March 22 layout 1

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pAkIStAN’S fIrSt INDEptH NEwSpApEr oN cUStoMS

Daily

Vol 1 Issue No. 313

Karachi, Tue March 22, 2016

KARACHI

MUBEEN HUSSAIN

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he Intelligence and Investigation unit of the Pakistan Customs has sought cooperation of the National Highway Authority and Motorway Police to curb smuggling.

The Customs authorities held a brief meeting with the high level delegation of the NHA and Motorway Police to seek their help in curbing smuggling and to boost surveillance. The meeting was attended by Customs Intelligence and Investigation Director General Imtiaz Ahmad, senior officers of Pakistan Customs, high ups of NHA and Motorway Police.

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During the meeting, all Customs Intelligence, NHA and Motorway Police officers agreed to enhance cooperation, whereas detailed plan was discussed and a strategy was devised to curb smuggling through better relation, increasing surveillance, use of modern hardware and strict action against the involved in heinous crime were also suggested.

Customs Intelligence detains illegal LEDs, DVDs worth Rs 3.6 million

Multan RTO distributes Rs 6.5m cash rewards among 350 employees

Ishaq Dar, ADB country director discuss future funding programme

Faisalabad Customs Intelligence seizes items worth Rs 212m in 8 months

Belarusian delegation expresses keenness to undertake joint ventures

ASO team has seized smuggled LEDs, DVDs worth millions of rupees | SEE pAgE 02 |

RTO has dispersed cash rewards of Rs 6.5m among its employees for achieving | SEE pAgE 03 |

The ADB Country Director Werner Liepach has called on Dar and discussed | SEE pAgE 04 |

The Customs Intelligence registered 95 cases of smuggling and confiscated items | SEE pAgE 12 |

A high-powered delegation from Belarus BCCI comprising representatives | SEE pAgE 09 |

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FBR sends cash rewards for top performers in Sialkot RTO Tuesday, March 22, 2016

SIALKOT: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has transferred the amount of cash reward to the Sialkot Regional Tax Office (RTO) for those employees who achieved targets during financial year 2014-15.

Talking to Customs Today, Sialkot RTO spokesperson Muhammad Sarwar said that Chief Commissioner Imran Raza Kazmi has vowed to distribute the prizes among the officials on merit, adding that favoritism will be discouraged at all levels.

He further said that hard workers deserved the rewards, which will definitely improve their performance.

National

customs Intelligence seizes LEDs, DVDs worth rs 3.6m from Hall road

ASo seizes toyota Hilux worth rs 3.2 million in Mianwali FAISALABAD

NAEEM SHEIkH

LAHORE

M HAYAt

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he Customs Intelligence and Investigation anti-smuggling team has seized smuggled LEDs, DVDs worth millions of rupees from Zatoon Plaza, Hall Road.

Sources told Customs Today that the Customs authorities, on secret information, under took the operation and seized 114 cartons of illegally imported LEDs, DVDs of international brands. The sources said that the ASO team raided when the cartons were being unloaded.

The total value of the LEDS and DVDs is determined at Rs 3. 6 million. The customs ofOicials have started investigations from Yasin, a commission agent to reach the main sources, it was added.

Meanwhile, The Customs Investigation and Intelligence has seized smuggled mobile phones, blankets and cloth worth millions of rupees.

Sources told Customs Today that on secret information of Director Saud Imran Ahmad, the Customs anti-smuggling team seized non-customs paid items from Jaffar Express.

The seized items includes 735 mobile phones, 17 blankets, 663 kg cloth, and heavy quantity of packing material. It was said that customs team was comprised Additional Director Usman Bajwa, Superintendent Rauf Farooqi and inspectors. Customs In-

he Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has seized a noncustoms paid Toyota Hilux bearing registration No QAZ-8901 during a crackdown in Mainwali.

The estimated value of the seized vehicle is Rs 3.2 million involving Rs 2.19 million customs duty.

Sources told Customs Today that after receiving information regarding the smuggling attempt, Director Customs Collectorate Ch. Zulfiqar formed a special team comprising Azhar Hussain Jafri, Asif Hussain (inspector), Muhammad Ashraf Khan (havaldar), Sher Ahmad, Muhammad Amin, Muhammad Yousaf (sepoys ) and Riasat Hussain (driver).

The ASO team intercepted the vehicle near Chashma Bridge, district Mianwali and asked the driver namely Asghar Hussain to produce lawful proof of its import.

But the accused failed to show any legal import documents.

Thus, the ASO team seized the smuggled vehicle under section 168 of the Customs Act 1969 and submitted seizure report to adjudication department for further legally process.

telligence authorities registered a case and started investigations.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Customs has collected Rs 244 in wake of customs duty during July to February of current Oiscal year 2015-16, showing 31 percent positive growth over Rs 183 billion collected during same period of last year.

The federal excise duty collection also increased by four percent by going up from Rs 97 billion last year

to Rs 101 billion during the current year. The overall tax collection has increased when compared to the last year; the ofOicials said and expressed the hope that the tax collection target Oixed for the current Oiscal year would be materialized.

The government, they said has also made the tax filing system easy for the tax-filers, adding that now onward the national identity card has been made the national

tax number (NTN) for the individual tax filers. However, for companies, the FBR would be providing the NTN number to facilitate timely filing and collection of taxes.

They further said that the decrease in petroleum prices, said that it would not have any impact on the overall tax collection as the government has fixed tax according to per liter of oil and not on the cost of the oil.

Multan ASo confiscates smuggled LEDs, cloth and truck T

MULTAN

IMrAN ALI

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has seized smuggled LED TVs and curtain cloths, besides impounding the truck which was being used for the transportation of smuggled items.

Following the directions of Deputy Collector Muhammad Ali Malik, a Cstoms team under the supervision of Inspector Abdul Samad

intercepted the truck near Azam Chowk and conducted a search.

The Customs team recovered 2200 yards of curtain cloth and 10 LEDs. The goods were being brought from Peshawar to Multan.

The ofOicials asked the driver to show documents regarding the legal import of the items but he failed to do the same. Therefore, the recovered items and truck were conOiscated under the customs laws and a case has been registered against the accused person.

Meanwhile, MULTAN: Customs Anti-smuggling Organization (ASO) has impounded two non-duty paid vehicles with the assistance of police in Taunsa Sharif region. The value of seized vehicles is Rs 3.2 million. According to details, Customs squad called local police for their support before taking action on the expected resistance from smugglers. The ASO seized Toyota Premio bearing registration number AFF-122 and Toyota Fielder YF -263 in the operation. The ASO team asked the drivers of both

vehicles to produce legal documents regarding possession of these vehicles but they failed to produce any legal documents regarding possession of these vehicles. ASO team seized the vehicles and forwarded cases to customs adjudication for necessary proceedings.

Meanwhile, Directorate of Customs Intelligence and InvestigationFBR Range OfOice Multan has seized smuggled goods and vehicles of worth Rs 394.73 million in antismuggling 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.

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IR commissioner tells officials to maintain punctuality ISLAMABAD: The Commissioner Inland Revenue of the Regional Tax Office (RTO) has directed all officers to exercise discipline and follow rules and regulations.

Additional Commissioner Saleem Akhtar has issued a circular in the light of the instructions of the commissioner, in which he mentioned that Inspectors Inland Revenue and class -IV officials must attend the office in full uniform. He said that the authorities would not tolerate any negligence in this regard. The Commissioner Inland Revenue has also warned all officers that disciplinary action will be taken against habitual late-comers and has asked for officials at all levels to maintain punctuality.

customs’ action against imported vehicles challenged in LHc

Tuesday March 22, 2016

National

Multan rto distributes rs 6.5m cash rewards among 350 employees

LAHORE

MUHAMMAD NAwAZ www.customsbulletin.com

he Pakistan Customs’ actions against imported vehicles has been challenged in the Lahore High Court (LHC), it is learnt here.

The applicants have taken the stance that they imported vehicles from other countries legally and got registration from Excise and Taxation and route permit from the Transport Department. Despite having all these legal documents, the Pakistan Customs, following the directions of the Federal Board of Revenue, is taking actions against imported vehicles which the applicants termed is illegal. They appealed the court to bar the customs from taking such measures against imported vehicles.

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Ir commissioner Qasim khan forms committee for IJp ISLAMABAD

M fAIZAN

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ommissioner Inland Revenue Regional Tax Office Qasim Khan has directed the officials concerned to form a committee regarding Internal Job Posting (IJP). He also issued a notification in this regard.

According to the notification, a three member committee has been formed consisting of Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue Naveed Hasan, Assistant Commissioner Inland Revenue Ahmad Babar and Assistant Commissioner Farrukh Amir. This committee will conduct interviews of the employees from grade-1 to grade-17 and will take a decision about their performance allowance after reviewing their performance. Sources said that the authorities concerned directed the committee to strictly follow merit policy and only recommend those employees who showed outstanding performance.

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MULTAN

IMrAN ALI

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he Regional Tax OfOice (RTO) has dispersed cash rewards of Rs 6.5 million among its employees for achieving revenue targets in the Oirst two quarters of the on-going Oiscal year.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has approved cash rewards for 350 employees of the Regional Tax OfOice on their outstanding performance. The FBR has also announced cash rewards for showing outstanding performance for the collection of revenue in the Oirst six months. The cash amount of Rs 6.5 million was received from the Federal Board of Revenue recently and distributed among the employees who had done well in the revenue collection efforts.

Employees of the Regional Tax OfOice will also be awarded one salary along with cash rewards on their outstanding performance in the Oiscal year 2015-16.

The Federal Revenue Alliance has also acknowledged the recent decision of the FBR for the disbursement of cash rewards and it will motivate the employees to show good performance in future.

Meanwhile, The Federal Revenue Alliance has congratulated Chief Commissioner Asif Raza Saleem on the behalf of all employees of the Regional Tax OfOice.

Central Organizer of the Federal

Revenue Action Committee Tahir Khakwani said that new chief commissioner will try to sort out various issues of the employees, including their pending promotions, restoration of performance allowance and other facilities.

Khakwani assured the chief commissioner that all the employees will make efforts for the accomplishments of the assigned revenue targets in future.

He said that the chief commis-

the fBr has also announced cash rewards for showing outstanding performance for the collection of revenue in the first six months. the cash amount of rs 6.5 million was received from the federal Board of revenue recently and distributed among the employees who had done well in the revenue collection efforts

fBr reshuffles four pcS officers of BS 17-18 KARACHI

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AftAB cHANNA

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reshuffled four officers of BS 17-18 of the Pakistan Customs Service with immediate effect and until further orders.

According to a notification issued by Ghulam Ali Malik, Secretary Mgt-Customs-II; Muhammad

Mumtaz Ali Raza Chaudhary, BS-18, Deputy Director, Directorate General of Transit Trade has been transferred and posted as Deputy Director at Directorate of IOCO North Lahore, Kamran Ali Rana, BS18, Deputy Director, Customs Collectorate Appraisement East Karachi has been transferred and posted as Deputy Director, Directorate General of Transit Trade Karachi, Muhammad Arsalan Majeed Rana, BS-17, Assistant Collector Customs Collectorate of Ap-

praisement West Karachi transferred and posted as Assistant Collector, Customs Collectorate of Exports PMBQ and Shah Faisal, BS-17, Assistant Collector Customs Collectorate Quetta transferred and posted as Assistant Director, Directorate of Transit Trade, Quetta.

The notification states that the officers who are drawing performance allowance prior to issuance of this notification shall continue to draw this allowance on the new place of posting.

sioner has also assured them that their persisting issues will be resolved very soon. Employees are our real assets and he advised them to devote their full attention on assigned tasks for the achievement of targets and we will not ignore them in future. The Federal Board of Revenue Regional Tax OfOice have collected only 209 tax returns of taxpayers under Voluantary Tax Compliance Scheme (VTCS) till March 16, 2015.

ANf foils bid to smuggle 150g heroin to London nti-Narcotics Forces (ANF) has foiled a attempt of heroin smuggling to London through a courier service here. The ANF sources said that 150 grams of heroin powder was seized from a packet of a courier company. The packet was booked from Karachi for London. The ANF has started inquiry against the sender and receivers of the packet.

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Gold price remains unchanged at Rs 49,234/tola KARACHI: The gold price in international and domestic markets remained unchanged on low demand. Gold closed at $1,255 an ounce with no change per ounce comparing to previous day price while domestic bullion price witnessed same phase.

Gold in tola term firm and stayed at Rs 49,234 per tola while in grammage value, gold closed at Rs 42,255 per ten grams respectively, dealers said. The buyers with liquidity kept maintaining gold price as they along with gold hedgers remained busy in manipulating trade and buyers with less liquidity remained cautious for making any sizeable deal in anticipation of downward adjustment in price.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Business

pSX closes negative on start of new trading week KARACHI

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pened with positive note, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) shed all the gains and lost -57.53 points to reach 33022.87 points level at closing on Monday. The stocks recorded the highest trading level of 33164.99 points and lowest level of 33000.46 points, with the volume of 123 million shares, having about Rs5.24 billion value. As many as 315 companies were active; of which 158 advanced, 135 declined and 22 remained unchanged.

Auto assembling was the top

‘pak among top milk, livestock producers’ ATTOCK

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ue to the government’s policies, Pakistan is now among the top producers of milk and livestock. This was stated

by State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmad during a ceremony, organised by the Livestock Department on the other day where keys of motorbikes were handed over to 114 veterinary assistants. District Officer Livestock Attock Muhammad Yameen was also present on the occasion.

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traded sector with 15,300,300 volume, while commercial banks remained second with 14,687,400 vol-

ume. The three top traded companies were Dewan Motors with a volume of 12,271,500 and price per

share of 9.90 (0.73), BO Punjab with a volume 6,922,500 of price per share of 9.11 (0.10), K-Electric Ltd with a volume 6,870,500 of price per share of 7.00 (-0.10).

The top three gainers were Shezan Inter with price per share Bata (Pak) (160), Wyeth Pak Ltd XD with price per share of 1690 (40) and Mari PetroleumXD price per share of 667.80 (23.76). The top three losers were Nestle Pak with price per share of 6450 (-249.99), Unilever Foods with price per share of 4960 (-236.50) and Siemens Pak per share of 750 (-25). Earlier, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened positive by gaining 79.69 points to reach 33160.09 points in early trading. The PSX shed all the gains and lost 1.70 points to reach 33078.70 points level.

Dar, ADB country director discuss future funding programme LAHORE

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he Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Werner Liepach has called on Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and discussed the future funding programme of ADB, particularly for the infrastructure development.

Werner and Dar reviewed ADB’s future funding programme in Pakistan in detail, said a press release.

The ADB country director ofOicially

invited the Oinance minister to the ADB’s annual meeting scheduled to be held in May this year.

He also informed the minister about the forthcoming visit to Pakistan of the ADB vice president in April. Dar appreciated ADB’s continued support to socio-economic development of Pakistan. He said that he was looking forward to his participate in the ADB’s annual meeting where he would exchange views with the bank’s senior leadership on funding for various projects in Pakistan. Senior ofOicials of the Finance Division and Economic Affairs Division attended the

meeting. Meanwhile, The Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) has preserved 11,000 priceless antiquities from smuggling with the help of national and international agencies during the last three years. These antiquities were prevented from smuggling to the other countries by the relevant authorities and then prevented by the department, said an ofOicial of the department while talking to APP. The department of archaeology, after devolution, has taken a number of steps for the protection, preservation and promotion of the rich cultural heritage of the country.

pakistan railways generates over rs 81m by leasing out land in kp ISLAMABAD

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akistan Railways generated Rs 81.724 million by leasing out unutilized land of the railway available on Mardan-Dargai section, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) for various purposes during the last five yeaRs The railway land was leased out on both the short and long term basis, official sources in the Ministry of Railways told APP. Giving breakup, they said, the land was leased out for agriculture at Rs 0.204 million, parking at Rs 0.29 million, stacking at Rs 2.44 million and tehbazari at Rs 6.45 million.

The lease included shops at Rs 1.96 million, cattle fares at Rs 0.64 million, row for the construction of flyover at Takht Bhai at Rs 0.55 million, buildings at Rs 2.715 million and goods shed at Rs 2.937 million besides giving land for other commercial activities at Rs 63.536 million.

The available railway land is leased out in a transparent manner through open public auction by fixing bench mark/reserve price of auction after evaluation, they added. They said the entire section between MardanDargai Railway Stations was free from any unauthorized occupation and encroachments.

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petrol prices likely to hike by rs 3.50/litre ISLAMABAD

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ZAfAr MALIk

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he prices of petroleum products are likely to increase by Rs 3.50 per litre as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) is sending a summary to the Finance Ministry regarding hike in POL prices. Sources said that the petrol prices would be increased by Rs 2.10/litre, those of high-octane by

Rs 3.48, high-speed diesel by Rs 2.27 and kerosene oil by Rs 3.8. However, the government can also reduce the GST to maintain the old prices.

Last month, the government had slashed the price of petrol by Rs 8 per litre, which was received well by people. The current price of petrol is Rs 62.77 per litre and that of high speed diesel, Rs 71.12.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Post has collected Rs 187.083 million through its different schemes of-

fered for general public under Saving Bank. The department has collected Rs 157.699.11 million through saving accounts services while Rs 29.384.505 million under saving certiOicates, ofOicial sources told APP. They said Pakistan Post is offering services of Saving Bank Ordinary Accounts, Special Savings Accounts, Defence Savings CertiOicates, Special Saving CertiOicates and Regular Income CertiOicates.

They informed that Rs 8,647.899

million were collected under Saving Bank Ordinary Accounts, Rs 1363.868 million under Army Saving Bank Accounts, Rs 190.348 million Pakistan Air Force Saving Bank Accounts and Rs 141.737 million Navy Saving Bank Accounts. While in saving certiOicates, Rs 26.276.14 million were collected under Defence Savings CertiOicates, Rs 1,103.635 million under Special Saving CertiOicates and Rs 2.005.021 million under Regular Income CertiOicates. They stated that Pakistan Post is

doing Saving Bank work as an Agent of Ministry of Finance on commission under Saving Bank Act, 1873, while saving certiOicates are issued under Post OfOice National Saving CertiOicate Act, 1917, and Post OfOice National Savings CertiOicates Ordinance 1944. They informed that Pakistan Post OfOice Department has the biggest network for the collection of savings from the masses through more than 12,000 post ofOices, spreading all over the country.

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he Pakistan Customs has sent back 27 trucks of garlic to India after finding that the commodity was contaminated and dangerous for human health.

The Wagah Land Freight Unit (LFU) of the Pakistan Customs intercepted 32 trucks of garlic, which was imported despite a ban.

It is learnt that some importers, after getting approval from private laboratories, started importing Indian garlic. Up to now they imported 32 trucks of garlic, which were stopped on the border for checking.

The Plant Protection Department, while examining the garlic, found fungus and dangerous chemicals for human health on it and suspended its import and also directed to send back the trucks to the India or dump all loaded

garlic as it is not good for human health.

Meanwhile, Indian department concerned said that any consignment will not be cleared without confirming the quality of the products.

It may be noted here that the customs authorities intercepted 17 trucks loaded with contaminated Indian garlic at Wagah Land Freight Unit (LFU) which was imported despite imposition of a ban on it.

Earlier, 15 trucks were intercepted by the authorities due to fungus and dangerous bacteria in garlic.

The Plant Protection Department has banned the import of Indian garlic because they found dangerous bacteria and fungus in it after laboratory tests.

It is learnt that some importers, after getting approval certificates from private laboratories, have started importing Indian garlic.

Up to now, they imported 32 trucks of garlic, which were stopped on the border for checking.

The customs will not clear the trucks until the approval of the Plant Protection Department, an official had said.

Director General of Plant Protection had ordered the authorities to send trucks back to India or dump all loaded garlic as it is harmful for human health.

nt artme p e D ection of Indian t prot t n a l p impor und e the h t d y fo nne has ba because the ngus in it c d fu garli ria an rnt e t c a t is lea g sb I u . o s r t s e e dang ettin tory t abora after g ate l , r s r e t e f t a por priv ome im cates from s t a h t rtifi arted val ce ave st h , s appro e i tor arlic labora dian g n I g n i t impor

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Tuesday, March 22, 2016

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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

reforming tax system

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fter years of travelling on the hackneyed path of omissions and commissions, the policymakers have finally reached a conclusion that a paradigm shift in existing tax system is indispensable for widening the tax net and increase revenue collections.

According to newspaper reports, the government has decided to implement much awaited structural reforms in the federal taxation authority to arrest the speed of growing volume of black economy. A threetier hybrid system will be introduced to reaching out the small administrative units. A meeting of the Tax Reforms Implementation Committee, which held under the head of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, gave a go-ahead to the new system but with directions to keep the best parts of the current and old systems intact. However, the government deserves kudos that it has realized the needs for reforms in the tax collection system and the worst part is that all the authorities are stuffed in the income tax officers from assessment to audit of the income of an individual unlike the current practice where the tax file of an individualis dealt by four officers who work in isolation.

Under the new system, the regional tax offices will be divided into corporate section for corporate clients and the territorial section to deal with individuals and association of persons. The facilitation centres for taxpayers will be upgraded to the territorial sections.

However, the large corporate taxpayers will be treated under the current functional system whereas the individuals and association of persons will brought under the old circle system. The supreme taxation authority has agreed to implement the recommendations of the Tax Reforms Commission to enforce its writ at the smallest administrative units. The current tax amnesty scheme introduced by the Federal Board of Revenue has received lethargic response from potential taxpayers to the utter disappointment of the government. It is believe that the number of non-filers having national tax number is four times more than that of the filers, but the number of active taxpayers is showing downward trends instead of increasing the tax base.

As a matter of fact, the Pakistani society is complex and mixed breed of people due to various cultural and historical reasons.

wHt and tax amnesty scheme A

LAHORE

Dr AftAB AfZAL

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ccording to newspaper reports, the economic coordination committee of the cabinet has decided to extend the date for concessional rate of withholding tax of 0.4 percent on banking transactions for non-filers up to the second week of March. The controversy started when the government imposed 0.6 percent withholding tax on banking transactions in the federal budget. However, in the wake of strong protest by the business community, the government cut it to half, but again increased it by 0.1 percent to push traders to register themselves

with the tax authorities. There are no two opinions in the notion that tax-to-GDP ratio in Pakistan is very low as compared to other countries in the region. However, according to national and international tax experts, confusing tax laws and multiple tax regimes are responsible for the low tax base in the country.

The matter of tax collections is complex and it needs very careful understanding to apply a solution. Most of the laws give the authorities a mandate to investigate and evaluate tax income of an individual or a company, but suspicions and misunderstanding reign during the whole process of audit and investigations. As a result, ligations start with the government agencies which con-

sume years of precious manhours of the government officials, businessmen as well as of courts.

Withholding tax on bank transactions was introduced in the federal budget in a bid to collect revenues from non-filers of income tax. But across the board application of the order resulted in lower bank deposits, putting the whole banking system in jeopardy. The State Bank has allowed the tax authorities to access the bank accounts of individuals for tax assessment and collection. Now the people have started avoiding banks in business matters. Easy solutions always have complications. If the government wants to enhance tax net, it will have to win the trust of the business community

in the first place. Taxpayers, large or small, be given special citizen cards and facilities in every walk of life. They need attention and respect. A difference between income taxpayers and non-income taxpayers should be visible in society so that the people take pride in filing their income returns. Arrests and witch-hunt of businessmen will further push the potential income taxpayers away and they will never file income tax returns voluntarily. The current practice is that there is no difference between taxpayers and non-taxpayers in society and the government official treat both of them in the same manner.

Until a tax culture is created, the voluntary tax amnesty schemes will continue to end in smoke.

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Sales tax revenues down 35% from 2015 WASHINGTON: Nothing has changed much with the county’s monthly tax allocations from the office of Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar as of late. The state’s decline in the energy sector continues to be felt here on the local level.Gonzales County has seen sales tax revenues decrease 35.41 percent from this time last year. Purchases made at county businesses in January totaled $206,185.94. The beginning of 2015 saw a total of $319,225.35. So far for the year the county is down 35.08 percent from 2015 totals.

In Gonzales, the numbers were down 35.34 percent from January 2015. The city brought in $171,057.75 as compared to last January’s $264,565.72. The city is already down 25.22 on returns on tax dollars as compared to last year. Nixon is also down about the same rate. Tax numbers fell 35.15 percent from last year to $28,870.67.

BccI delegation expresses keenness to undertake JVs high-powered delegation from Belarus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) comprising representatives of the textile, leather, heavy machinery, construction machinery, petrochemicals, medical equipment and tire sectors, during its visit to the Karachi Chamber on Friday, expressed keenness to undertake joint ventures with their counterparts in Karachi in order to promote trade and investment ties between the two countries. The Belarusian delegation, which was led by Valery Labun, Director General of the Brest branch of BCCI,

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comprised of Denis Kozlov, Senior Foreign Economic Relations Expert of BCCI, Alexey Koryagin, Mrs. Nadezhda Shedova, Mrs. Anna Dashkova, Mrs. Natalia Bukach, Vadim Kolosov, Yauhen Maskaliou, and Jurabek Kirgizbekov.

President KCCI Younus Muhammad Bashir, Senior Vice President KCCI Zia Ahmed Khan, Vice President KCCI Muhammad Naeem Sharif, Former SVP KCCI Muhammad Ibrahim Kasumbi and KCCI managing committee members were also present at the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Director General of the Brest Branch of Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Valery Labun stated that they were visiting KCCI as part of an agreement on cooperation between the two Chambers which was inked during the last visit of Belarusian Prime Minister to Islamabad. He was fairly optimistic that Belarusian delegation’s visit to KCCI would help in matchmaking and prove very fruitful in furthering cooperation between the Karachi and Belarusian Chambers. He also invited the KCCI to participate in an ‘International Exhibition and Business Forum’ scheduled to be organized from April 23rd to April 27th, 2016.—CB Report

Tuesday March 22, 2016

Chambers

palestine to organise trade Expo in pakistan this year W

ISLAMABAD

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alid Abu Ali, Ambassador of Palestine said that a Trade Expo of Palestine was being planned in Islamabad preferably in June this year to showcase the potential of many Palestinian products including marble and stones, food items, agro products, industrial goods, handicrafts, technology and communications, leather goods, construction, tourism and many others for Pakistani consumers. He said the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) would sponsor the holding of Trade Expo in Pakistan. He said Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry should cooperation with Palestinian Embassy to make this expo successful. He said this during an interaction with business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The ambassador said that the Trade Expo would provide a good opportunity to the businessmen of both countries to interact and explore ways and means for enhancing bilateral trade. He said though it was difOicult for Pakistani businessmen

to do direct trade with Palestine due to Israeli factor, however, they could export to Palestine through Jordon, Egypt and Turkey which were facilitating it in trading activities. He said many Pakistani products including rice, textiles, pharmaceuticals and others have good potential in Palestinian market.

He stressed that more opportunities should be created for the businessmen of Palestine and Pakistan to identify all untapped areas of mutual cooperation. He said enhanced

business relations between the two countries would bring many beneOits for their economies and people. He was also thankful to the Pakistani government and people for always supporting the cause of Palestine and added that Pakistan was a source of main support for Palestine.

Speaking at the occasion, Atif Ikram Sheikh, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that Pakistan and Palestine have good potential to complement each other in many areas and both coun-

‘pak entrepreneurs should focus on innovation’

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LAHORE

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echnological advancement is a key of success for the business as not only it opens new avenue for progress and prosperity but also provides a chance to the business community to avail the global opportunities with ease.

These views were expressed by the LCCI Vice President Nasir Saeed while addressing the inauguration ceremony of ATS latest machinery display center here at Badami Bagh.

Chairman PASPIDA Abul Hameed, Vice Chairman Mian Ibrar Hussain, the LCCI Executive Committee Members Mian Zahid Javed, Abdul Razaq, Waqar Ahmed Mian, CEO ATS Amjad Wazir, Khalid Wazir, Sohail Imtiaz Butt, Faisal Imtiaz, Zeeshan Khalil and others were present on the occasion.

The LCCI Vice President said that Pakistani entrepreneurs should focus on innovation as it is one of the proven tool to win the global market. It is a good omen that business community is diverting its attention towards modern technology and shifting their business operations on latest techniques.

He said that only market and product diversiOication can help us to make our way in the global market therefore government and private sector should focus this area though jointly evolved strategy.

Nasir Saeed said that it is a matter of concern that we are still struggling to achieve the export target of $ 25 billion despite having all resources to move forward while those countries are far ahead of us which were following our economic role model in the past. LCCI President said that Pakistan’s exports base is extremely limited and concentrated in Oive products

namely cotton, leather, rice, synthetic and textile. He said that more than 60% exports earnings are contributed by the textile industry while 15% of total exports contributed by leather, synthetic made ups and rice. Nasir Saeed said that business community is the backbone of the economy as more than 90% revenue is being generated through trade & industry.

Therefore, the businessmen should be given due facilitation and for the purpose the LCCI would continue to play its role proactively. He said that Federal Board of Revenue would not be able to achieve its revenue target without providing a business friendly atmosphere to the business doing people. He informed the participants that during their meetings with a number of trade and industrial associations, they came across quite a few issues that could be resolved only through facilitation to the business community.

tries should focus on developing bilateral trade to create better economic opportunities for their people. He said both countries had agreed to form a Joint Ministerial Commission to improve two-way trade and economic relations and stressed that all possible efforts should be made to materialize this this plan. He said Pakistan wanted peace in Palestine so that trade and economic activities could Olourish and people of Palestine could enjoy a better living standard.

california unemployment rate dips to 5.5% alifornia’s unemployment rate was 5.5 percent in February, continuing a slight downward trend but remaining higher than the nation’s jobless rate as a whole, state figures indicated Friday. The state added 39,900 nonfarm payroll jobs, according to a business survey cited by the state Employment Development Department. A smaller federal survey estimated nearly 18 million Californians held jobs last month, an increase of 62,000 from January, the state agency reported. Just over 1 million Californians were unemployed, a decrease of 36,000 over the month and a dip of nearly 207,000 compared with February of last year.—CB Report

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Iran’s oil exports hit 22-month high in Jan Tuesday March 22, 2016

World

TEHRAN: Iran’s oil exports climbed to the highest in 22 months in January when sanctions against its economy ended, opening the way for higher shipments to Asia and new sales to Europe and Africa.

Exports rose to 1.55 million barrels a day in January, the highest since March 2014 and 9.2 percent higher than the month before, according to data Thursday from Riyadh-based Joint Organisations Data Initiative.

Production climbed to 3.37 million barrels a day, the most since February 2014. Iran aims to increase production to 4 million barrels a day before it will consider joining oil producers in a proposal to freeze output. That would be the highest since October 2008, according to JODI data. The nation was OPEC’s second-biggest producer before sanctions were stepped up in 2012.

US customs nabs Mexican with firearms componets TUCSON

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male Mexican national was arrested Friday for attempting to smuggle nine separate parts of Oirearms into Mexico through the Port of Lukeville.

US Customs and Border Protection ofOicers conducting outbound inspections selected a Ford truck driven by a 28-year-old Mexican national from Ahome, Sinaloa, Mexico, for further inspection. During the search, ofOicers found an assortment of nine Oirearm components. The illegal contraband was seized. The case have been referred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.

Meanwhile, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Inter-

Iran needs to cut a deal with gulf’s oil producers he Emirates Policy Centre organised a workshop in Abu Dhabi last week on the latest developments emerging out of Iran following the signing of the nuclear deal and the recent completion of legislative elections. Undoubtedly, these will have significant repercussions that would further impact on the situation locally and across the regional.

Although Iran’s political situation topped the agenda at the workshop where discussions ranged on changes that might surface in the country’s superstructure due to conflicts between conservatives and reformists the economic scene will remain the defining factor of upcoming developments. More so after the sanctions deal and the parliamentary elections.

Obviously, Iran’s economic situation is fraught as evidenced by official reports issued by its central bank.—CB Report

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national Airport (FLL) arrested a man Tuesday wanted for sexual activity with a child. CBP officers working at the airport encountered Patricio Gonzalez, 56, arriving on a flight from Ecuador. During the inspection process, CBP officers determined that the man an outstanding warrant for sexual activity with a child and lewd or lascivious molestation issued out of West Palm Beach, Florida.CBP provides security and supports travel or trade through 328 ports of entry throughout the country.

The individual, a citizen of Ecuador, was subsequently arrested by CBP officers and turned over to the Broward County Sheriff ’s Office for extradition. “Keeping these wanted criminals off our streets is a priority for CBP,” said Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Port Director Jorge Roig. “It’s of the utmost importance when the subject is wanted for such particularly hideous charges.”

chinese customs seizes 700kg banned plant khat

BEIJING

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ustoms authorities in China seized a total of 705 kilograms of banned plant Khat, which can be used as stimulant, from Ethiopia.

500k illegal cigarettes and 2 tonnes of tobacco seized across wales

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lmost two tonnes of illegal hand-rolled tobacco enough to make two million cigarettes was seized in Wales during the summer of 2015. Nearly 500,000 illegal cigarettes were also conOiscated during Operation Fetch.

The goods were found by tobacco detection dogs working with trading standards ofOicers from across Wales.

Health Minister Mark Drakeford said the clampdown on illegal trading would help safeguard public health.

The Welsh Government said smoking

was the biggest single case of early death in Wales, with almost 6,000 deaths annually, and the sale of illegal tobacco undermined work to reduce smoking rates. It added it also compromised current tobacco control measures such as age-of-sale legislation, labelling and the ban on having tobacco on display in shops. Mr Drakeford said: “I am very concerned about illegal tobacco because its affordability and availability threatens the health of children, making it so much easier for them.—CB Report

Khat was banned in China 2014, which makes it a criminal offense to plant hold, transport, trafOic or eat the leafy shrub. The Oirst parcel full that contained 14 kilos of khat, a leafy shrub grown in the Arabian Peninsula was discovered in Shenyang last December.

Customs agents believed there were more parcels coming from Ethiopia that possibly contain the

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banned plant so they conducted thorough investigation.

According to the ofOicial Xinhua news agency, custom agents found more parcels containing Khat from Ethiopia in Beijing, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen.

At least three people have already been arrested for receiving the parcels of Khat from Ethiopia.

The three have been ofOicially charged in a Chinese court. According to Shenyang customs ofOicials, China was only used a transit point for the smuggling of Khat as the suspects reportedly were planning to send the banned plant to other countries for proOit. Khat can be brewed as tea, smoked or chewed. It is a leafy green plant that contains a monoamine alkaloid called cathinone, an amphetamine-like stimulant, which is said to cause excitement, loss of appetite and euphoria.

It is a controlled substance in some countries, such as Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom.

turkey gold imports down 46% in feb mports of gold into Turkey totaled 1.43 mt in February, down 46% from 2.98 mt reported a year earlier, Borsa Istanbul data showed Thursday. The total was 10% higher than January’s 1.04 mt, which saw the lowest monthly imports since 2011.

Turkey is the world’s fourthlargest consumer of the metal after China, India and the US. Physical gold demand has struggled this year amid high international prices as gold continues to outperform in 2016, up over 15% this year to around $1,230/oz Wednesday. Platts reported earlier this week imports of

gold bars into India totaled 23.8 mt in February, down 61% on January and the lowest monthly inOlow on record, according to Indian customs data. Discounts offered by local dealers to international prices have been reported in most locations, with Indian discounts currently in the middle of a two-week long national strike by jewelers heard as high as $30-40/oz. The differential paid for physical gold against the international price was heard at a discount in Turkey, India and China for much of this year, as local investors continue to be deterred by steep prices.—CB Report

‘customs pre-clearance coming to toronto airport’

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OTTAWA

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anada and the U.S. have agreed to offer customs pre-clearance at Toronto’s island airport, force the oil industry to cut methane emissions, and permit commercial activity in the Arctic only when companies meet “the highest” environ-

mental standards.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Barack Obama made the announcements during Trudeau’s visit to the White House on Thursday, drawing praise from Porter Airlines and environmental activists and Oierce criticism from the U.S. oil and gas lobby. They also vowed to Oind a solution to the eternal softwood lumber dispute Obama

described at a joint Rose Garden press conference as a mere “irritant.” Trudeau said it would be settled in the coming “weeks and months;” Obama half-jokingly said it would be decided “to the dissatisfaction of all parties concerned.”

Trudeau committed Canada to new federal regulations on methane, a pollutant many times more potent than carbon dioxide as a cause of

climate change and an especially controversial product of hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” Trudeau and Obama pledged to reduce methane emissions from the oiland-gas sector by 40 to 45 per cent below 2012 levels by 2025. The premiers of Alberta and British Columbia had already announced similar commitments on methane, and Obama’s environmental agency.

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Two container ships berth at Port Qasim KARACHI: Two container ships ‘CMA CGM Racine’ and ‘Maersk Denver’ were arranged berthing at Qasim International Container Terminal. Meanwhile seven more ships scheduled to load/offload containers, cement, palm oil, LNG and chemicals also arrive at outer anchoroge of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. Berth occupancy was observed at the Port at 20% on Tuesday where a total of three ships namely C.V CMA CGM Racine, C.V Maersk Denver and M.V Oceanis are currently occupying berths to load/offload containers and soya bean seeds respectively during last 24 hours. Cargo throughput during last 24 hours stood at 85.5091 tonnes, comprising 58.472 tonnes imports and 26.619 tonnes exports, inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 3.909 containers (TEUs) was handled at the Port during last 24 hours.

transnet National ports Authority allocates r7b for new facilities ransnet National Ports Authority has allocated R7bn to build new port facilities to grow South Africa’s ocean economy.Two hundred jobs have already been created in new port facilities. Over the last 12 months, existing ports were refurbished and maintained, the Economic Sectors, Employment and Infrastructure Development cluster said in a statement.

The cluster held a media briefing in Cape Town, which was chaired by Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti. The cluster said work to grow the ocean economy is gaining momentum.

“Through the public-private partnership to establish Saldanha Bay as an oil and gas hub, an investment of R9.2bn has been realised, which will be utilised over the next five years. “With 14 licences issued for oil and gas exploration, drilling of two exploration wells for potential oil and gas finds

Ports & Shipping

china to construct 3.2km additional berths at gwadar

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will take place along the South African coast. The investment in gas infrastructure has commenced and will contribute to the energy security,” said the cluster. Work on the offshore supply base has already commenced, which will see Saldanha Bay attracting oil rigs for maintenance and repair.

This will create secondary job opportunities for surrounding communities.

According to the cluster, the boat building sector has been revitalised, leading to 500 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs. “An amount of R353m over the next three years has already been unlocked in the ports of Durban and Cape Town for boatbuilding infrastructure through incentives provided by government.”—CB Report

inister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed Wednesday said that China will construct additional multipurpose berths at Gwadar port to make the deep sea port fully operational.

Replying to a question in the Senate, he said currently three berths

were operational at the port.

In a written reply, Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Micheal says during the concession period, the Concession-Holder (COPHCL) will construct additional multipurpose berths on 3.2km (0.900m+2700m) seafront eastwards of the existing multipurpose terminal and 12 km long Container Terminal westwards and northwest of existing multipurpose terminal in the Concession Area. Outside the Concession Area, he says an LNG terminal is being constructed at Gwadar Port by Inter State Gas Sys-

tem and China Petroleum.

He adds work on the LNG is planned to start during Oirst quarter of 2016. He said Oirst phase of Gwadar Port was completed in 2005 with three multipurpose berths each 200 meters long dredged to -14.5 m including one Roll-on-Roll off (RORO) facility and another 100 meter service berth. All these berths are fully operational. He said Oirst expansion of the existing multipurpose terminal eastwards on 990 meters was planned in the second stage of Ferly Harvest Phase of China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Tuesday March 22, 2016

ruakura inland port gets crucial resource consents ainui Group Holdings, the property arm of Waikato-Tainui, says work should begin within a year on its huge Ruakura inland port after getting three key resource consents from the Hamilton City Council. The iwi plans to build a huge logistics and lifestyle hub on land near the old Ruakura science centre, which it says will mean less congestion in the central and upper North Island. TGH chief executive Chris Joblin said the decision allowed work to start on the first 13.5 hectares of the inland port and the surrounding 34.5ha logistics area. The size of Waikato Tainui’s planned 500ha inland port and commercial hub superimposed on Auckland’s CBD and waterfront.

The size of Waikato Tainui’s planned 500ha inland port and commercial hub superimposed on Auckland’s CBD and waterfront. “We have always approached Ruakura as part of a bigger picture – a new development larger than the Auckland CBD, bringing fresh life and jobs to east Hamilton, and as a key hub in the upper North Island freight system,” Joblin said. The entire 480ha site will also feature the equivalent of more than 52 rugby fields of open space, a light commercial knowledge zone and residential housing. Joblin said a number of years spent master planning and talking to customers and the community had paid off with good connections, such as a dedicated interchange with the new Waikato Expressway.—CB Report

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govt relaxes cabotage rules to boost transshipment

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o promote transhipment at Indian ports, the Union shipping ministry has allowed some relaxations in cabotage rules. Cabotage is the transport of goods or passengers between two places in the same country, usually along a coast.

Transhipment is the movement of goods and containers to an intermediate destination, usually to be transferred to another place on an-

other mode of transport.

At present, Indian ports are not popular transhipment destinations, losing out to Colombo, Dubai or Singapore. Now, ports with less than 50 per cent of its cargo being containers can become transhipment hubs. This will be applicable to Exim-laden or empty containers only. Any new or existing container port handling transhipment trafOic can apply for the relaxation to the Directorate General of Shipping, said the ministry. The directorate general will grant a relaxation for a year

for an old port and two years for a new one. In a March 7 release, the ministry said the port has to submit the existing container trafOic it is handling and the project transhipment containers it would handle every quarter for a year.

Meanwhile, Southeast Asian countries are pushing for the institutionalization and strengthening of their collaboration in advancing sustainable port development in the region. To do this, the Philippines will host the Oirst-ever meeting of the Training Network for Sustainable

Port Development (SPD) in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Tuesday.

The meeting, which will be held in Manila, will be attended by the different decision-makers from the member-economies of Asean. The Training Network is an offshoot of the partnership forged by the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) with Asean and the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (Pemsea) in 2009 to implement the SPD.

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Faisalabad Customs generates Rs 0.32m from seized goods’ sale FAISALABAD: The Customs Collectorate earned Rs 0.32 million through auction of seized smuggled items which were confiscated during raids by Anti smuggling Organization (ASO).

Sources told Customs Today that Customs Collectorate held an auction of as many as 94 miscellaneous items and presented eight vehicles for open bid where only two lots out of 94 attracted suitable bid. While the remaining others lots were rejected by the bidders.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

faisalabad customs Intelligence seizes items worth rs 212m in 8 months FAISALABAD NAEEM SHEIkH

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he Customs Intelligence and Investigation registered 95 cases of smuggling and conOiscated items worth Rs 212.08 million involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 156.6 million during Oirst eight months (July-February) of current Oiscal year 2015-16.

Under the supervision of Additional Director Azmat Tahira, the Customs Intelligence improved its performance, as it foiled various anti-smuggling activities in the region saving the national economy and local traders.

During the said period, the intelligence staff impounded non-duty paid vehicles, auto parts, generators, fabric, Indian origin polyester and other miscellaneous smuggled goods. The ofOicials had conOiscated the items during different raids in the region after the accused persons failed to show the documents regarding the legal import and lawful possession of the items. Talking to Customs Today, Additional Director Azmat Tahira vowed to eliminate the menace of smuggling causing loss to national exchequer.

gwadar customs seizes rs 12.7m smuggled goods from two buses KARACHI

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wadar Customs has seized huge quantity of smuggled goods worth Rs 12.7 million from two passenger buses at Bawani area. According to Gwadar Collector Saeed Akram, on a tipoff that a huge quantity of goods was being smuggled from Quetta to Karachi, he constituted two teams for vigilance on the

said route. After three-day surveillance, the team intercepted two passenger buses and recovered huge quantity of contraband goods worth Rs 12.7 million. The buses were taken to Customs House Gaddani under logistic support of FC Escort.

The recovered goods, including Indian Gutkha, foreign cigarettes, electronic goods, menthol crystal, generators, tyres and others, were concealed in the especially designed cavities in the buses. FIRs have been lodged and efforts were being made to arrest the culprits.

Meanwhile, The Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation, Quetta, has started crackdown on non-duty paid vehicles.

Sources informed Customs Today that Director Iqbal Bohwana has directed the officials concerned to take stern action against non-duty paid vehicles.

During this action, a team of customs intelligence intercepted five non-duty paid luxury vehicles and one double cabin vehicle near Pak-Afghan border. The market value of the vehicles is Rs 130 million. Sources said that the nonduty paid vehicles belonged to the

same gang whose members are already arrested by law enforcement agencies. But authorities are conducting raids to arrest the ring-leader who is identified as Ghaffar Khan and he is an Afghan national.

Meanwhile, Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation, Quetta, has recovered 18,000 liters smuggled Iranian diesel during a crackdown. The market value of the seized diesel is Rs 7.5 million.

Sources informed Customs Today that the Customs authorities also seized 50 packs of non-duty-paid cigarettes in an-

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other raid. Sources said that the Customs intelligence has received credible information that a huge quantity of Iranian diesel is being smuggled.

A Customs team was constituted which intercepted an oil tanker near Dargi and recovered the smuggled diesel.

The same team raided a shop and recovered 50 packs of nonduty paid cigarettes.

After seeing the Customs team, the owner of the shop fled away.

The Customs team seized the goods and forwarded the cases to the Customs adjudications.