood Ahmed Dogar, Ali Zahid, Driver Muhammad Khalid Dogar and Muhammad Ashraf and Muhammad Shah Zaib and other sepoys. The ASO team intercepted the Toyota Surf on Jhang Road Faisalabad. The ASO team asked driver named Muhammad Ahsan son of Muhammad Munir, a resident of Peoples Colony Faisalabad, to produce the legal documents of the vehicle but he failed.

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fIA arrests two human traffickers in different raids he Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested two human traffickers from Faisalabad.

Sources told Customs Today that antihuman trafficking cell of the FIA raided different areas of Faisalabad division and arrested human trafficker, including Nawaar Sajid son of Riyasaat Ali. The accused person extorted Rs 2,00,000 for sending him to Dubai but he remained failed. Another Riyasat Ali, Muhammad Hussain has been arrested on the allegations of extorting Rs2,15,000 from a person on promise to send him to Dubai on employment visa but he remained failed. The FIA after registering a case of human smuggling against him, started investigations against him. –Naeem Sheikh

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ustoms Intelligence and Investigation Multan Range OfUice has purchased land for the establishment of new ofUice building.

According to details, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan is performing their administrative responsibilities currently from Raja Pur ofUice near Multan Bypass. The existing ofUice of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan is performing their ofUicial tasks in the rental building where they are facing dearth of land and they need big place for handling their routine tasks. Customs Intelligence and Investigation searched out different places for the establishment of their new ofUice building and they have also selected two lands for their new

ofUice building in Multan. Customs Intelligence and Investigation is performing their ofUicial responsibilities in the rental building from last one decade in Multan.

Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan acquired 22 kanal and 12 marlas of land for the establishment of new building of Customs Intelligence Office at Mati

Tal Bosan Road. The office of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan will be shifted to the new premises after its construction due to less space available for their routine duties.

The newly purchased land will comprise of State Ware House for seized goods and vehicles and these goods will also protect smuggled goods from bad weather to avoid devaluation. Customs Intelligence and Investigation will also build residential places for the accommodation of their staff and ofUicer in the new building.

The Federal Board of Revenue departmental working committee has approved the proposal for the purchase of new land after comprehensive discussion to construct new ofUice of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan.

customs recovers huge quantity of nDp goods D

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irectorate General Customs Intelligence and Investigation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), in its countrywide anti-smuggling operations, has seized miscellaneous goods worth millions of rupees in February 2017.

The items include auto spare parts, electronics, gutka, carpets, tyers, blankets, tea, petrol, grease, toiletries, food grains, toys, medicines, dinner set and crockery, foreign currency, diesel and narcotics.

The Directorate General recovered 469,360 liter Iranian diesel and 2,580 liters mobile oil worth Rs 797,000, and auto spare parts worth Rs 48.16 million. The department also seized foreign currency of various countries, including $18,900 and Saudi riyals 76,500 amounting to Rs 4.1 million. The anti-smuggling staff also seized 865 tyers and tubes worth Rs 5.3 million, electronic goods worth Rs 13.41 million, 541 blan-

kets worth Rs 1.49 million, toys worth Rs 4.36 million, medicines worth Rs 2,49,000, dinner set and crockery worth Rs 2 million. The

Customs I&I caught Indian smuggled Pan Parag and Zafrani Patti worth Rs 1.58 million and gutka worth Rs 2.386 million.

The anti-smuggling staff also recovered carpets worth Rs 30,000 and seized miscellaneous goods worth Rs 725. 56 million.

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ATIR attaches tax matter of M/s POF with other similar cases ISLAMABAD: The Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) attached a tax matter filed by M/s Pakistan Oil Fields with other similar cases.

ATIR Accountant Member Dr Ghulam Mujtaba Bhatti will now hear the case filed by M/s Pakistan Oil Fields with other similar cases in coming days.

M/s Pakistan Oil Fields had challenged a decision announced by Regional Tax Office of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) before the tribunal.

M/s Pakistan Oil Fields had challenged the recovery of outstanding income tax by the RTO Islamabad. This case, filed by M/s Pakistan Oil Fields, was heard by the bench for the first time and adjourned.

customs Appellate Tribunal to hear cases filed against field offices fBR ISLAMABAD

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ustoms Appellate Tribunal to resume hearing of couple of customs references filed against field offices of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Customs Appellate Tribunal’s single bench comprising Member Syed Muhammad Anwar would hear the cases. M/s Lucky Enterprises and another filed by M/s Haq Nawaz. Both of these cases had been filed during 2016.

The cases were still pending with the tribunal. M/s Lucky Enterprises had filed the case against MCC. It had challenged a customs duty assessment sustained by the adjudication. Haq Nawaz

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had filed cases regarding release of vehicles which were seized by customs authorities amid attempt to smuggling various items. The bench had also held hearing on said matter before. But these cases were pending with the tribunal. The bench had directed the concerned counsels to fully assist the bench on the matters in order to reach a just and fair decision. Meanwhile, The Federal Service Tribunal (FST) on Monday dated in office the hearing of three important service matters and issued directives to counsels involved to ensure their presence before the bench on the next date of hearing. FST Chairman Justice (r) Sayed Zahid Hussain and Dr Nazir Saeed heard three cases filed by Muhammad Sulaman Javed, Muhammad Nawaz, and Muhammad Shakeel Akhtar. The bench adjourned the hearing following absence of the main counsels from the tribunal. However, the tribunal issued directives to the representing counsels to submit relating documents prior to the next hearing.

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Stranded Afghanis throng pakistan-Afghan border after its opening

faisalabad ASo impounds vehicles & goods valued Rs19.1 million FAISALABAD

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he Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has recovered smuggled items worth Rs19.1millions during February 2017. Sources informed Customs Today that additional Collector (ADC) Saeed Asad formed several teams to foil smuggling attempts.

These teams conducted various raids under the supervision of Deputy Collector Muhammad Rizwan which also included supervision of Superintendent Saeed Akhtar Joiya, Inspector Khalid Ashraf Noor, Sepoys Mehmood Ahmed Dogar, Ali Zahid, Drivers Muhammad Khalid Dogar and Muhammad Ashraf, Muhammad Shah Zaib. The ASO team successfully seized non-duty paid vehicles, F/O cloths, auto-parts, miscellaneous items and other vehicles being used for smuggling transportation and were brought into the country without payments of customs duty and taxes. During said period, the team seized five vehicles valued Rs4.4million under Section (U/S 157) used for smuggling and also confiscated non-duty paid other five vehicles.

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hough trade related activities are banned, however thousands of stranded Afghan citizens crossed the Pak-Afghan sharing border when it was opened on Tuesday after remaining closed for 18 days. The Khyber RiUles ofUicial said that following the decision of the government, the Torkham border was reopened at 7:00 am and the Afghan nationals stranded in Pakistan were let cross the border to Afghanistan.

It is pertinent to mention that last night the government of Pakistan announced reopening of Torkham and Chaman borders for two days to facilitate the stuck Afghan nationals to move back to their country.

The relaxation of border crossing was granted to pedestrians only and commodities’ transportation or vehicles’ movements was still restricted there, ofUicial conUirmed.

Those Afghan citizens having legal travelling documents including passport and visa were permitted to move to their motherland. In the same way, from Afghan side Pakistanis with passports were allowed

Friday March 17, 2017

to cross into Pakistan. However, entry of Afghan citizens into Pakistan was banned in spite of keeping valid documents. Levies Subedar, Hikmat Afridi, said airing news of reopening of Torkham border, thousands of Afghanis, male and female thronged the border to go to their homeland.

Extra troops of the Frontier Corp (FC) along with Khasadars had been posted at Michni check-post, Uive miles away from the border who checked the passports of the arriving Afghan passengers. The passport holders were let approach the border while those who had no

proper documents were sent back from the checkpoint.

The restrained policy affected dozens of repatriated Afghan citizens who asked for permission to move to the country.

Razi Gul, a driver and a resident of Nengarhar province of Afghanistan who was refused by the border security ofUicials to cross the border, said that days back he had taken his relative child to Peshawar for medical treatment by paying two thousands rupees Uine on the border but now the authorities did not allow him to go back to Afghanistan.

Additional collector Saima adjourns hearing of two cases

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FAISALABAD

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he Customs Adjudication Additional Collector Saima Aftab conducted the hearing of two smuggling cases worth Rs20,06,321.

These cases were forwarded by Customs Intelligence and Investigation.

Sources told Customs Today that additional collector heard a case Uiled against M/s H.S. International Limited which is allegedly involved in smuggling of knitted fabric loaded on the container and trailer.

Sources said that Additional Collector Saima Aftab also heard case of Muhammad Hussain and other per-

son named as Kamran involved in smuggling of motor oil along with vehicle. The party evaded customs duty and taxes worth Rs20,06,321 .

During hearing customs counsel said that container was being used for transportation of smuggled goods and was plying on road without payment of duty taxes. The Customs Intelligence team seizes items according to customs rule and regulations. After conducting hearing of cases, Additional Collector Customs Adjudication adjourned all cases until next dates. The ADC directed all relevant parties to make ensure their appearance during next date of hearing.

Meanwhile, The Deputy Collec-

tor Customs Adjudication Asma Hameed has issued Order-inOriginal (ONO) in favour of AntiSmuggling Organization Faisalabad.

According to details, a team of the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) intercepted a bus bearing registration no. FSA- 4055 loaded with with tyres and tubes. The smuggled vehicle was brought into country without payment of customs duty and taxes through unauthorized way.

The Customs team arrested the driver of the vehicle Muhammad Shahid to produce documents regarding import of vehicle and goods . But he failed to produce the lawful proof. The particular of

the vehicle and goods were checked on the website and found not tallied. The incharge of PRAL Customs Dry Port Faisalabad has informed that the vehicle having number no. FSA -4055(cut & weld) imported in the country. Seizure report along with enclosures is being submitted to adjudication authority for adjudication.

So it is evidence that as the result of forensic science laboratory, testing report of the vehicle i.e trailer bearing registration no. FSA- 4055 chassis number frame is found cut and welded means original chassis number has been cut away and a bogus chassis number has been welded in the chassis frame.

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New Zealand’s wholesale trade rises 0.7% in Q4 Friday March 17, 2017

World

WELLINGTON: Seasonally adjusted sales gained 0.7 percent in the three months ended Dec. 31, 2016, from a 1 percent gain in the third quarter, Statistics New Zealand figures show.

Actual wholesale stocks rose 1.6 percent from the fourth quarter of 2015.

In the latest period, four of six wholesale industries recorded gains. Grocery, liquor and tobacco products rose 2 percent, with fruit exports higher than usual for a December quarter, a period which is a non-peak season for fruit exports. Sales of motor vehicles and parts rose 2.2 percent and machinery and equipment sales gained 1.7 percent. Actual wholesale trade sales of $25.9 billion in the December quarter were up 3.8 percent from the same period in 2015.

philippines customs seizes goods worth p200 million

S korea to ban uS poultry imports due to h7 bird flu SEOUL

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he Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized some P200 million worth of counterfeit apparel and other products in simultaneous raids on two buildings located along Cuneta Avenue in Pasay City.

Customs Commissioner Nicanor E. Faeldon said that the operations were part of BOC’s stringent counter-measures against all forms of smuggling of fake products into the country in grave violation of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property (IP) Code of the Philippines and RA 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016.

BOC’s spokesperson Neil Anthony Estrella, concurrent director of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), reported that the raids were conducted at

new Zealand’s wool exports drops 25 percent new report shows that the export value of wool from December to January dropped by 25 percent, and in the past six months it has fallen 10 percent. The figures show the extent of the damage that high exchange rates, Brexit and Donald Trump’s election have had on wool exports. The wool industry has had a tough season so far. China, which buys 60 percent of New Zealand’s wool exports, vanished from the market after Trump was elected US president. Beef and Lamb New Zealand chief economist Andrew Burtt said the 10 percent drop in export value for the six months to January was driven by currency changes. “Most of that is the huge change in the value of the New Zealand dollar against the currencies in which wool is exported for example against stirling the NZD is 30 percent stronger than. –CB Report

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One Logistics Building and YS Building in Pasay City.

Inside One Logistics Building, at least 21 stalls on the 3rd, 5th, and 6th Uloors were found with counterfeit apparel with such brand names like Nike, Adidas, Armou All, Vans, Lacoste; their value was estimated at P100 million. At YS Building, some 11 stalls were found with a

stash of fake clothing with brand names like Jag, Wrangler, Under Armour, Superman, NBA, valued at more or less P100 million. “We conducted these raids to enforce the law and protect Filipino consumers from the bad effects of smuggling fake products. It is assumed that their owners have deliberately avoided paying taxes,” Estrella said.

Royal Bank of canada upgrades shares of Royal Dutch Shell pLc

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he Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of Royal Dutch Shell PLC from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a report. A number of other equities analysts also recently weighed in on RDS.A. Deutsche Bank AG reissued a buy rating on shares of Royal Dutch Shell PLC in a research note on Tuesday, November 15th. Zacks Investment Research raised shares of Royal Dutch Shell PLC from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $60.00 target price for

the company in a research note on Wednesday, December 14th. Citigroup Inc. reissued a neutral rating on shares of Royal Dutch Shell PLC in a research note on Thursday, October 13th. BNP Paribas reissued a neutral rating on shares of Royal Dutch Shell PLC in a research note on Tuesday, October 11th. Finally, J P Morgan Chase & Co raised shares of Royal Dutch Shell PLC from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 2nd. –CB Report

outh Korea will ban imports of US poultry after a strain of H7 bird Ulu virus was conUirmed at a US chicken farm, the agriculture ministry said on Monday (March 6), and cutting shipments from its main supplier during a current egg shortage.

A case of the highly pathogenic H7 avian inUluenza was found on Sunday in a chicken breeder Ulock on a Tennessee farm contracted to US food giant Tyson Foods Inc. The import ban will take effect, the agriculture ministry said in a statement. Live poultry and eggs are subject to the ban, while heattreated chicken meat and egg products can still be imported, the statement noted.

South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy, has been importing eggs

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from the United States as its worstever bird Ulu outbreak has tightened the country’s egg supplies.

So far this year South Korea has shipped in nearly 1,049 tonnes of US eggs, according to ministry data, accounting for more than 98 per cent of its total egg imports. South Korea resumed US poultry imports in June last year after imposing a ban in early 2016 when bird Ulu cases were detected in the United States. The resumption of the US import ban means South Korea can import chicken meat from Brazil, Chile, Australia, Canada, the Philippines and Thailand. Live poultry imports are limited to farm birds from New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Meanwhile, The South Korean economy is facing trials at home and abroad as China steps up its economic retaliation for Seoul’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) deployment plan. Some of China’s measures are already having a visible impact, including the cancellation of large-scale South Korea visits by Chinese tour groups.

Brazil gDp slips 0.9% in Q4 of 2016 razil’s economy worsened more than feared at the end of 2016, possibly paving the way for bolder interest rate cuts by its central bank.

Brazilian gross domestic product shrank at an outsized quarterly rate of 0.9% in the last three months of last year amid further weakness in consumption and a smaller contribution from net exports. Household consumption fell for an eight consecutive quarter, by 0.6%, doubling the contraction seen over the previous three months, as high inUlation and a weak jobs market took their toll. However, imports rose by 3.2%, “signaling that

domestic demand will soon stabilize”, Andres Abadia, senior international economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics said. Gross Uixed capital formation – the main measure of investment in the economy – also fell less rapidly, retreating 1.6% on the quarter after sliding 2.5% in the third quarter. Exports were also better than in the previous quarter, although they did fall by 1.8% on the quarter. So, despite the weak headline reading, “easing monetary policy, rapid and steady disinUlation, improving conUidence, and rising commodity prices are laying the ground for growth this year,” Abadia said. –CB Report

South African SAfE eyes to new exports destinations

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CAPE TOWN

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ape Town-based producer and exporter, SAFE (South African Fruit Exporters) is all set to take conversations forward with a group of possible new clients in Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and Canada to expand its citrus and table grape ex-

ports to these regions.

This follows fruitful initial discussions between SAFE and the group at last month’s Fruit Logistica, the global fresh produce fair held annually in Berlin, Germany.

“The Uirst step in becoming their fresh produce supplier is to agree on quality, packaging and Uinancial terms and conditions, and then work out our shipping and packing plans,” said Wibo

van den Ende, Marketing Manager at SAFE. Wibo represented SAFE at Fruit Logistica, where the fruit and citrus producer and exporter – strategically sharing a stand with its European totalproduce distribution and marketing partner Haluco, a total produce company– joined over 3 000 other international exhibitors to market their crop. SAFE took the opportunity to meet with suppliers of new citrus and

table grape varieties, as well as to explore new packing equipment, machinery and irrigation techniques that could suit its production and packing facilities in South Africa. “SAFE believes in the power of innovation. Novel varieties and pioneering techniques can assist us in cutting down on pesticide, fertilizer and water use – in other words, farm in a more environmentfriendly manner,” says Van den Ende.

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Norway plans to scrap airline tax OSLO: At its national conference, Norway’s governing Hoyre party announced that it plans to scrap a mandatory airline tax connected to last year’s closure of Oslo Rygge Airport. The party wants to replace the flat fee with a new type of tax that would have a “clear environmental effect”. The proposal, which came from the Ostfold division of the party, was made at he end of a debate on transport. Overall support was given to the proposal to “scrap the passenger tax and replace it with a tax that has a more clear environmental effect,” reports the paper. The fee in its current form was a part of the budget agreed by the government and its supporting parliamentary parties in November 2015 and was implemented on June 1st 2016.

Denmark optimistic for come-back in poultry exports anish poultry expects once again to be exported and traded abroad, according to the Environment and Food Ministry. The ministry said in a statement that a three-month quarantine period, which was implementing in adherence with international rules following the discovery of avian influenza type H5N8, has expired. Danish poultry had been quarantined since November. “The main obstacle to us selling eggs and poultry to other countries has been removed, and we can begin negotiations with the individual markets to reopen exports,” said Troels Vensild. “It won’t happen by itself.” Japan, Mexico, Singapore and Hong Kong have all lifted trade restrictions against Danish poultry.

Avian flu is still infecting wild birds in Denmark, so poultry should still be kept under cover. Avian flu has been discovered this month in a wild buzzard in Kalundborg and a peregrine falcon in Lemvig. –CB Report

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Thai customs seizes rhino horns worth $5 million

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nZ dollar falls to four-month low he New Zealand dollar fell to a four-month low against the euro after reports the European Central Bank may begin raising interest rates even before the end of its quantitative easing programme. The kiwi dollar traded at 64.82 euro cents as at 8am in Wellington, and earlier touched 64.67 cents, the lowest since November 9, from 65.16 cents on Friday. The local currency traded at US69.31c from 69.28c in New York on Friday, having touched as low as 68.87 cents last week. Bloomberg News and Reuters reported some ECB policymakers discussed the possibility of hiking interest rates from record low levels before the end of the bank’s massive bondbuying programme. Meanwhile, US non-farm payrolls for February showed the US economy added 235,000 jobs last month. –CB Report

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hai customs have conUiscated 21 rhino horns with an estimated value of nearly US$5 million in the biggest such seizure in Thailand for years, ofUicials said.

Thailand has become a major transit point for the trade in endangered species to other Asian countries. The seizure of the nearly 50 kilogram (110 lb) of rhino horn came days after 300 kilogram of elephant ivory was impounded and a month after

the discovery of almost 3 tons of pangolin scales destined for Laos.

“It’s the biggest conUiscation of rhino horns in Uive to 10 years,” said Somkiat Soontornpitakkool, director of Thailand’s Wild Fauna and Flora Protection division.

The rhino horns were found in luggage sent from Ethiopia to Thailand. Two Thai women who travelled from Vietnam and Cambodia to pick up the luggage ran off when it was subject to a random check, police said. Warrants are now out for their arrest.

Global trade in rhino horn is banned by a U.N. convention, but in some fast-growing Asian countries

it is prized as an ingredient in traditional medicines to treat everything from fever to cancer.

It is estimated that only some 29,000 rhinos are left in the wild today compared to 500,000 at the start of the 20th century, according to the International Rhino Foundation. Africa is home to 80 percent of the world’s remaining rhinos.

Meanwhile, Thai authorities seized 422 pieces of elephant tusks and arrested a Gambian man suspected of smuggling the ivory.

Customs Department DirectorGeneral Kulit Sombatsiri said that the tusks were hidden in a shipment listed as unprocessed gemstones.

Friday March 17, 2017

german biodiesel export rises 3.4% in 2016 erman biodiesel exports in 2016 reached 1.54 million metric tons (approximately 463 million gallons), up 3.4 percent from 2015, according to figures from the German Federal Statistics Office and Germany’s Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP). Despite the increase in German biodiesel exports in 2016, biodiesel exports still fell short of the record of 1.71 million tons (514 million gallons) set in 2014. EU member states continue to be key recipients of Germany’s biodiesel, taking in around 87 percent of the country’s exports. The Netherlands and Poland topped the list as the largest importers of German biodiesel last year; both countries received significantly more biodiesel than a year earlier. French imports from Germany dropped 53 percent, however, but Spain and Finland imported much more last year than in 2015. According to the government figures, U.S. imports of German biodiesel were topped only by those of the Netherlands and Poland, reaching 85,000 tons (25.5 million gallons)— nearly seven times the volume imported in 2015. While German biodiesel exports rose 3.4 percent in 2016, its imports spiked by roughly 38 percent to 718,000 tons (216 million gallons), the largest amount imported into Germany since 2012. Product from the Netherlands jumped 87 percent to 248,000 tons (74 million gallons). –CB Report

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Indonesia eyes to increase Lpg imports from Iran

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iratmaja Puja, Indonesia’s Director General of Oil and Gas at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, said Jakarta plans to increase liqueUied petroleum gas (LPG) imports from Iran.

“We wish to add the amount of imported LPG from Iran at a discounted price, if possible,” Wiratmaja said. He added that the Indonesian government is seeking to

double its import volume from 500,000 tons to 1 million tons of LPG for domestic needs. Back in December, Indonesia’s Pertamina Spokeswoman Wianda Pusponegoro said the energy company is expected to sign an agreement to import Iranian liqueUied petroleum gas (LPG) in 2017. Pertamina plans to import up to 12 cargoes, each of which contains 44,000 tons of gas, in 2017, she added.

Meanwhile, Indonesia is reportedly requesting its nurses and tourism workers to be provided

with a better access to Australia’s labour market on the eve of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s visit to the country. The request is part of a free trade deal that the two countries are expected to sign before the year ends. Noke Kiroyan, president of the Indonesia Australia Business Council (IABC), explained that the tourism industry is growing swiftly, which calls for the need of people who obtain proper training. “Australia is well positioned to provide that training,” Financial Review has quoted him saying.

Turnbull and Trade Minister Steve Ciobo are scheduled to visit Indonesia this week after President Joko Widodo’s weekend trip to Australia last month. The Australian leader’s visit is expected to maintain the thrust in negotiations for the Indonesia Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IACEPA).

Business groups from both Australia and Indonesia previously suggested creating a special visa category for the service sector movement of skilled individuals.

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FIA detains accused for extortion Friday March 17, 2017

Lahore

LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Saturday arrested an accused for extortion.

According to FIA spokesman, Muhammad Ali of tehsil Hasilpur, district Bahawalpur, extorted Rs459,000 from Matloob Ahmad of Toba Tek Singh for employment in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, At least four suspects have been arrested by the FIA on grounds of tricking people on the pretext of jobs abroad. Sources told Customs Today that after receiving credible information, security officers conducted an operation in Lahore and arrested four suspects identified as Khurrum Bukhari, Mohammad Sarfraz, Mirza Amjad and Mohsin Latif. The FIA sources claimed that the suspects have also confessed to taking money from more than 12 people illegally.

nAB recognizes quality training of its manpower: nAB

Zulfiqar Younas assumes charge as director customs I&I Lahore

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amar Zaman Chaudhry, Chairman NAB, reviewed the progress of Training of Trainers’ (TOT) two week workshop held for NAB Investigation OfUicers and Prosecutors at the NAB Headquarters who will now impart training to their respective regional bureaus. During the meeting, DG Training and Research (T&R) said the Training of Trainers’ (TOT) workshop was conducted for 18 Investigation OfUicers and seven Prosecutors. After the training, an assessment written test was also conducted.

He added that in 2016, four refresher courses of two week duration for IOs/COs were conducted in which 529 Investigation OfUicers/Case OfUicers participated. Two refresher

collector of Appeal hears 4 important appeals ollector of Customs Appeals Dr. Asif Jah Mehmood heard important appeals filed by different applicant involved in various cases including confiscation of goods and articles, valuation disputes, betel leaves and other such cases. The first case was regarding used serviceable compressor for air conditioners which was filed by appellant’s counsel Rana Muhammad Taya. The case was detected by Customs Intelligence and Investigations Lahore while the appellant in the appeal was M/s Hassan Ali Lahore. In the second appeal Sumair Saeed advocate appeared on behalf of M/s MA Aleem Khan & Sons Private Limited in used construction machinery on valuation dispute. In third appeal, advocate Mian Ghulam Hussain appeared on betel leves case and the petitioner in the case was Basharat Ali and Muhammad Sohail, the bank employees. –M Hayat

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courses for Prosecutors were conducted for a two-week duration in which 67 Prosecutors participated in 2016. Three Inter-Regional Trainings were conducted in 2016 for one week duration in which 87 OfUicers/IOs/COs participated. Six Capacity Building Courses for ofUicers/Investigation OfUicers/Case OfUicers were conducted for a two-day duration in 2016 and 28 Land Training Courses were availed in collaboration with the foreign agencies i.e. Australian Federal Police, British High Commission, Asian Development Bank, ICITAP & OPDAT and UNODC during 2016.

About 125 NAB ofUicers from Regional NABs attended these training courses in 2016. About 21 Training Courses were offered by the Academies of other law enforcement agencies and government departments which were availed in 2016 in which 62 NAB ofUicers/Investigation OfUicers/Case OfUicers participated.

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ulUiqar Younas has assumed the charge of director of customs Intelligence and Investigations Lahore after relinquishing his charge as collector of Customs Preventive Lahore.

As per details ZulUiqar Younas assumed the responsibilities of his new charge as director of Intelligence and Investigations after relinquishing the charge of collector of Customs Preventive.

Younas has been working on various posts in Lahore including Director of Directorate of Training and Research Lahore, Collector of Customs Preventive. Younas is known as one of the most competent ofUicers of the customs department. During his period at the DGTR Lahore introduced and initiated a number of training

fIA crackdown continues against human traffickers; two held

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he FIA Wednesday claimed to have arrested four accused on different charges. Spokesman for FIA said they conducted raids in different parts of the province and arrested four people involved in human smuggling. He said that a raid was conducted by a team headed by Nasir Awan at Shop No 13, Bahria Centre, Shah Alam Market Lahore, where accused Ammar Saleem was found involved in illegal business of hundi/hawala. Mobile phone, manual receipts regarding the

hundi/hawala and visiting cards were also recovered from his possession. A case FIR No 47/2017 under Section 4,8,23 FER Act, 4 AML Act FIA/CCC has been registered.

Muhammad Khalid, a resident of Toba Tek Singh, and Nadeem Tahir, a resident of Mamu Kanjan District Faisalabad, were arrested in case No 540/16 and 116/17 respectively. Accused gulled Rs400000 from a complainant Muhammad Tahir Islam, a resident of TT Singh, for an employment in Qatar. –M Imran Mehar

for staff, ofUicers and businessmen of Lahore who beneUitted from the trainings and seminars. Similarly, he also worked extensively at the collectorate of Preventive Lahore and brought about a number of reforms by digitalizing Anti-Smuggling Organization, airport and all the other establishments of the collectorate.

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He has been posted to the post of director Customs Intelligence and Investigations in the large scale reshufUlings in the department. Sources said that Customs I&I director ZulUiqar Younas has started holding meetings with the customs staff and ofUicers in order to overcome smuggling and related activities.

Special customs court hears 16 cases

he Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling on Thursday heard 16 cases including pre-arrest bail pleas Uiled by suspects.

On the day, most of the cases were adjourned without any proceedings as parties and lawyers concerned did not appear in the court.

Hearing of pre-arrest bail pleas Uiled by accused M Razaq and salman were adjourned for new dates in next week.

A case against Shaukat Ali was also scheduled for hearing in which court recorded statements of the parties. Shaukat Ali is on bail nowa-

days. Framing of charges against Humayon Rasheed was also adjourned for next week. Final arguments and statements of the parties concerned in a case of smuggling against RaUique Ali was also scheduled for hearing which is rescheduled for next week. Meanwhile, The Special Court of the Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling heard 17 important cases on Saturday and adjourned most of the cases until next hearing.

According to details, 17 cases of different types, including pre-arrest bail pleas Uiled by different accused persons, were scheduled for hearing on Tuesday. –M Imran Mehar

customs Appellate Tribunal hears 10 cases

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LAHORE

SAJID nAwAZ

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he Customs Appellate Tribunal division bench-II comprising Judicial Member Omer Arshad Hakeem and Member Technical Imran Tariq heard 10 cases and adjourned all the cases until the next hearing.

The Customs Appellate Tribunal adjourned the hearing of 10 cases, including M/s Unison Traders versus customs Lahore, Abid Butt versus customs Lahore, Muhammad Rehman versus customs Multan, Muhammad Umer versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Multan.

The tribunal heard cases of Muhammad Sadiq versus customs

Lahore, Raaz Muhammad versus directorate Multan Unit D.G. Khan, Union Enterprises versus customs Lahore, Rai Muhammad Omair versus customs Lahore.

Furthermore, the tribunal heard cases Uiled by Muhammad Hakeem versus customs Faisalabad, Farhan Saleem versus directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Faisalabad and Hussain Trading versus cus-

toms Faisalabad.

In all the cases, the representatives of the appellants and respondents appeared before the court and argued in favor of their respective parties. After hearing the arguments from the parties, the Customs Appellate Tribunal reserved the verdict in few cases of Lahore and adjourned all the other cases until the next hearing.

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Brazil explores ports legislation changes WASHINGTON: In Brazil, the government is mulling the possibility of including conditions in future port concessions that will allow part of the concessionaire’s revenues to be used to secure foreign currency loans. This model has previously been used by government agency, the Investment Partnership Program (PPI) as a solution to provide guarantees against exchange rate variation during the tender process for airports. Also under debate in the Chamber of Deputies is a proposal to fix all future port concession contracts to a maximum of 25 years. However, this period could by extended up to an absolute limit of 50 years at the discretion of the granting authority.

Shipping activity at port Qasim wo ships C.V Maersk Memphis and M.T Miranda carrying containers and chemicals were allotted berths at Qasim International Container Terminal and Multi Purpose Terminal respectively on Tuesday.

Meanwhile three more ships Mykonos, Al-Soor-II and Grand Ace12 with Containers, Diesel oil and Palm oil arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim (PQ) during last 24 hours.

Berth occupancy observed at the Port at 53% on Tuesday where a total of eight ships namely Maersk Memphis, MSC Silvana, Al-Kharj, IVS Windsor, jumbo Jovelin, YM Miranda, Bunga Akasia and Nordic Gas were occupied PQA berths to load/offload Containers, Project Cargo, Coal, Chemicals, Palm oil and LPG respectively during last 24 hours. Cargo throughout during last 24 hours stood at 98,732 tonnes, comprising 51,707 tonnes

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import cargo and 47,025 tonnes export cargo inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 3,609 containers (TEUs) (1,134 imports TUEs & 2,475 TUEs exports) was handled at the Port. Two ships, Chemicals carrier YM Miranda and Bulk Cargo carrier IVS Windsor sailed out to sea on Wednesday morning while two more ships, Containers Vessel Maersk Memphis and General cargo carrier Jumbo Jovelin are expected to sail on same day. Three ships MSC Mykonos, AlSoor-II and Maria-III carrying Containers, Diesel oil and LPG are expected to take berths at QICT, FOTCO and EVTL respectively on Wednesday. While another ship ‘CMA CGM Corneille’ is due to arrive at PQ on Thursday. –CB Report

Ports & hipping

Friday March 17, 2017

west coast ports deliver strong results for 2016

Tema port Expansion project sponsors tour project site

WASHINGTON

xecutives from APM Terminals and Bolloré Transport & Logistics, the sponsors of the Tema Port expansion project, have toured the existing Meridian Port Services Terminal (MPS) inside Tema Port and the adjacent port expansion project site to inspect the progress of work. Reviewing the operations of the MPS Container Terminal, the executive delegation commended the management of MPS for the excellent operational performance. They were also impressed about Tema Port’s steady volume growth and the throughput volume handled for the month, despite February being a shorter month. The executive delegation subsequently assured the Chief Executive Officer and management team of MPS of their respective shareholders continued support in investing in both human resources and technology to boost the terminal’s operational levels, which already ranks among the highest in Africa. –CB Report

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xports and import container trafUic was strong, with a leading spot for the Northwest Seaport Alliance. But trouble looms as overall U.S. market share for the West Coast continues to decline. Despite continued sluggish world trade and the bankruptcy of Hanjin Shipping, U.S. West Coast ports saw strong containerized trafUic last year, according to the PaciUic Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA). The recent PMSA roundup showed that the Northwest Seaport Alliance, comprised of the seaports of the Port of Seattle and the Port of Tacoma, increased its inbound loaded TEUs by 13.5 percent in December and 6.4 percent for the year.

TEUs, or twenty-foot equivalent units, are the industry standard measure for shipping containers.

Outbound loads from Seattle and Tacoma rose 5.8 percent in December and 12.9 percent for the year.

The annual total was the strongest performance by any U.S. port.

The longer picture for U.S. West Coast ports is more sobering, according to a story in the Journal of Commerce. It says, “West Coast ports last year continued a decadelong decline of market share in which they have lost about 12 percentage points of US imports from Asia since 2005, reaching a new low of nearly 67 percent, as beneUicial cargo owners increased shipments through the East and Gulf coasts.”

The population in the Southeast is growing fast again (at least until climate change kicks in), making eastern and Gulf ports more attractive — and the full effects of the wider Panama Canal didn’t kick in last year. Another big problem is that Vancouver and especially Prince Rupert, B.C., offer attractive alternatives and fast rail connections to the American heartland. U.S. railroads, struggling with the loss of coal and oil trafUic, have been increasing intermodal rates.

Shahid Rajaee port boosts activities by 35% P

WASHINGTON

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MO head said the volume activities in Shahid Rajaee Port Complex has increased by 35 per cent in the past 11 months. Mohammad Saeidnejad, Managing Director of Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO), said implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) paved the path for purchasing required port equipment as reasonable prices and new items will arrive in the country in four months’ time. He deemed expansion of oil terminals as a major priority for PMO asserting “Uinancial resources have been supplied to the project while contractors will be chosen by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (to end March 21).”

“Over the past 35 months, volume of overall activities conducted at Shahid Rajaee Port has risen by 35 per cent,”

he emphasized. In the meantime, the growth Uigure stood at 34% for lauding and unloading, 51% for exports, 80% for transshipment as well as 35% for container operations.

At another part of his speech, Saeidnejad evaluated expansion of the country’s port network and strengthening of small ports as key strategies pursued by Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO). “On the basis of latest technical studies, Iran enjoyed a total of 5,795 kilometers of coastlines including mainland, islands and navigable river coasts,” highlighted the ofUicial calling for more serious attention to the role played by PMO. Deputy roads minister went on to underscore that Iran was placed among 20 top countries as regards shipping capacity index with an overall capacity of 15 million displacements. Mohammad Saeidnejad also referred to signiUicance of confronting sea pollutions saying “vessels for collecting

marine pollution have been purchased though their delivery is still pending after years.” Distance of Shahid Rajaee Port to Tehran is 1501 Km, 30 Km to the Hormozgan Province capital and 40 Km to the nearest airport. The connection of this port to Tehran and other parts of the country is possible via roads and railways. Situated in Bandar Abbas, Shahid Rajaee Port connects to more than 80 ports worldwide and the highest rate of cargo transit through the country and towards the Central Asia passes through this port.

Meanwhile, The dispute is already disrupting operations at a number of ports, affecting trafUic in and out of Spain. Stowage association SagebSevasa said as many as 12 ships had been forced to change their navigation plans to avoid stopping at the port of Valencia, where workers are staging a “go-slow” that has reportedly led to a 30 per cent drop in pro-

ductivity since last week.

Begoña Jimenez of exporter federation Fepex said if the strike goes ahead it will have little impact on the sector as 95 per cent of Spanish fruits and vegetables are sent via trucks.

However, Spanish companies have been making steady inroads into nonEU markets in recent years, many of which are reached by sea. With an already complicated citrus campaign in full swing, there are fears that prolonged action could affect shipments bound for emerging markets such as China, the Middle East and South America. Stonefruit producers, Meanwhile, are warning that unless the situation is resolved, it could affect the new season when it gets underway in June. Miguel Ángel Gómez of Extremadura grower association Afruex told EFE that exporters rely heavily on ports such as Algeciras to ship produce to countries like Canada, South Africa and the UAE.

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FBR to put in place consistent framework under new tax reform ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), under the new reform programme, will put in place a consistent framework for tax policy and sector-oriented risk-based audit, implement IT strategy, harmonise federal and provincial tax systems, broaden the tax base to improve collection through e-payments and e-invoicing, and create intelligence units under reforms. Sources said that here on Tuesday that the issue of tax reforms in the FBR was discussed during the second Steering Committee (SC) meeting of the Trust Fund for Accelerating Growth and Reforms (TAGR) which was held at Economic Affairs Division (EAD).

Friday, March 17, 2017

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

fBR receives 1,038,291 tax returns till march: Dr muhammad Iqbal ISLAMABAD m fAIZAn

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ederal Board of Revenue Spokesperson Dr. Muhammad Iqbal has said that 1,039,291 returns are received until March 2017 which are 172,097 more than the returns received for the tax year 2016 by the same date.

He rejected the claim that there is a reduction in the number of income tax returns Uiled for the current year as compared to the last year. Certain news reports and opinions appearing in the media on the subject have pointed out that the returns received by the FBR for the current year i.e. tax year 2016 are above one million whereas the returns received for the current tax year were above 1.2 million and hence there is a decline of around 200,000 in the number of returns received this year. The spokesperson of FBR has termed the reports and opinions as misleading and based on a lack of understanding of the return Uiling cycle. It needs to be understood that there is no cut-off date for Uiling of income tax returns.

Income tax law does provide a due date for Uiling of returns but the

taxpayers are allowed to Uile their returns after the lapse of the due date and sometimes Uile their returns for a tax year several years after the end of the tax year.

A meaningful comparison of the number of returns Uiled for a year with the preceding year has to be

for a given date because the returns for the preceding year continue to be Uiled even in the next year.

He said that till 9th of March 2017, FBR has received 1,039,291 returns that are 172.097 more than the 867,194 returns received for the tax year 2015 by the same date i.e.

9th of March 2016. Returns for tax year 2015 continued to be Uiled after this date and by 30th June 2016 the number of returns received became 1,028,611 and 1,202,634 by 9th of March 2017. It is therefore obvious that the Uigures being presented to the public by the sections of the

print and electronic media do not compare apples to apples and are misleading. Federal Board of Revenue for the information of the critics and the public at large would like to explain the reasons for the trend of return Uiling observed for the last year i.e. tax year 2015.

hSD oil smuggler sent to jail on judicial remand KARACHI

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ustom Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashidi sent an accused named Abdul Jabbar S/o Haji Abdul Rahan to Central Jail Karachi on judicial remand and directed the investigation ofUicer to complete probe and submit the chargesheet on the next date of hearing.

The accused was booked in a case

of attempt to smuggle/non-duty paid 25,000 litres HSD oil from Hub Balochistan into interior Sindh. It needs to be pertained here that on last date of hearing counsel for applicant/accused had Uiled pre-arrest bail application which was rejected by the court and ofUicials of the customs department had arrested him outside the court room.

The court had observed in its order that “record shows that applicant/accused was shown as absconder in charge sheet. Accused is absconder since long and nonbailable warrant was already is-

sued against him. The applicant/accused is deeply involved in transportation of smuggled HSD

which was seized. The accused is the owner of the vehicle in which alleged smuggled HSD was transported. The offence committed by the accused is punishable with 14 years’ imprisonment and as such falls within the clauses of Section 497 cr.pc. The speciUic role had been attributed to the applicant/accused person. The chargesheet shows that accused is fully involved in smuggling therefore the bail before arrest application is hereby rejected”.

Meanwhile, Customs Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has awarded six months imprisonment

Published by M S Raza Off# 42, 3rd Flr Gull Plaza M.A Road Karachi, Printed by Dhoom Printing Building No RY/A, 11/6,11/7, Mashoor Mahal,off I.I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi

(period which has already undergone) and Uined of Rs 1.5 million to a suspect Ali Shan. The court acquitted another suspect, Faraz Haroon son of Muhammad Haroon.

The suspects were booked in a mega tax evasion case.

During the hearing, both sides counsel completed their Uinal arguments and after their arguments, the count announced the judgment and observed in its order that: “The court reached the conclusion that accused Ali Shan son of Syed Ashraf Hussain is sentence for the period which he has already undergone and is imposed a Uine of Rs 1.5 million.