March 18 layout 1

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PakISTaN’S fIRST INDEPTh NEwSPaPER ON CUSTOMS

Daily

Vol 1 Issue No. 311

Karachi, Fri March 18, 2016

ISLAMABAD

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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has generated Rs 1862.258 billion during the eight months (July-March) of current Viscal year (2015-16) against Rs 1590.101 billion during corresponding period of last year, reVlecting a growth of 17.1 percent. According to the breakup of provisional revenue collection data, the collection of domestic taxes (direct taxes, sales tax and Federal Excise Duty) amounted to Rs 1608.556 billion during Virst nine months of 201516 against Rs 1398.797 billion in same period last Viscal, showing an improvement of 15 percent. Direct taxes collection stood at Rs 698.692 billion during the period under review against Rs 617.157 billion in the same period last Viscal year, reVlecting a growth of 13.2 per-

Price Rs. 14.00

cent. Sales tax collection amounted to Rs 810.008 billion during JulyMarch 2015-16 against Rs 690.870 billion during same period of 201415, showing a growth of 17.2 percent. Sales tax collection at the import stage was Rs 444.014 billion during the period under review against Rs 374.357 billion in JulyMarch 2014-15, showing an increase of 18.6 percent. Sales tax collection on local supplies (domestic stage) was Rs 365.994 billion during JulyMarch 2015-16 against Rs 316.513 billion in same period 2014-15, depicting an increase of 15.6 percent.

The collection of Federal Excise Duty (FED) amounted to Rs 99.855 billion during this period against Rs 90.770 billion in same period of last Viscal, depicting a growth of 10 percent.

The customs duty collection stood at Rs 253.702 billion during July-March 2015-16 against Rs 191.304 billion during corresponding period of last Viscal year, reVlecting a growth of 32.6 percent. The FBR has paid refunds and rebate of Rs 55.421 billion during July-March 2015-16 against Rs 75.372 billion in same period of last Viscal year, showing a decrease of 19.951 percent.

Customs Intelligence seizes goods, vehicles of Rs.394.73m during 2015

Customs Preventive Collector Zulfiqar assigns duties to officers

Govt aware of agri sector’s issues: CM Shahbaz Sharif

Collector Javaid issues show-cause notice to BSN Medical for taxes evasion

SCCI urges TEVTA to stop issuing legal notices to factory owners

Directorate of Customs Intelligence Range Office Multan has seized smuggled goods | SEE PagE 02 |

MCC Preventive Zulfiqar Younis has distributed work of the collectorate among | SEE PagE 03 |

CM Shahbaz has said the government is fully aware of the difficulties being faced | SEE PagE 04 |

Ch Muhammad Javaid, Collector, Customs Collectorate of Adjudication-II | SEE PagE 12 |

President SCCI Major (R) Mansoor has said that the TEVTA Apprenticeship | SEE PagE 09 |

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Customs Court grants bail to accused involved in smuggling Friday, March 18, 2016

LAHORE: The Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has approved bail plea of Saeedul Haq, who is allegedly involved in smuggling of foreign origin cloths.

Sources told Customs Today that the suspect was arrested by the Customs Intelligence Gujranwala and it recovered a huge quantity of smuggled goods from a truck which was being unloaded at his warehouse in the city.

The Special Federal Court of Customs, Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has approved his bail plea and asked the investigation team to complete their prosecution soon.

National

Customs Intelligence seizes goods, vehicles worth Rs 394.73m

Pak-afghan Customs officials discuss steps to curb smuggling KARACHI

MUBEEN hUSSaIN

MULTAN

IMRaN aLI

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irectorate of Customs Intelligence and InvestigationFBR Range OfVice Multan has seized smuggled goods and vehicles of worth Rs 394.73 million in anti-smuggling activities during the year 2015.Additional Director Nisar Ahmad told Customs Today that Customs Intelligence impounded 70 vehicles of different models and designs worth Rs 98.80 million during the whole 2015 year.

Nisar Ahmad informed that the Customs has detected 148 cases in anti-smuggling campaign in 2015.

He said that the performance of the Customs Intelligence was improved due to increased intelligence system of the Customs in the region against smugglers and their movements on certain routes. Customs have formed 40 seizure cases of various smuggling items and vehicles of Rs 111.006 million up to March during 2016 year. He said 27 various vehicles were seized during third quarter of March. Customs Intelligence shown exceptional performance under the supervision of Additional Director Nisar Ahmad.

Meanwhile, The Directorate of Custom Intelligence and Investigation has seized a huge quantity of smuggled items and vehicles worth Rs 72.191 million in February. Ac-

akistan and Afghan Customs officials have held a meeting to keep check and balance on borders, stop infiltration of people and curb smuggling.

The Pakistan Customs was represented by Directorate General Transit Trade Director General Muhammad Javed Ghani, Director Wajid Ali, Additional Director Moona Iffat, Deputy Director Chaudhadry Fazaldad, Deputy Director Shoib Raza and others.

The Afghan delegation consisted of Afghan Customs Operations Director Mohammad Zobair Qasimzadah, Automation Director Mohammad Malyar Jabrkhel, Mohammad Shoib and Rahmat Abbas.

Transit Trade Director Wajid Ali informed Customs Today that “the Pakistani Customs and Afghan Customs have decided to hold meeting on monthly basis.” The meeting of the customs officials was held at Chaman and Torkham borders to share the information and to see the progress on the border areas.

According to the sources in Directorate General of Afghan Transit Trade, the meeting discussed agreement on customs to customs.

cording to details, anti-smuggling operations were conducted by various teams of Customs Intelligence and Investigation in Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan and Sadiqabad.

The special Customs teams seized various smuggled goods which include foreign origin cigarettes, cloth, electronics goods, tyres, and other miscellaneous items . The Customs Intelligence also seized 21 non-customs paid vehicles of new and old models.

The seized vehicles include Toyota Corolla X, Hino Ranger Trailer, Toyota Fielders, Vitz, Premio, Suzuki Alto, Toyota Passo,Land Cruiser etc. during various activities of the Customs anti-smuggling unit. During the operation huge quantity of smuggled foreign origin cigarettes and others items were seized in February. Customs have formed 24 seizure cases in the month of February during extensive anti-smuggling activities of the Customs department against non-

custom paid vehicles and goods. Customs have formed 16 seizure cases in Dera Ghazi Khan location after effective crackdown against smugglers in the region, Vive cases in Multan and only three cases in the Sadiqabad region. Anti-smuggling operations were conducted under the guidance and supervision of Additional Director Nisar Ahmad and Director Saud Imran with new strategy to curb smuggling in the region and Director General Imtiaz Ahmad.

aNf recovers 157kg drugs during various crackdowns T

ISLAMABAD

M faIZaN

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he Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has recovered 157 kilogram drugs in various operations.

The seized drugs include six kilogram heroin, 85 kilogram hashish and 66 kilogram opium. The force also arrested 16 suspects, including two women and a foreigner, and seized Vive vehicles.

According to details, the ANF La-

hore on pursuance of information intercepted a Toyota Primo car near Phoolnagar, Multan Road, Kasur. Detailed search led to the seizure of 46.8 kilogram opium and six kilogram hashish which was concealed in cavities of the car.

Two persons on board namely Wali Muhammad, a resident of Charsada and Zakir Khan, a resident of Mohmand Agency were arrested.

In the second operation, ANF Lahore held a Nigerian national named Samuel from Chungi Ammar Sadhu

and recovered six kilogram heroin from his possession.

In third operation, ANF road check team seized a Toyota Corolla car near main Motorway Toll Plaza Faisalabad and recovered 72 kiograms of hashish which was concealed in hidden cavities of the car.

Two persons on board were also arrested during the operation.

In fourth operation, ANF Lahore intercepted a Toyota Corolla car at Sheikhupura Motorway Interchange, Multan Airport, Kot Abdul

Malik Motorway Interchange, and recovered 19.2 kilogram of opium.

Three persons on board were taken into custody at the spot. Yet in another operation, ANF staff deputed at Multan airport detained 4 passengers including a lady at on suspicion of ingested heroin Villed capsules. During interrogation, they confessed of having gulped heroin Villed capsules. They intended to board for Jeddah by Air Blue Flight No. PA-870. The detained passengers included Muhammad Ali,

Muhammad Ramzan, Muhammad Anwar and Rubina Bibi. ANF Lahore also captured a Suzuki Mehran car near Kot Abdul Malik Motorway Interchange and recovered 4.8 kilograms of hashish. Two occupants of the car including a lady were held during the operation. ANF Rawalpindi launched an operation near Chungi No. 26, Motorway Chowk, Islamabad and arrested an accused along with 1.2 kilograms of hashish which was found in his personal possession.

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Excise seals PCSIR lab due to tax evasion of Rs 20m LAHORE: The Excise and Taxation Department has sealed Pakistan Councils of Scientific and Industrial Research Laboratory Lahore. According to sources of Customs Today, in Excise Region B a team of esxcise on special instructions of Director General Akram Ashraf Gondal has seald PCSIR laboratory due to Rs 20 million default of property tax.

Sources told that excise had issued many notices to management of the laboratory but they but they failed to clear tax dues. On Monday Excise team sealed the building until payment of default amount of tax which is Rs 2 million. Excise has sealed many buildings in L Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankanna Sahib and Kundian.

Friday March 18, 2016

National

gujranwala Customs Intelligence impounds Toyota hilux worth Rs 1.2m

Customs Preventive Collector Zulfiqar assigns duties to officers

SIALKOT

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he Customs Intelligence and Investigation, Gujranwala, has impounded a non-duty paid Toyota Hilux Surf worth Rs 1.2 million on Grand Trunk Road.

Reportedly, Customs Intelligence Deputy Director Muhammad Anwar deputed Inspector Majid Raza Shah on GT Road to check vehicles. The inspector checked many vehicles and impounded Toyota Hilux Surf as the owner of the vehicle remained failed to show the documents regarding the customs clearance. The inspector shifted the vehicle to the office compound of Customs Intelligence Gujranwala and registered a case against driver, while further investigation is underway.

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faisalabad aSO seizes glass beads worth Rs 1.69m FAISALABAD

NaEEM ShEIkh

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has seized 1765 kilograms of glass beads worth Rs 1.699 million involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 330,135.

ASO Deputy Collector Rana Falik Shair received information regarding the smuggling attempt. He formed a customs team comprising Superintendent Muhammad Javed Mehmood, Inspector Masood Saeed Chohan, Inspector Abdul Jabbar, sepoys Hafiz Naseer Ahmed, Muhammad Ashraf and Naeemillah.

The ASO team Raided M/s Al-Atif Goods Forwarding Agency Satyana Road, Faisalabad, and recovered a huge quantity of glass beads. On demand, the accused person namely as Muhammad Tariq could not show documents regarding the legal import of the item.

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LAHORE

M haYaT

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odel Customs Collectorate Preventive Collector ZulViqar Younis has distributed work of the collectorate among eight deputy and assistant collectors.

According to the detail, Deputy Collector Saima Ayyaz will look after Air Freight Unit (AFU) administration, Group-I and II, adjudication of AFU cases, audit and supervision of betel leaf adjudication and appeals.

Assistant Collector Palwasha Syed will handle all matters of Passenger Facilitation Center (PFC), while Assistant Collector Muhammad Adnan Khan will look after Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO), Investigation& Prosecution, GPO, state warehouse and auction.

Assistant Collector Asim Awan will be responsible of all matter of airport trafVic, baggage and adjudication of trafVic cases. On the other hand, Assistant Collector Muhammd Akram will be incharge of T-10 Railways Station, Wagah, DDRA and departmental representative. Assistant Collector Hamza Lak will look after AFU import examination, ICG, temporary imports and bank guarantees. Assistant Collector Muhammad Naeemullah will deal with AFU Group-III, law and Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO), while Assistant Collector Ejaz Shaheen will handle the matters, including exports, MCD and

recovery.

Meanwhile, The Directorate of Customs Investigation and Intelligence has seized non-customs paid vehicles and contraband goods during the seven months of Vinancial year 2015-16. The estimated value of the seized items is Rs 723 million involving Rs 507 million duty and taxes. According to ofVicial details, following the directions of Director Saud Imran Ahmad Ahmad, a special team, under the supervision of

assistant Collector Palwasha Syed will handle all matters of Passenger facilitation Center (PfC), while assistant Collector Muhammad adnan khan will look after anti-Smuggling Organisation (aSO), Investigation& Prosecution, gPO, state warehouse and auction

3,205 out of 2.8m traders opted for VTCS ISLAMABAD

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espite Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s claim to bring one million traders under tax net through the tax amnesty scheme, only 3,205 out of 2.8 million traders have so far availed availing Voluntary Tax Compliance Scheme (VTCS), announced by the government for business community.

The government, rather punishing the non-Vilers, has been extending deadline for Viling returns and also announced extension in last date for availing tax amnesty scheme. Till one day before the end of extended period, only 3,205 people have availed of the scheme, paying Rs318 million along with tax returns. So far, the government has given six extensions in the date for Viling the tax returns and the seventh one is on the cards. Despite six extensions, only 924,000 people have Viled the returns includ-

ing the traders, a Vigure which is 122,000 less than the previous year.

In a written reply to the Senate, Ishaq Dar stated that 1.047 million people Viled tax return in tax year 2014, while the number of Vilers remained 923,346 for tax year 2015. Parliament had approved the tax amnesty scheme, called the Voluntary Tax Compliance Scheme. The government has offered the traders to legalise up to Rs50 million worth of hidden working capital by paying 1% of the declared amount in tax.

additional director Rizwan Slabat and Deputy Director Saad Atta Rabani, conducted anti- smuggling operations in the city and its surrounding areas and registered 70 cases. During the crackdowns, a team of inspectors compring Superintendent Rauf Farooqi, ZulViqar Dogar, Sohail Murtza and others seized non-customs paid vehicles and seized 23 vehicles, including BMWs, Mercedes, Mark-X, Land cruisers and V8, Premio.

Eight cricketers yet to file tax returns ight Pakistani cricketers have not yet filed their tax returns so far. According to a list issued by Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), test players Younis Khan, Fawad Alam, Asad Shafiq, Anwar Ali, Yasir Shah, Imad Wasim, Babar Azam and Misbah ul Haq had not submitted their income tax returns for 2015-106.

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Motorcycle sales increase by 18.11% to 878,723 units ISLAMABAD: The motorcycle sales in the country surged by 18.11 per cent to 878,723 units during the eight months (July-February) of current fiscal year (2015-16) as compared to 719,516 units sold during the same period last year.

According to latest data released by Pakistan Automobile Manufacturing Association (PAMA), Honda motorcycles took the lead as 532,183 units were sold during the period under review as compared to sale of 408,204 units during same period of previous year.

Suzuki motorcycles, however witnessed 25.62 percent decrease to 11,670 units in JulyFebruary (2015-16) from 14,661 units in same period of last year.

Friday, March 18, 2016

Business

PSX adds another 67pts as bull-run continues KARACHI

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espite losing most of the gains, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained in green zone and added 66.67 points to reach 32957.75 points level at closing on Thursday.

The stocks recorded the highest trading level of 33116.26 points and lowest level of 32891.08 points, with the volume of 143.48 million shares, having about Rs8.78 billion value. As many as 317 companies were active; of which 144 advanced, 144 declined and 26 remained unchanged.

CPEC to change fate of Pakistan: minister ISLAMABAD

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inister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab has said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project would change fate of Pakistan as well as the whole region. Talking to a private news channel, he said that it was a vision of Prime Minister Muhammed Nawaz Sharif to link the whole country through a single road.

He said the main route of the corridor would link Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics.

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Commercial banks was the top traded sector with 19,565,200 volume, while cement remained second with 18,689,000 volume.

The three top traded companies

were Byco Petroleum with a volume of 8,208,000 and price per share of 18.20 (1.00), NIB Bank Limited with a volume 8,205,000 of price per share of 2.05 (0.05), K-Electric Ltd

with a volume 7,102,000 of price per share of 6.96 (-0.10).

The top three gainers were Nestle Pak with price per share 6699.99 (49.99), Murree Brewery with price per share of 796.90 (27) and Philip Morris Pak price per share of 1725 (25). The top three losers were Unilever Foods with price per share of 5196.50 (-273.50), Sapphire Fiber with price per share of 570 (30) and Service Ind.Ltd per share of 850 (-29).

Earlier, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened keeping bullish note and added 122 points in early trading to cross 33,000 mark and reach 33013.41 points level. Despite losing most of the gains, the PSX remained in green zone till midday and added 85.98 points to reach 32977.06 points.

govt aware of agri sector’s issues: CM Shahbaz Sharif LAHORE

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hief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said the government is fully aware of the difViculties being faced by agriculture sector.

“All out measures will be adopted to protect farmers and cultivators from the problems due to recession at international level in agri sector,” the chief minister said while addressing a meeting.

The chief minister with a view of

addressing problems and providing them know-how on better means of agriculture, an agri conference is being arranged in the provincial metropolis during current month.

At the conference, he said, proposals would be invited to overcome problems in the agri sector, which he added, is backbone of the Punjab economy. He said that all stakeholders will be invited to the conference in which solid and meaningful measures will be Vinalized with the consultation of cultivators, experts and other stakeholders. The chief minister said that the future of Pakistan’s economy is

linked with agriculture sector and all out resources will be made available for the stability and development of agriculture sector. He said that government has taken a number of steps for the welfare and progress of rural population. He said that land record of 5.5 million landowners in 23000 villages has been computerized under Land Record Management Information System. Shahbaz Sharif said that high quality roads are being constructed in rural areas for easy access from farms to market and three thousand kilometres long roads have already been constructed.

Cut in CNg prices: LTC reduces urban public transport fares by 11% LAHORE

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he Lahore Transport Company (LTC) has reduced the urban public transport fares to about 11 percent after recent reduction in CNG prices. LTC has reduced the intra city fares of air-conditioned CNG buses on various urban routes from Rs 3 to Rs 5 with respect to the distance. In accordance with the notification, first stage (1 to 4km) would be charged Rs 15, second stage (4 to 8km) Rs 20, third stage (8 to 14km) Rs 25, fourth stage (14 to 22km) Rs 30 rupees while in the fifth stage (22km and above), Rs 35 would be charged from the commuters.

LTC Chief Executive Officer Khawaja Haider Latif said that the curtailment in transport fares is applicable from Wednesday onwards to give special relief to the people, and assured that LTC would carry on its mission to provide efficient, safe and economical transport facilities to the public.

He directed the enforcement staff to proceed against those public service vehicles who are found guilty of overcharging so that people could not face any problems rather could avail benefit owing to the reduction in CNG prices.

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Senate body on finance chairman calls for closure of TDaP ISLAMABAD

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enate Standing Committee on Finance Chairman Senator Saleem Mandviwalla has called for closure of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), a national body responsible for promoting exports, saying, the body has become a non-functional, failed and useless body and burden on ex-

chequer. Senator Mandviwalla, who is also board member of TDAP, criticised the performance of TDAP, which has failed to recommend a national policy for maximising goods and services exports to the TDAP Board. In a statement issued from his ofVice, Senator Mandviwalla said, “I have been disappointed by the affairs of TDAP and I am considering resigning from the ofVice as this government body has failed to develop a consistent, sustainable

and result oriented, holistic exports development plan”. “TDAP has failed to forge an effective liaison with private and public stakeholders for enhancing country’s exports, he added. Mandviwalla revealed that TDAP chairman and his whole team could not encourage and promote research in trade and policy related studies that may have facilitated in formulating an effective export policy and plan. In the last three years, TDAP has done nothing to increase

the exports from Pakistan and the whole body is looking at the Ministry of Commerce and Finance to help them, he said. Terming exports decline ‘worrisome’, he said in fiscal year 2015 exports went down by about 4.8pc to $23.9b from $25.11b in FY2014. The $27b target set for FY15 was missed by a wide margin of 10pc.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan has presided over a meeting

to prepare proposals and chalk out a comprehensive strategy for enhancing trade cooperation with Iran in the wake of the visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan.

The minister said that Pakistan is interested in holding exhibitions in Iran frequently to showcase the range of exportable Pakistani products. He said Pakistan was in consultations with the Iran regarding the approvals of these exhibitions.

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ISLAMABAD M faIZaN www.customsbulletin.com

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eshawar Customs Collector Qurban Ali has said that the entire clearance system at Torkham border has been shifted from One Customs to Web Based One Customs (WeBOC), which is expected to increase the revenue by more than 300 percent, while steps are being taken to completely eliminate the menace of smuggling. Talking to Customs Today during an exclusive interview in Islamabad, Collector Qurban Ali said that only two items – raw cotton and coal – used to be cleared through WeBOC at the Torkham border.

“Following the launch of a fresh countrywide anti-smuggling campaign on the directives of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Nisar Muhammad Khan, the Peshawar Customs took steps that resulted in a 40 percent cut in smuggling of cloth, electronic appliances and other goods from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially Peshawar, to Punjab and other parts of the country.”

He said that as many as 13 new check posts have been set up at different places on the Pak-Afghan border to curb smuggling of goods from Afghanistan into Pakistan.

He said that the incumbent team of the FBR is a good one. “The FBR chairman and his team are bent upon doing maximum good for the country during their time in office.”

He expressed hope that the Peshawar Customs will easily achieve the revenue collection targets set for the current fiscal year.

To a question, Qurban Ali said that construction of infrastructure at the Torkham border will start this year under an agreement signed with the Asian Development Bank.

“To this end, talks are underway with the locals of the area for the accusation of 800 kanals – the land required for construction of this infrastructure. It is the most challenging phase of the project because convincing the locals to sell off their land is a difficult task.” However, he said that there have been some breakthroughs. “We are trying to make them understand that this project will not only be beneficial for their businesses but will also result in development of the area. For how long will they rely on smuggling? We told them that the government is taking stern action against smugglers, and in the days to come, smuggling will be impossible… so it is better for them to keep their focus on legal trade,” he said. He said that the locals now under-

stand the situation and hopefully the work on infrastructure will begin in time. Collector Qurban Ali said that the Asian Development Bank had awarded the contract for construction of infrastructure through an international tender, so the company that secured the tender will be the one to start the construction work.

fBR) enue ( v e R f an, o ad kh Board m l a m r a e h fed steps ar Mu s took an Nis m m r o i t a s t in Ch war Cu ent cu c a r h e s p e a 40 ic the P lted in th, electron u s e r t rom tha f clo ling o oods f smugg and other g lly specia s es e c , n a a i w l app part unkh other Pakht d r n e a b y b kh Punja ry ar, to w a h count s Pe of the

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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

Money in Swiss banks

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ccording to news reports, at least $200 billion has been stashed in Swiss banks allegedly by insincere politicians, tax evaders and corrupt bureaucrats, but the government has so far failed to bring it back to Pakistan.

Switzerland, which was once a hub of black money deposited by criminals from all over the world, changed its 300 years banking secrecy rules a few years ago, paving the way for countries to recover their stolen assets. At a time the governments are struggling to get their money back, the Pakistani government has not made any request to the Swiss authorities even for exchange of information.

The leadership of the present government had promised the nation that it would do its best to recover the money, but the issue is apparently not in its priority list. The political will is also missing in the government to do anything good in the national interest.

The hope of the nation on the current breed of politicians is dwindling as no concrete step has been taken to bring back the looted money and black sheep in the government are also buying time to shift the money from Switzerland to some other destination. It is no denying the fact that the government agencies know every detail of the deposits in the Swiss banks, but their wings are clipped by the influential criminals and the sincere officials have no other option but to hush up the matter. Pakistan is still a member of the club of the most corrupt countries whereas corrupt politicians, bureaucrats, and tax evaders are continuing transactions of black money to foreign banks.

The government fulfills the cash requirements of the country by taking loans, pushing the nation into further chaos. The nation wants transparency and discipline in every financial matter whether it is the case of development projects, utilization of foreign loans or tax collections. Selective accountability is in no way in the national interest as it will speed up the process of capital flight. The economic situation of the country is increasingly becoming fragile and only panacea to the problems is to give level playing field to the corrupt elements by allowing them to invest their black money within the country. Otherwise, the black money will continue to drain off the country. Through a judicial order, the federal government had been directed to disclose the names of Pakistanis who are account holders in Swiss banks and to take steps to get the money back.

agricultural sector needs attention T

LAHORE

DR afTaB afZaL

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he nation was expecting a sharp increase in the Pakistan’s exports after the European Union granted GSP Plus Status to the country. Instead, it has been recorded a drastic downfall of 14.4 percent in exports during the current Viscal year. The exports of Bangladesh have increased by 8 percent during the same period. However, the economists still believe that Pakistan has the potential to increase its exports if it concentrates on the agricultural sector and increases per acre yield by shifting to hybrid seeds and modern technology.The Pakistan Agricultural

Research Council is now introducing hybrid maize seeds in the agriculture sector in a bit to get quality yield. This will not only cater to the needs of the nutritious food for the countrymen, but will also help export the excess yields. For the purpose, the Pakistani institutions will have to collaborate with agricultural organizations of the developed countries to get skill and technology.

At the moment, the country’s farmers need to know modern production practices for the major crops, including wheat, maize, rice, livestock, fruits and vegetables. Pakistan is a major producer of rice, pulse, citrus fruit and milk in the world, but the people associated with agriculture sector mostly depend on the traditional

methods. The country needs the varieties of maize which could resist drought and heat stresses with enhanced nutritional quality. The crops should also have the quality to resist insect attacks. However, beneVits of technology could not be availed unless a corporate culture is introduced in the agriculture sector. Modern factories can be established in rural areas to process food and beverage not only to fulVill the food demands of the country, but also for exports.

The cotton and textile sector has been battered by unfavourable circumstances and incessant energy crisis. The lack of incentives for the investors and harsh and complex tax system adds insult to injury.

The government ofVicials often blame the economic slowdown in

the United States, the European Union and the Middle East, which are the major export markets of the country, for declining trends in exports. But exports from China, India and Bangladesh have increased many fold during the slowdown period. It means some home factors are more responsible for decline in exports than the foreign factors. And the most pressing issue confronting the country’s industry is shortage of electricity.

Electricity is also expensive in the country as compare to the countries in the region and which are competitors in the international market. If the government wants to improve exports, it will have to encourage investors to take interest in the agriculture sector, which has huge business potentials.

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Egypt’s wheat imports down WASHINGOTN: Egypt’s wheat area is forecast to remain unchanged at least in the short run, despite challenges in water management and high input costs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in a March 10 report. In the next few years however, with more limited Nile water availability looming due to the construction of Ethiopia’s Renaissance Dam and because of heat stress issues and assuming salinity problems in the Northern Delta persist, absent the development of especially drought-tolerant seed varieties, a gradual reduction in planted area of wheat, rice and corn is expected. Due to pressure from farmers and farmer groups, the Egyptian government backtracked from a new subsidy program that had been announced. So, for this crop year, the government returned to fixing a price reflecting a substantial subsidy for local procurement of the local harvest.

SCCI urges TEVTa to stop issuing legal notices to factory owners resident Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Major (R) Mansoor Ahmed has said that the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) Apprenticeship Ordinance 1962 and Apprenticeship Rules 1966 is half century old law and this law has lost his own value with time.

Mansoor said the TEVTA officials are forcibly compelling to factory owners on behalf of this decayed law for appointment of apprentices in factories whereas officials spreading harassment and sending legal notice to

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factory owners. He said the factory owners are under depressing by the rude attitude of TEVTA officials and they are facing hardships by the TEVTA officials daily visit in their factories. He said Sialkot is city of export industries and the system of production of these industries is individual of other industries of country. He said the industrialists of Sialkot provide training to labor according to need of their industry whereas the training of government institution is not equal to Sialkot factories fields. He said in Sialkot a traditional procedure is present to train labor and these labors have better chances for promotion. He said a computer operator can make export manager tomorrow and worker can make production incharge tomorrow whereas production of factories increase the financial circumstances can much better of workers after their promotion. He said that the labor in Sialkot Industry don’t work on permanent basis rather industrialist get their services during export orders on behalf of full or part time. —CB Report

Friday March 18, 2016

Chambers

NBP to facilitate traders in promoting trade, industrial activities T

ISLAMABAD

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he business community was playing an important role in the economic development of the country and National Bank of Pakistan would try to come up with innovative services to facilitate them in promoting trade and industrial activities, observed Frooq Hasan, Senior Vice President and Regional Head, Islamabad of National Bank of Pakistan while exchanging views with a delegation of Vlour millers at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He was accompanied

by Tanveer Ahmed Malik, Assistant Vice President/Manager, NBP, I-10 Markaz, Islamabad.

Farooq Hasan said NBP has opened a new branch in I-10 Markaz, Islamabad which will enable the Vlour millers of Islamabad to deposit cash for government wheat quota in local area instead of going to other cities for this purpose. He said the new branch was a reVlection of the NBP’s strong business growth and commitment to facilitate business community to avoid any delay in transmitting funds and expedite the

trading process. He assured that NBP would consider introducing such new services as would help entrepreneurs to handle business transactions with a sense of security and conVidence. Speaking at the occasion, Sheikh Pervez Ahmed Senior Vice President and Sheikh Abdul Waheed Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that around forty Vlour millers in Islamabad were facing great problems due to non-availability of cash deposit facility in Islamabad and they had to go to NBP Wah Cantt. Rawalpinndi or

NBP Gujar Khan for depositing cash for government wheat quota which was highly risky venture. They said the Vlour millers had to keep extra security guards and staff for carrying cash to other cities with safety which also increased their cost of doing business. They said many Vlour millers had to face dacoity incidents while carrying cash to Wah Cantt and Gujar Khan and they highly appreciated the initiative of NBP for opening its branch in I-10 Markaz and making arrangements for Vlour millers to deposit cash for government wheat

Pakistani market well on Malaysian radar

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LAHORE

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ssistant Minister for Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah, Malaysia Datuk Hj. Kamarlin Bin Hj. Ombi has said that the tourism sector is one of the major contributors to the economy of Malaysia. Pakistan is new focused market for Malaysia and a delegation from Pakistan’s tourism sector should visit Malaysia to pave for joint ventures between the businessmen of the two countries in this particular sector.

He was talking to the LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Hyder and Vice President Nasir Saeed at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

High Commissioner of Malaysia Hasrul Sani Bin Mujtabar, LCCI Executive Committee Members Abdul Razzaq, Salman Basit, Mian Zahid Javed, Zafar

Mahmood, Khurram Lodhi and former president Sohail Lashari were also present on the occasion.

Malaysian Minister said that tourism industry has played an important role to strengthen the economy of Malaysia. He urged the Pakistani businessmen from tourism industry to take advantage of Malaysia expertise in this sector. He said that joint ventures between the businessmen of two countries in this particular sector would help exploit huge tourism potential exists in Malaysia and Pakistan. Malaysian High Commissioner in Pakistan Dr Hasrul Sani Bin Mujtabar said that enhanced air links between the two countries would open new avenues of mutual cooperation between the two brotherly countries. He said that direct Vlights to Malaysia from Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi will bring a positive change at economic front as businessmen of the two

countries will travel frequently and establish new business contacts. The High Commissioner said that Pakistan is a very potential market and doing business in country like Pakistan is always very proVitable. The LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Hyder appreciated their efforts to market Malaysia as a tourist destination and explore Pakistan for developing collaboration in tourism sector. He said that direct Vlight between the two countries is a big breakthrough.

Malindo Airlines of Malaysia has started air service between Pakistan and Malaysia. On 4th March, Virst Vlight was landed in Lahore carrying along Malaysian Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Bin Kaprawi. He said that the availability of four direct Vlights in a week of Malindo Airlines from Lahore-Kuala Lumpur-Lahore will certainly help connecting people from both countries at most competitive airfare.

quota in Islamabad. They said new branch of NBP in I-10 Markaz, Islamabad has redressed a serious issue of Vlour millers who have been striving hard for the last 20 to 25 years for this facility in Islamabad.

Sheikh Tariq Sadiq, Shaukat Ali Sheikh, Sanaullah Khan, Abdul Rehman Khan, Ch. Mukhtar and other Vlour millers also thanked SVP SBP for resolving their long-standing issue and hoped that SBP would continue to introduce new services to help businessmen in smooth growth of business activities.

agriculture share in gDP drops to 21% from 53% griculture share in GDP has dropped to 21 per cent from 53 per cent in 1950 and 31 per cent in 1980. Patron Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders Shahid Rasheed Butt revealed this in a statement, adding that achievement of satisfactory growth rate is linked to the promotion of agricultural sector which has been ignored by almost all the government.

Butt said that dwindling share of agriculture which will go down with the collapse of cotton crop has stunned the economic growth. He said that GDP improvement without focusing on agriculture is a pipe dream and that feeding population exploding by 2pc per annum require urgent steps.—CB Report

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HK Customs, Marine police seize red sandalwood worth $430,000 Friday March 18, 2016

World

HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs and the Marine Police this morning conducted a joint operation and cracked down on a suspected case of smuggling by river trade vessel in Tuen Mun. A total of about 1 100 kilogrammes of suspected red sandalwood, an endangered species, valued at about $430,000 were seized.

Customs officers and the Marine Police this morning spotted a river trade cargo vessel off Lung Kwu Tan, Tuen Mun. Officers intercepted the vessel for a search and found the suspected red sandalwood. The 63year-old male coxswain was arrested. The case is still under investigation. Smuggling is a serious offence.

Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Ireland revenue officers seize counterfeit cigarettes DUBLIN

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hree people have been arrested after revenue ofVicers in Cork seized a large quantity of illegal cigarettes and counterfeit tobacco. As part of an ongoing operation into the sale and distribution of unstamped tobacco in Cork, revenue ofVicers seized 12,400 unstamped cigarettes and 1 kg of unstamped hand-roll tobacco.

The cigarettes, branded ‘Excellence’, and the tobacco, branded ‘Flandria’, was discovered when a truck was stopped and searched.

The truck was also seized as it had been used to transport the contraband. During a follow up operation, detection dog Harvey uncovered more cigarettes and tobacco in a shop and two private residences on the north side of the city.

Revenue say the seized product

hong kong Customs seizes 10kg of ivory n incoming male passenger was arrested at the airport yesterday after customs officers found 10 kilos of suspected ivory pieces.

The passenger, aged 32, had arrived from Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire (formerly known as the Ivory Coast) via Dubai, UAE, according to a government press release. The ivory was found in his check-in luggage during customs clearance. The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Most recently, a man arriving from Harare, Zimbabwe via Dubai was arrested in early January after 18 kilos of ivory was found in his hand baggage. In December, airport customs officers seized 296 kilos of ivory from a cargo shipment that was en route to Malaysia from Namibia. In November, yet another man was arrested after 15 kilos of ivory were found in his belongings.—CB Report

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is worth in excess of €7,000, with a potential loss to the Exchequer of €5,500. Three Irish nationals, in their 20s, 40s and 50s have been questioned and revenue said: “investigations are ongoing with a view to prosecution.” “These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing enforcement operations targeting the illegal importation, supply and sale of tobacco products.” Meanwhile, Revenue at Irish Continental, the company that owns Irish Ferries, rose 10.5pc last year up to €320.6m while its number of passengers rose 2pc to 1.68 million. Operating proVits at the group for last year soared 74.9pc to €57.2m up from €32.7m in 2014. Group earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 49.5pc year on year to €75.5m. Irish Continental chairman, John B McGuckian, described 2015 as another successful year for the Virm. “During 2015 the group beneVited from lower world fuel prices, stronger sterling and increased carryings.

Drugs worth S$235,000 seized in islandwide operation SINGAPORE

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total of 103 suspected drug offenders were arrested in a six-day islandwide operation which kicked off on Feb 27, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) announced on Friday.

OfVicers also seized drugs worth S$235,000 in total, including 1.8kg of heroin, 338 Ecstasy tablets, 1,462 Erimin-5 tablets and 454g of Ice. One of the cases accounted for S$210,000 worth of drugs. It saw six suspects rounded up and cash of more than S$29,000 seized.

On Wednesday, a suspected drug courier, a 43-year-old Malaysian was arrested at Woodlands Checkpoint after he was found with 1.3kg of heroin, 77g of Ice and 1,000 Erimin5 tablets. CNB nabbed three people who were intended recipients of the

Swiss arrest 15 in suspected mafia case, plan extradition to Italy

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wiss authorities arrested 15 Italian citizens on Tuesday and plan to extradite them to their home country, where law enforcement ofVicials accuse them of membership in the ‘Ndrangheta maVia organisation. Switzerland’s Federal OfVice of Justice said in a statement that Tuesday’s raid was carried out by agents in three cantons: urban Zurich and rural Thurgau, in the country’s north, and mountainous Valais, in southern Switzerland.

Two of the people taken into

custody have already been sentenced in Italy to prison terms of six and nine years, it added. Two other people have been invited for questioning by Swiss authorities but are not subject to extradition unless they agree to it because they previously obtained Swiss citizenship, authorities said. Italy had requested the extradition of the 15 individuals starting a year ago.

Since then, Swiss federal officials said a review of the Italian documents led them.—CB Report

seized drugs. The Virst was a 60year-old Singaporean man arrested at Teck Whye Lane and the second, a 33-year-old Singaporean male, arrested along Bencoolen Street with a 35-year-old suspected accomplice.

Cannabis, Yaba tablets and suspected synthetic cannabinoids were found on the 35-year-old. He and his alleged accomplice led ofVicers to a

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nearby hotel room where 334 Ecstasy tablets, 112 Yaba tablets, some Erimin-5 tablets, 60g of Ice were recovered, CNB said. A raid of the 33year-old man’s home in Woodlands found a small assortment of drugs including Ice, and Ecstasy and Yaba tablets. The third suspected intended recipient, a 57-year-old Singaporean man, was arrested in Toa Payoh.

BD exports to US rise 10.99%

he country’s exports to the United States of America grew by 10.99 per cent in January following a rise in the number of apparel shipments. The total value of Bangladeshi exports to the US stood at US$ 511.60 million in January. Ready-made garments (RMG) fetched $ 497.66 million of the total figure, growing 11.31 per cent over that of January last year. The total RMG export earnings from the US was $ 5.40 billion in 2015, growing 11.74 per cent from the previous year, according to data from Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), a concern of the US Department of

Commerce. The country’s apparel exports to the US had dropped to $ 4.83 billion in 2014, from $ 4.94 billion in 2013. Meanwhile, the RMG exports of Vietnam to the US grew 16.48 per cent, earning $ 926.08 million, in this January over the same month last year. Vietnam is one of the major competitors of Bangladesh in the sector.

Chinese apparel exports grew 2.67 per cent to $ 2.41 billion in the same month this year, from $ 2.35 billion in January 2015. India fetched $ 314.85 million, marking 2.69 per cent growth in the same time.—CB Report

airbus profit gains 1.6% on a350 delivery ramp-up

A PARIS

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irbus Group SE said proVit rose 1.6 percent last year, as it ramped up deliveries of the latest A350 model and broke even on the A380 superjumbo. Figures were held back by higher development spending.

Earnings before interest and tax rose to 4.13 billion euros (US$4.45 billion) from 4.07 billion euros a year earlier, excluding one-time items, as sales gained 6 percent to 64.5 billion euros, Airbus said yesterday. Airbus, which gets two-thirds of its revenue from its airliner unit, is beneViting from thousands of orders for new fuel-efVicient aircraft placed before the recent drop in oil prices.

The Virst A350 was handed over in late 2014, with 14 planes delivered last year and 50 to be produced this year, as the company embarks on one of the most testing output increases in its history. Chief executive ofVicer Tom Enders called the results “solid” and said that Toulouse, France-based Airbus is “focused on program execution and managing the challenges we face with the ac-

celeration of the A350.” Both cash Vlow and Ebit, excluding items, should be “stable” this year, he said.

“That may not be terribly exciting, but the last thing we need is excitement at this critical juncture,” said Sandy Morris, an aerospace analyst at Jefferies International in London.

Airbus shares yesterday traded 1.3 percent higher at 56.12 euros as of 9:05am in Paris.

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Iron ore exports from Australia’s Port Hedland rebounds sharply CANBERRA: Iron ore exports from the world’s largest iron ore loading terminal, Port Hedland, rebounded modestly in February following weather-related supply disruptions in January. According to the Pilbara Ports Authority, exports rose by 2.85 million tonnes, or 8.4%, to 36.63 million tonnes during the month, leaving the annual increase at 2.7%.

In the 12 months to February iron ore exports totalled 444 million tonnes, down fractionally on the 446.1 million 12-month record struck in December 2015. Exports to China, the largest source of demand, totalled 27.9 million tonnes for the month, leaving it down 7.7% from 12 months earlier.

govt contracts 8,500 tonnes of pulse imports, shipments on way he Centre today said it has already contracted import of 8,500 tonnes of pulses and the shipments are on the way. It also said pulse procurement for buffer stock has touched 51,000 tonnes, surpassing the target set for this kharif season.

“Prices and availability of essential commodities were reviewed today. The meeting was informed that the import of 8,500 tonnes of dal ordered is already on the way,” an official statement read. The meeting, chaired by Consumer Affairs Secretary C Viswanath, also reviewed the buffer stock of pulses and tomato production situation, among others. Senior officials of consumer affairs, agriculture and commerce ministries, FCI, MMTC and NAFED were present. It was informed at the meeting that the government agencies have procured 51,000 tonnes of kharif pulses for the buffer stock as against the target of

Ports & Shipping

Rotterdam port sees surge in vessel traffic since 2007

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WASHINGTON

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50,000 tonnes. “Now, they have been asked to start procurement of masoor, gram dal and other rabi pulses,” the statement said.

For creating pulse buffer stock, the government has set a procurement target of 50,000 tonnes from kharif season and 1,00,000 tonnes from rabi season of the 2015-16 crop year.

Meanwhile, Coal stocks at 17 major Indian ports totaled 12.32 million mt as of March 3, down 1% week on week, data released by Indian shipbroker Interocean showed. The stockpile comprised 10.12 million mt of thermal coal, up 1.7% from 9.95 million mt the previous week; and 2.08 million mt of coking coal, down 9.3% over the same period from 2.29 million mt, the data showed.—CB Report

he number of vessels arriving at the Port of Rotterdam has increased for the Virst time since 2007. According to the Port of Rotterdam Authority, 29,122 sea-going vessels arrived in 2015, compared to 29,014 vessels in 2014.

This represents a signiVicant increase from 37,097 vessels, which called at the port in 2007. In addition, the number of signiVicant accidents at the port decreased the past

year from twelve to seven, three of which involved leisure vessels.

This ofVicial announcement was made by Harbour Master René de Vries at a presentation on the port’s annual nautical Vigures at World Port Center. Other topics that were addressed during the meeting included water pollution, port security, security of the terminals, the refugee issue and sailing speed.

Meanwhile, Iron ore exports from Australia’s Port Hedland climbed last month, rebounding after a cyclone disrupted shipments in January, and as a cargo-tracking report said that Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill project had dispatched its Virst cargo of 2016. To-

tal shipments from the world’s biggest bulk-export terminal were 36.63 million metric tons in February from 33.78 million the previous month and 35.67 million a year earlier, according to data on the port authority’s website on Friday. Exports to China were 29.14 million tons in February, compared with 28.91 million a month earlier and 30.25 million in the same month in 2015. Iron ore has surged this year as Chinese mills started to ramp up output after February’s Lunar New Year break, and analysts including Capital Economics and National Australia Bank said that exports had been disrupted, temporarily tightening supplies.

Friday March 18, 2016

Quebec to invest in industrial ports he government of Quebec has announced it will invest $300 million into the development of industrial ports in the province. The announcement was lauded by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), which hopes to take advantage of the funding. “We believe in the merits of the concept of industrial port areas, and we are very pleased with these major investments. Montreal is a natural, ideally suited site to implement such a concept. Like the Port of Montreal, ports are real engines for attracting business and there will definitely be no shortage of interest in developing business in this stimulating context,” said Sylvie Vachon, president and CEO of the MPA. The implementation of industrial port areas throughout Quebec is part of the Quebec government’s Maritime Strategy 2015-2020 Action Plan, a policy made public in June 2015 and hailed by the MPA. “The project to develop industrial and port areas is a perfect fit with our business strategy, called Port+, which aims to pool efforts toward common issues and opportunities, and to provide valueadded services close to port facilities,” added Vachon. “Our project to develop a container terminal at Contrecoeur is also bound to contribute positively to the government’s commitment to maximize the attraction that a port holds for business.”—CB Report

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Chilean avocado shipments to asia up 300% in 2015-16

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LONDON

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Vlood of Mexican product dampened the market in October, but Chile has still notched a good season in China as it gears up for volume growth in 2016-17. Chilean Hass Avocado Committee CEO Juan Enrique Laso told www.freshfruitportal.com there was great expectation for Chilean avocados in China with “tremendous demand”.

“While it still hasn’t finished, it’s been a very good season and moreover a very good start for Chilean avocados in China,” highlighting 300% export growth to Asia so far this campaign, with China making up 91% of Chile’s Asia-bound exports.

“Chilean exporters had constant calls from importers, but the strategy was to do a small season with companies who had already worked in the past with other fruits, with a cautious volume to give space for buyers to manage it.

“Any mistake, whether it be oversupply or poor management, could have discredited the product, which we know is an excellent product.”

He clariVied exports to date had actually been double what would was forecast at the beginning of the season. “We were scared that if more volume arrived than what the market could consume, prices would go lower and quality could be affected.

“While it wasn’t our mistake, for a period there were a lot of avocados arriving from Mexico, which Vlooded the market…but fortunately

it was shown that the customer preferred the Chilean [avocados] and also paid a better price for our fruit than for Mexico’s.”

From a production perspective, even though Chile has had drought challenges, Laso projected a conservative increase for the next season from 170,000MT in 2015-16 to 190,000MT in 2016-17. “My perception is that in the next season prices will be better on average than currently, as the same mistakes of sending large volumes shouldn’t be made,” he said.

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LHC release three alleged drug smugglers LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the release of three suspects who were allegedly involved in a bid to smuggle 89 kilogram drugs to foreign country.

Earlier, a lower court heard the case and sentenced the suspects to life imprisonment whereas they challenged the decision in the LHC. The counsel for appellants argued that the trial court convicted his clients on insufficient evidence, adding that the prosecution had no evidence to prove that the recovered drugs were owned by his clients.

Friday, March 18, 2016

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

Collector Javaid issues show-cause notice to BSN Medical for taxes evasion of Rs 13.464m KARACHI afTaB ChaNNa

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haudhary Muhammad Javaid, Collector, Customs Collectorate of AdjudicationII, has issued a show-cause notice to M/s BSN Medical (Private) Limited for evasion of taxes and duties to the tune of Rs 13.464 million on import of calcium sulphate.

According to details, the Directorate of Post Clearance Audit has found evasion of taxes and duties to the tune of Rs 13.464 million whereas it has referred the case vide its contravention report C.No PCA/4063/Audit/Dub-A/11608 dated 30.12.2015 to the adjudication for further proceedings.

In this regard, Collector Chaudhary Muhammad Javaid has issued a show-cause notice to M/s BSN Medical (Private) Limited, its clearing agents namely M/s H I Internatioal, M/s Okays Logistics and M/s Foreign Trade Associates. Accordingly, M/s BSN Medical (Private) Limited have been called upon to justify its position as to why the evaded amount of duty and taxes to the tune of Rs 13.464 million may not be recovered from them and

penal action under clause (1),(9), (14) of Section 156(1) of the Customs Act, 1969, Section 33(5) and Section 7-A of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 read with Chapter X of the

Sales Tax Special Procedures, 2007 (Special Procedures for payment of Sales Tax by the importers) and Section 148 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 may not be taken

against them. Hearing in this case is fixed for 29.3.2016 at 1400 hours.

The importer and clearing agents may submit their written replies, if any. In case no one appears on be-

half of the importer and clearing agents or no written reply is received by the stipulated date, the case will be decided exparte on merit as per available record.

faisalabad Intelligence seizes smuggled items worth Rs 1.3m FAISALABAD

NaEEM ShEIkh

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he Customs Intelligence and Investigation has conViscated smuggled items and a truck worth Rs 1.38 million involving duty and taxes to the tune of Rs 480,459.

The Customs Intelligence staff intercepted a truck near Shahkot Toll Plaza, Shiekhpura Road, Faisalabad and recovered miscel-

laneous items, including fabric, mi-

cro Vine tag pin zips, etc. The team

asked the driver namely Muhammad Iftikhar to produce documents regarding the legal import of the items. The driver showed a cargo slip issued by M/s Pervaiz Goods Transport Company but failed to provide proof of customs clearance. Therefore, Mazda Truck and goods worth Rs 1.38 million were conViscated under Section 2kk and 17 of the Customs Act, 1969 and a served notice on the suspect. After considerable passage of time, no one appeared before the seizing agency to claim the ownership of seized goods, as well as no proof of its legal import and

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lawful possession was produced.

Later, the Customs Intelligence submitted the seizure report to the Adjudication Department.

Meanwhile, The Customs Intelligence has recovered 1,000 kilograms of foreign origin red chilly seeds and auto parts worth Rs 0.5 million during a crackdown.

Sources informed Customs Today that Additional Director Azmat Tahira received credible information about some smuggling attempts. She formed a raiding team comprising Asghar Mehdi Naqvi (IO ) and ZulViqar Ali Awan and Shoukat Hayat.