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ustoms Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has accepted interim charge sheet against suspect namely Adnan Islam, owner of M/s Adnan International Lahore, owner/ partners of M/s Mania Enterprises Karachi and others, who were booked in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid 5000 kilogram betel nuts and also evaded the duty and taxes of Rs 874,928.

During the hearing,

investigation ofTicer of Customs Collectorate of Appraisement-West, Intelligence Branch submitted interim charge sheet against suspect namely Adnan Islam, owner of M/s Adnan International Lahore, owner/ partners of M/s Mania Enterprises Karachi, Muhammad Aslam son of Muhammad Islam, Habib Khan son of Karim Dad Khan, Mohsin Islam son of Muhammad Islam and other to be ascertained during the investigation and submitted that on a credible information, under the self-assessment system of WeBOC by M/s Adnan International,

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Akbari Mandi Lahore through their clearing agent M/s Mania Enterprises said to contain 300 bags of Damar Batu having total weight 15000 kg. The automated Risk Management System of WeBOC selected the said goods for examination. He further informed the court that during the examination, goods were found mis-declaration and contrary to the declaration, and goods found on physical examination are 100 bags of betel nuts having total weight of 5000 kilograms were also found in the container besides 9880 kilograms Damar Batu.

It is hard to inaugurate NIIA on May 3 due to shifting of infrastructure

Customs Exports foils attempts to smuggle ‘precious’ antiques

FTO seeks complete record of case filed by M/s Hafiz Plastic Works

DG Valuation Surriya to revise VR No 941/2016 on June 6, 2018

CollectorAmbreen assuresspeedycustoms clearance of shipments at the Multan

Nisar Additional DC, AFU, said that an uncertainty is prevailing in the operation | See pAge 02 |

Customs Exports has foiled an attempt to smuggled antiques, including statues | See pAge 03 |

FTOAdvisorMianMunawarhasheardacase filed by proprietor of Hafiz PlasticWorks | See pAge 04 |

DGValuation has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 941/2016 on June, 6 | See pAge 09 |

Collector Tarar assured business community for the resolution of road | See pAge 16 |

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FBR likely to launch smartcards for taxpayers Tuesday, May 1, 2018

ISLAMABAD: With the aim to providing direct incentive to taxpayers, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is likely to launch smartcards for taxpayers.

Sources said that the smartcards, which could be introduced in budget 201819, would help broaden tax base and reduce refunds.

The card may be collected from the tax office holding jurisdiction of the individual within seven days after making a payment of Rs1,000. Further the card should be renewable annually, on a payment of a renewal fee of Rs200.

Islamabad

it is hard to inaugurate NiiA on May 3 due to shifting of infrastructure

ISLAMABAD

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ISLAMABAD

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isar Ahmad Phluarwal, Additional Deputy Collector, AFU, Islamabad said that an uncertainty is prevailing in the operation of the New Islamabad International Airport (NIIA) as it looks hard to open the NIIA on the next given inauguration date of May 03, 2018. He stated this while giving an exclusive interview to Customs Today.

He said the current situation is unpredictable regarding the relocation from the old airport to the New Islamabad International Airport (NIIA) as, before two days (Friday and Saturday), the authorities asked the international airlines to stop bringing cargos from foreign counties to the Benazir Bhutoo International Airport (BBIA). This has caused the national exchequer a huge loss.

He told CT that the AFU building has been handed over to the Model Customs Collectorate Islamabad, and cargosheds of the Gerry, PIA and other corporations have been completed as it is problematic that some of the sections of the AFU have been shifted to the NIIA which is causing hurdles in the routine function of the AFU. The relocation of old airport to the NIIA must have been devised properly so that function of the current BBIA airport could not suffer the additional

target set to collect Rs4500b revenue in next fY: Qaiser

stress. He said the infrastructure of the sections like TTRE, Rebate and PRAL have been developed at the NIIA while the AFU is still under the shifting process. There are many other important agencies who have to shift their infrastructure to the NIIA so as to make the airport functional. He added that all the work of shifting from BBIA to the NIIA must be speedy so that airport could be inaugurated on 3rd of May 2018.

Talking about the exports, he made an export analysis by saying

that the current duration (July to March FY17-18) showed +32.20% high growth against the corresponding FY16-17. He further said that the AFU Exports Section reflected +19% achievement during FY16-17 against FY15-16 while it posted +20.23% increase during FY16-17 against FY15-16. The AFU earned Rs27230million from the exports in FY17-18 whereas Rs27071millions was generated in FY16-17 and the AFU got Rs22750million from the exports

in FY15-16. The AFU Exports displayed +18.41% hike of growth during 3rd Quarter FY17-18 against the same period of FY1617 while it did exports worth Rs8775.13million during the 3rd Quarter of FY17-18 against the exports of Rs7410.34million during FY16-17. The AFU Exports entertained 7756 Goods Declarations (GDs) during 3rd Quarter FY17-18 while it did 6204 GDs during the identical previous duration of FY16-17.

hairman National Assembly Standing Committee for Finance, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said that the government has set the target to collect Rs.4500 billion revenue through tax in the next fiscal year. The present government had introduced the amnesty scheme to broaden the tax network in the country, he said while talking to a news channel.

The PML-N led government would not bring any drastic changes in the tax system while announcing the sixth budget, he said. To a question he said a dual road on Faislabad-Chiniot was being constructed to facilitate the people. He added that FAST campus had been established in the Chiniot area. He said that all out efforts were being made to enhance GDP growth rate to 7 percent so that more job opportunities could be created for the people. To another question about next general election he said the people would vote to those parties’ candidates, who delivered and performed well.

ihc seeks record of cases filed against Appellate tribunal, AtiR

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ISLAMABAD

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slamabad High Court directed parties to submit record of the cases while hearing four customs matters Tiled against Customs Appellate Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue.

A citizen, M Anwar Khan had Tiled four customs references against Customs Appellate Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue.

IHC Division Bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani was hearing the matters. Meanwhile another bench also dated in ofTice hearing oF cases submitted by M/S Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited.

The bench also heard another tax matter Tiled by M/s Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited. The appellant had Tiled petition challenging a show cause notice issued by the Large Taxpayers Unit, Islamabad.

M/s Pakistan Tobacco Company

Limited had contested show cause notices issued by the Tield ofTices of

Federal Board of Revenue. According to details, M/s Pakistan Tobacco

Company Limited had challenged recovery notice issued to it under the head of outstanding sales tax by the LTU, Islamabad. M/s Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited had submitted the department had issued the demand for the tax year 2010 in head of sales tax. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), ofTicers of LTU including commissioner Inland Revenue, commissioner Inland Revenue (Appeals) and Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) were made respondent in the case.

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SHC seeks comments on petition filed against levy of Regulatory Duty KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed customs officials to file their respective para wise comments on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Otsuka Pakistan Limited against imposition of 20 percent regularity duty on consignments of nutrition food products, protein gold vanilla flavor etc. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, heard the matter. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is lawful importer and always fulfills all the liabilities according to law. He submitted that petitioner is dissatisfied with the unlawful imposition of regularity duty on two items namely nutrition food products.

Adjudication-i recovers Rs 7m from M/s Samna fertilizer karachi

Tuesday May 1, 2018

Karachi

customs exports foils attempts to smuggle ‘precious’ antiques

KARACHI

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he Customs Adjudication-I has sent five notices to defaulter companies for collecting outstanding amount in the April. On another hand, the Customs Adjudication-I has retrieved Rs 7 million from M/s Samna Fertilizer Karachi. The company was allegedly involved in a tax evasion. Sources told Customs Today that the Caretaker Collector Customs Adjudication-I served a showcause notice on the said company for allegedly causing the treasury a loss of Rs 7 million by way of mis-declaration of classification. M/s Samna Fertilizer Karachi Karachi imported a consignment of dana form chemicals and mixer machines and got them cleared by mis-declaring the classification under the Pakistan Customs.

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Dg Valuation to revise VR No 918/2016 on May 25 KARACHI

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irectorate General, Customs Valuation, Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 918/2016 on May 25, 2018, it is learnt. Surriya Butt said the department was reviewing suggestions from various importers to set the new prices of barley and Ooats. She said some valuations, which were issued in 2016, were being reviewed from the beginning. Moreover, the valuations will be set in view of the rising prices in the international market. Sources told Customs Today that a petition was filed with the Customs Valuation in which change in prices of Barley and Oats was requested. Sources further told that Valuation Ruling No: 918/2016 was issued on 26 August 2016 A meeting was held with the stakeholders on April 17, 2018.

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KARACHI

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he Customs Exports has foiled an attempt to smuggled antiques, including statues of Buddha and lodged an FIR against M/s Natasha Enterprises and M/s Zaman & Co. M/s Natasha Enterprises Tiled goods declaration (GD) through agent M/s S. Zaman & Co to export artiTicial handicraft replicas to Hong Kong and was marked for examination by risk management system in WeBOC. The GD was marked by Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) on hold and was examined and released by ANF staff. After than Customs examination was carried out to check the actual description and type of goods on the directives of Collector Saquib Saeed and Additional Collector Shafqat Niazi.

The articles were then inspected by a team of curators, experts of Department of Archaeology and Culture, Karachi, which conTirmed that 16 out of 21 objects were antiques.

Value and age is being determined by the same department.

Meanwhile, The Customs Export has recovered an evaded amount of taxes and duties of Rs13.75million from defaulter companies which were issued with notices to pay the outstanding dues. Sources told Customs Today that, during a scrutiny of the import data, it was revealed that M/s Tehmina Marble and Export availed

undue beneTits and concessions after exporting different consignments of marble polish sheets by misusing the SRO 558 through Examiner Masoom Nawaz Khan on September 7, 2017.

Sources further said that the company was allegedly involved in the tax evasion of Rs8.25million. After detecting the tax evasion in the previous month, the Customs Export served on it a Tinal notice on 1st of April 2018 to deposit the evaded amount in 14 days.

After receiving the notice, the man-

the gD was examined and released by ANf staff. After than customs examination was carried out to check the actual description and type of goods on the directives of collector Saquib Saeed and Additional collector Shafqat Niazi

Shc issues notice on petition challenging VR No. 1264/2018

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KARACHI

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to the customs department and deputy attorney general on a constitutional petition Tiled by M/s Care Plastic Industries against the valuation of imported canvas house pipe under Valuation Ruling 1264/2018 dated March 8, 2018.

While hearing the petition, a two-

member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar also directed them to Tile their respective para wise comments on next date of hearing. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is lawfully engaged in the import of above-mentioned goods and fulTills all the requirements as per law, however, he is being aggrieved by the assessing of the customs authorities on imported goods ‘canvas house pipe’ on the basis of Valuation Ruling No 1264/8. He argued that action of the respondents is illegal and unlaw-

ful and without any legal effect. Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Chief Collector of Customs Collectorate of Appraisement South, Chief Collector of Customs Collectorate of Appraisement Port Muhammad Bin Qasim as respondents, he pleaded the court to declare the act of the respondents as illegal, mala-Tide and arbitrary. He also pleaded the court to set aside impugned valuation ruling and restrain them from taking any coercive action against the petitioner till Tinal order in this petition.

agement of M/s Tehmina Marble deposited the evaded amount into the ofTicial account of the Customs Export on 11th of April in favor of the Custom Export. Another defaulter company named M/s Logistic Associates (Thatta) also cleared Rs5.50 million of taxes and duties. Sources told the correspondent that M/s Logistic Associates (Thatta) also availed undue beneTits and concessions and avoided paying taxes according to the customs bylaws.

Rupee strengthens against dollar he Pakistani rupee further strengthened against the US currency both in open market and interbank. As per the local money market, the greenback lost eight paisas in interbank for buying at Rs 115.42 and Rs 115.62 for selling. In open market, the dollar shed 10 paisas for buying at Rs 118.20 and for selling at 118.50.

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40 Inland Revenue officers of BS-17 join STP Tuesday May 1, 2018

Lahore

LAHORE: Forty Inland Revenue Service officers have assumed charge of BS-17 posts as probationary officers at Directorate of Training and Research (IR), Lahore for Specialized Training Program (STP) on dates mentioned against each officer.

These officers joined STP after completion of their 45th Common Training Programme (CTP) at Civil Service Academy, Lahore.

customs tribunal settles fto seeks complete record of case appeal in an impounded filed by M/s hafiz plastic works generator case LAHORE

LAHORE

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he Customs Appellate Tribunal has decided a case Tiled

by Deputy Director Intelligence & Investigation-FBR Faisalabad against Mirza Rizwan Baig and Collector Customs (Appeals) Lahore.

On secret info, the staff of the Customs Intelligence & Investigation-FBR Faisalabad intercepted a mini Mazda truck loaded with a foreign origin generator. The generator carrying person introduced himself as Masood Akber and told the authorities that he is going to deliver the generator at the office of the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA). On demand, the driver produced sales tax invoice and photocopy of the bill but

fto remands back appeal filed by M/s Bhatti Rice Mills he Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has remanded back an appeal to solve the issue of the petitioner. The same appeal was filed by proprietor of M/s Bhatti Rice Mills against the Regional Tax Office (RTOII) Lahore which was adjourned until the next date of hearing. FTO Advisor Mian Munawar Ghafoor heard the case. The counsel for the appellant argued that the RTO failed to release the sales tax refund to the appellant after passage of two years. He said that the RTO-II had collected excessive taxes from the company for two years. The petitioner approached the officials concerned several times for release of refunds, but the RTO officials failed to clear refunds after the lapse of a reasonable time. Finally, the appellant decided to approach the FTO, seeking his intervention in the case. –CB Report

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there was no safe place for a complete checking of above generator on the spot. The same Mazda truck was brought to the office of the Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation-FBR Faisalabad for complete checking. After the complete verification, the same generator of 80-KW was impounded under Section 156 (1)90 of the Customs Act-1969.

After a show cause notice, the adjudication proceedings were concluded and Order-in-Original was passed with remarks that the generator should be released to the lawful owner on the payment of 20 percent redemption fine.

Being aggrieved from the order, an appeal was filed before the Collector Customs (Appeals) that passed the order that appeal is accepted, Order-in-Original is set aside and order is given to release the vehicle to the owner.

SAJiD NAwAZ

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ederal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Advisor Mian Munawar Ghafoor has heard a case Tiled by proprietor of M/s HaTiz Plastic Works against the Regional Tax OfTice (RTO-II) Lahore and Tixed the same for the next date of hearing with direction to submit complete record.

During the proceedings of the case, the counsel for the appellant argued that the RTO-II had failed to release the sales tax refund to the appellant since the last two years.

He said the RTO-II collected excessive taxes from the company during the last two years. The petitioner approached the ofTicials concerned several times for the release of refunds, but the RTO ofTicials failed to clear refunds after the passage of a reason-

able time. Finally, the appellant decided to approach the FTO seeking intervention in this case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to direct the RTO-II to clear the refund claims.

The counsel further said that delay in release of refunds put burden on taxpayers, adding that the RTO-II should make audit of the case and release the extra amount collected by it from the taxpayer. On the other hand, counsel for RTO-II argued that the appellant

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has not submitted all record to the ofTice for claiming refunds. If appellant provides the accurate record, the RTO-II will release refunds after a proper assessment, he added. After hearing the arguments from both sides, advisor for FTO postponed hearing of the case until next date for hearing and directed the parties to appear before him on said date with complete record to conclude arguments in the case.

court approves remand of accused textile exports surge 7.77pc in 9 months involved in mobile phones smuggling he textile group exports from year to $55.82 million during the cur-

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he Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has ordered a suspected smuggler Mashooq Ali to appear before the court within the given time period otherwise he will be declared a Proclaimed Offender.

Mashooq Ali son of Wahid is a resident of Khwaja Ghreeb Nawaz Grid Station Road, vehari, and is involved in an alleged smuggling. He is wanted in a smuggling case.

The customs court summoned the accused repeatedly but he did

not appear before the court. Now Special Duty Judge has issued a Tinal notice to him for appearing before the court within 30 days otherwise he will be declared Proclaimed Offender and his moveable or immovable property will be seized. A case was registered against the accused by the Multan Customs Intelligence.

On the other hand, a number of other cases were also presented before the court of Arshad Ali for further hearing which were rescheduled for next hearings. –CB Report

the country increased by 7.77 percent during the Tirst three quarters of current Tiscal year as against the exports of the corresponding period of last year.

The exports of textile were recorded at $9.99 billion during July-March (2017-18) against the exports of $9.27 billion during July-March (2016-17), according to data released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The products that contributed in positive growth in external trade included raw cotton, the exports of which grew by 35.76 percent by going up from $41.12 million last

rent Tiscal year. Similarly, knitwear export increased from $1.7 billion to $1.98 billion, showing growth of 14.12 percent while the exports of yarn (other than cotton yarn) increased from $17.75 million in Tirst nine months of previous year to $23.32 million, an increase of 31.34 percent. During the period under review, the bed wear exports increased by 4.99 percent, from $1.56 billion to $1.67 billion in the period under review while the towels’ exports increased by 1.18 percent from $591.28 million to $598.245 million this year. –CB Report

court issues arrest warrants for accused involved in tax evasion

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LAHORE

M iMRAN MehAR

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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling has issued an arrest warrant for the accused involved in an alleged tax evasion of Rs 230 million. Earlier, the Pakistan Customs Appraisement

Mughalpura Lahore has detected a big tax evasion on goods imported from Thailand. An exercise to recover the evaded revenue has been initiated by the customs authorities. The customs started investigation and asked the court to issue an arrest warrant for the accused. In January, the Collector Customs Mughalpura Jamil Nasir Khan received a tip-off that M/s

Serab International imported a consignment which was not correctly declared. M/s Serab International imported surveying instruments from Thailand that were declared with value of $1,155. During the assessment, the Customs Appraisement found that the imported consignment is valued more than $10 million.

Through mis-declaration, the ac-

cused party has made a loss of Rs 4.4 million to the national kitty.

Subsequently, two additional collectors were assigned to scrutinize the import data of items to ascertain whether there is any recoverable revenue.

The additional collectors confirmed in their report that mis-declaration was made on the goods imported.

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M ARShAD

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ederal Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, said that revenue generating measures introduced in the federal budget 2018-19 would help the government avoid any bailout package from the International Monetary Fund or from any other Tinancial institution.

The government had introduced the measures in currency market for economic uplift in last December; therefore, the federal government has no plans to approach the IMF for a bailout package before the end of its tenure.

The government had secured a $1 billion Tinancing today and it would raise the level of forex at the State Bank of Pakistan.

In July 2013, Pakistan asked for a new $5.3 billion bailout loan program from the International Monetary Fund after talks with a visiting delegation from the global lender.

Pakistan and International Monetary Fund reached an agreement for a three-year program of at least 5.3 billion dollars under an extended fund facility.

Pakistan entered into an extended fund facility (EFF) program with IMF on September 4, 2013. It was a 36-month extended arrangement under the EFF for $6.64 billion, 425% of quota). First tranche of $544.5 million, 34.8% of quota) became available on September 6 2013. Addressing the post-budget press conference along with Special Adviser on Revenue Haroon Akhtar Khan here, Finance Minister claimed that the budget for next Tiscal year had been prepared by all departments of the government jointly and congratulated them for their efforts.

The government expected the GDP’s nominal

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Tuesday, May 1, 2018

growth to be slightly above 12% next year, but tax revenues were estimated to go up by 11% only. So we are very conTident that we will achieve the 11% growth.

He said that Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) visionary policies aimed to facilitate the people. The FBR revenue has doubled with a growth of 20% so the government also focused on the major steps taken on the income tax. Super tax is 1%, 3% for corporations and 4% for banks. The current government has led to a 5% decrease in taxes at the rate of 1% per year and it would be further lowered.

Similarly, he said that the relief measures in the budget were accompanied by tax measures, aimed at facilitating existing and new taxpayers. The government doesn’t expect issuance of many supplementary

nt had ernme v o g e lion th $1 bil a d e r sec u would and it g n i c orex finan el of f v e l e h k of raise t te Ban a t S e at th an pakist

grants during the year because all actual expenses have been counted in the budget.

Miftah said that export promotion needed to increase and import dependency needed to crack. Therefore duties on raw materials were lowered to protect the local industries. The budget looks out for the local industries. Tax on the Tilm industry, car production, LED lights, port of coal, custom duties, sales tax on TireTighting vehicles due to their high demand has been reduced to 10%. Miftah said that taxes on cigarettes, cement and steel increased to meet the revenue target by the tax authorities. Speaking on the occasion, Special Adviser to Prime Minister for Revenue Haroon Akhtar Khan praised the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) ofTicials for working day and night to produce a progressive and visionary revenue document. The PML-N government is ending its Tive-year tenure with FBR’s revenue increased by more than double and a simple growth of 15.5%. Khan said that provinces were paid Rs1.3 trillion from the divisible pool in 2013 and they would receive over Rs2.3 trillion this year. Rejecting the impression that the budget was not a revenue budget but a give, give and give budget, Khan said that it was a well-thought-out budget and cited several additional duties and taxes as proposed revenue measures in the document. He said that the government had taken two major steps to improve the current account deTicit: it announced an export package that helped trigger exports and increased them by 13% in the last nine months and imposed a regulatory duty on luxury items.

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eDitoRiAL

prospects of tourist industry

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he tourism and hospitable sector is one of the largest important sources of revenue generation in today’s world as people want to visit new places and new destinations to explore new cultures for recreation and satisfaction of their aesthetics. There are millions of millions of other people who go on businesses and religious trips, making tourism as one of the promising industries in the world. The travel and tourism industry plays a large role in both developing and the developed countries and has been contributing significantly to their economies.

Pakistan is blessed with rich and varied sightseeing lands full of local flora and fauna.

At least thirteen out of 18 high peaks in the world are in Pakistan, including Karakoram and the Hindukush ranges. Those are famous for their alpine meadows and permanent snow line, coniferous forests down the submountain scrub in the north while the vast Indus plains on the south of the country along with the great desert, the coast line and wetlands, all offer marvelous attractions for the potential tourists of the country.

However, Pakistan has given free hand to Arab sheikhs to come to Pakistan and they kill not only precious and dwindling local species, but also migratory birds which come from Siberia and other highlands from the north every year. At least ten of 18 mammalian orders in the world are represented in Pakistan with species ranging from the world’s smallest surviving mammals, the Mediterranean pigmy shrew, to the largest mammal ever known the blue whale.

Pakistan is a land of opportunities and a land of high adventure and nature. Tourists are fascinated with trekking, mountaineering, white water rafting, wild boar hunting, mountain and desert jeep safaris, camel and yak safaris, trout fishing and bird watching opportunities across the country. The marvelous beauty of Northern Areas is the source of attraction for the local and foreign tourists. There are beautiful valleys and lacks across the country, which are greatest attractions for tourists. Pakistan can have billions of dollar tourism industry if attention is paid to this sector. Again, cultural and commercial attaches working in Pakistani missions abroad should be put on the action mode and they should be told in clear terms that the government means business.

New round of rupee depreciation P

LAHORE

DR AftAB AfZAL

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akistani rupee always remained vulnerable to depreciation. However, speculations created a new stir in the currency market, pushing panic buying to bring dollar value as high as Rs 119 in the open market. The officials at the State Bank, who were virtually or habitually sleeping over the slide, are now rushing to meet currency dealers to fill the widening gap between open and the inter-bank rates. As increasing demand for the greenback gripped the open market, the rupee slide could not be arrested despite sustaining its

value at the inter-bank trade.

Currency traders fear the speculations could cause another round of devaluation in the coming days, as buying spree is visible in the open market, pushing the rupee to its lowest level ebb. A federal minister has already accepted the hand of the government in depreciation of rupee though he fell short of revealing the pressure from the international donor agencies in the game. According to him, the government had done the devaluation of the rupee to the level it desired and that the ‘the currency has found its equilibrium’. However, speculations continue to haunt the rupee in the open market, making it a

worthless entity against international currencies. People having rupee accounts in the banks and saving schemes lost two digit worth without any fault on their part. The State Bank has directed the currency dealers to narrow down the gap between dollar price in the interbank and open currency market to 1 percent from the current 2.3 percent. But this is not the first time the rupee experienced the height of vulnerability. When the government itself opts for meltdown of rupee, the world financial institutions cannot help. One fails to understand what prompted the central bank to devalue rupee by over 9 percent when the

move is likely to fail both in curtailing trade deficit and improving foreign exchange reserves. The government is now trying to fix rate at Rs 115 a dollar, but depreciation would not stop until it reaches Rs 120 a dollar not only in the open market but also in the interbank trade. The next government will have to go to the world financial institutions to get further loans and they want rupee value at its lowest level.

No financial or economic experts can do anything until the nation stands on its own feet and is able to make rational policies. A hide and seek between dollar and rupee will continue in future.

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Health ministry asks FBR to remove third slab of cigarettes ISLAMABAD: Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) has asked Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to remove the third slab of cigarettes before the upcoming budget.

The official sources said that health ministry has put its concerns before the FBR, finance division and legislative bodies dealing with tobacco industry to end the third slab. He claimed that the easy accessibility of the third slab of cigarettes to the customers created the biggest hurdle for health ministry in reducing tobacco consumption.

The ministry has asked FBR to implement only two slabs which are in international practice and end the third slab which covers the price from Rs35 to 55 approximately, added official.

ihc postpones hearings against islamabad customs collectorate ISLAMABAD

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he Islamabad High Court dated in office the hearings in customs cases involving Customs Appellate Tribunal and Model Customs Collectorate Islamabad. The IHC bench, comprising of Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, adjourned the hearing of M/s Nayatel Private Limited filed against the Customs Appellate Tribunal. Other customs cases were relisted by Syed Waqas Ali Shah against Collector Adjudication and Model Customs Collectorate. Another case from Asmatullah and Syed was also relisted. The appellants had filed the matter against Collector Customs MCC and the Customs. Meanwhile, IHC Division Bench, consisting of Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan, dated in office the hearing of cases including the one filed by M/s Awan CNG Re-Filling Corporation Private Limited.

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Tuesday May 1, 2018

National

Dg Valuation Surriya to revise VR No 941/2016 on June 6, 2018 T

KARACHI

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he Directorate General, Customs Valuation, Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 941/2016 on June, 6, 2018, it is learnt. Sources told Customs Today that Surriya Butt was reviewing suggestions from various importers to set new prices of olive oil (HS Code 1509.9000) . She said some valuations which were issued in 2016 were being reviewed from the beginning.

Moreover, the valuations will be set in view of the rising prices in the international market. Sources said that a petition was Tiled with the Customs Valuation in which change in prices of olive oil (HS Code 1509.9000) was requested.

Sources further told that Valuation Ruling No: 941/2016 was issued on 30th September, 2016. A meeting was held with the stakeholders on April 20, 2018.

Importers were advised to furnish the import invoices of the last three months showing factual values as well as websites, names and

e-mail addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the items in question through which the actual current value could be ascertained.

Meanwhile, The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of baby diapers and sanitary towels/ napkins and Tamponsunder vide Valuation Ruling No 1284/2018 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969.

Customs values of baby diapers and sanitary) towels/napkins were earlier determined vide Valuation Ruling No.1169/2017 dated 25-052017. M/s. Usman Ghani & Company Karachi submitted letters dated 27-11-2017, 22-01-2018 and 06-02-2018 regarding under invoicing in the import of baby diapers “rocket” brand from China.

Representations from M/s Ontex

Pakistan and several other stakeholders were received to re-determine customs values of subject items. Therefore, an exercise was initiated to determine the customs value of baby diapers and Sanitary Napkins, in terms of Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969, with a view to ascertain the current prices of the subject items prevailing in the international market.

‘Rs 80b relief offered to taxpayers through tax amnesty scheme’ The company had filed the cases against Model Collectorate of Customs. The bench had also adjourned the hearing in the matters filed by DG Intelligence and Investigation against Malik Muhammad Ajmal Khan. M/s Comfort Sales Corporation had filed the case against the ATIR and Customs Department. M/S Comfort Sales Corporation had challenged the act of recovery of said amount by the Commissioner Inland Revenue of Large Taxpayers Unit Islamabad. The ATIR was also made respondent in the case as the tribunal had upheld the departmental decision regarding the issuance of show cause notice and demand of recovery of outstanding tax amount under the head of federal excise duty.

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inister of State for Finance and Revenue Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan, has said that a relief of some 80 billion had been granted to the taxpayers of poor class of society through the tax amnesty scheme.

This relief is meant for a taxpayers with monthly income up to Rs 100,000 per month and this relief will enable taxpayers belonging from this group to spend more money on education and upright brought up of their children. However, these people will not become non-Tilers as they will require to submit their tax returns every year with status of zero rated income tax group. He further said that increased minimum limit of income

tax would make a difference of Rs 80 billion, but the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had devised an alternative comprehensive plan for the making up this shortfall of revenue.

Responding to the questions of members of the Senate Finance and Revenue committee here, Rana Afzal Khan said that the government had doubled the revenue collection in last Tive years therefore considered it a prime obligation to offer a relief to the taxpayers hailing from the poor segment of society; however, “we have also made some Tive industrial sectors zero rated” he said adding that tax amnesty scheme would not be burden for the upcoming government because ordinance pertaining to it would become ineffective by June 30 this year.

He further said that due to tightening Tinancial rules and regulations across the globe, it would not be

easy to maintain undeclared assets or funds for anyone; therefore, taking advantage of the prevailing global situation, the government had taken a quite well in time measure and introduced the tax amnesty scheme to attract more foreign exchange from Pakistanis abroad.

“Some $ 5 billion may be deposited to the national kitty if only one hundred billion undeclared dollars are declared by Pakistanis” he added saying that this amount would be sufTicient for the national economic uplift because we signed extended funds facility with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2013 just for the sake of meager amount of $ 6.25 billion.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan has said that Finance Ministry is planning to Tix at least 13 percent increase in the rev-

enue collection target for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for the upcoming Tiscal year 2018-19.

“As we have doubled the revenue collection from Rs 2,000 billion to Rs 4,000 billion in last Tive years and entire credit goes to the FBR,” he said. While brieTing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, he said that consultations with almost every stakeholder on budget Tinalization were ongoing on at the Finance Ministry and the FBR. The Finance Ministry and the FBR will try to incorporate almost every positive input or recommendation moved by any stakeholder in the budget. Rejecting the criticism over the tax amnesty scheme by the opposition parties, he said that it was for the Tirst time in the tax history of the country that salaried class had been excluded from tax net by one g.

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FIA arrests youth for harassing woman Tuesday May 1, 2018

National Seafood exports up 14.43pc in 9 months, 42.67pc

LAHORE: The FIA Cyber Crime Circle (CCC) Lahore has arrested a youth involved in harassing a woman on social medial. According to FIA spokesman, Jameela Begum of Lahore filed a complaint that accused Mehr Imtiaz Ali black mailed her daughter and harassed her.

The FIA team conducted a raid at Sabza Zar and arrested the accused. The team also recovered indecent pictures of victim and video from the mobile phone of the accused. A case was registered against the accused.

pakistan-iran to increase cooperation in tourism

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he exports of fish and fish preparations witnessed increase of 14.43 percent during the first three quarters of the current fiscal year against the exports of the corresponding period of last year. Pakistan exported seafood worth $315.597 million during JulyMarch (2017-18) against the exports of $275.807 million in July-March (2016-17), showing growth of 14.43 percent, according to latest data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. In terms of quantity, Pakistan exported 130,148 metric tons during the current year against the exports of 105,039 metric tons during last year, showing growth of 23.90 percent.

The overall food group exports from the country witnessed increase of 28.06 percent during the first three quarters by growing from $2.679 billion last year to $3.431 billion during the current year.

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telecom sector grows in fY 2017-18 elecom sector has shown positive growth during the first two quarters of FY 2017 as total teledensity reached 72.7 percent6 at the end of 2nd quarter of FY 2017-18 compared to 72.5 percent at the end of last fiscal year. According to economic survey of Pakistan released by Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Miftah Ismail Telecom Sector Analysis the prime driver of teledensity rise is the growth in cellular mobile subscribers and the teledensity as of February 2018 is 74.2 percent. Through enabling telecommunication policies and spectrum auction for next generation mobile services, the broadband penetration has jumped from 3.7 million to 52 million.

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anaging Director, Pakistan Tourism Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor Khan has said that Pakistan and Iran had agreed to increase cooperation in tourism sector. Addressing Pakistani pilgrims in Iran during his Tive-day visit at Shrine of Imam Raza, he said that providing proper facilities for accommodation, increasing frequency of Tlights and transport was our primary priority, which would increase the Tlow of visitors and boost cooperation in both the countries, said a press release issued here on Tuesday. He said that Pakistan and Iran were members of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and Regional Cooperation Development

(RCD) and these organizations were working closely on the peace and development projects in the region.

Tour operators of both the countries should work together by sharing tour packages. Many tour oper-

ators are operating illegal groups due to which visitors have to face difTiculties. Prevention of such tour operators is very important.

He further added that drop-box facility would be provided soon to

facilitate group tourists and visitors between Pakistan and Iran. “There are numerous opportunities for investment in Pakistan under Public Private Partnership in tourism sector,“ he added.

ASo generates Rs582m by impounding 218 NDp & offending vehicles & items T

ISLAMABAD

tARiQ DeRYA

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he Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Islamabad collected Rs532million by taking into possession NDP 218 and offending vehicles including contraband goods during July to 21st of April FY17-18.

According to details given by Majid Hussain Gaad, Assistant Collector, ASO Islamabad that, during above said period, the ASO took into possession 36 Non-Duty-Paid vehicles valued at Rs142million while it did 182 offending (vehicles used for carrying smuggled goods) priced at Rs188.87million.

During above said period, the ASO seized 51,730 yards of foreign origin smuggled fabric worth Rs28.30million while it did 100,566 kilogram of food grains valued at Rs13.18million.

It also conTiscated 10,319 kilogram

of foreign origin smuggled tea priced at Rs3.045million. The ASO Islamabad seized 948 tyres and tubes worth Rs4.55million. The ASO im-

pounded 17,234 various smuggled auto parts valued at Rs7.409million as well as it did 2,541 alloy rims worth Rs1.78million. it seized 4,965

liters of mobil priced at Rs1.22million whereas it did 5,640 cartons of foreign origin fake cigarettes valued at Rs4.27million.

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Justice Shahid appointed chairman of Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved appointment of Shahid Masood Manzar as Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue chairman.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired the meeting of federal cabinet held at the PM Office. Approval of Shahid Masood’s appointment was accorded for amendments in the Legal Practitioners and Bar Council Act, 1973, and placement of the amended bill before the parliament. The cabinet also accorded approval for appointment of Kamran Basharat Mufti, District and Sessions Judge, as Presiding Officer in the Intellectual Property Tribunal, Islamabad.

customs arrests passenger at JiAp, recovers 116 smuggled mobile KARACHI

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team Customs Preventive has foiled a bid to smuggle cellular phones worth millions of rupees at the arrival lounge of the Jinnah International Airport (JIAP). According to the details, Collector Customs Preventive Dr. Iftikhar received information regarding the smuggling of several expensive cellular phones worth millions of rupees through a passenger coming from foreign country. A team was constituted and was instructed to enhance the surveillance as well as to carry out strict checking at both arrival and the departure of the Jinnah International Airport round the clock to keep an eagle eye on the smugglers. As per Deputy Collector Customs Preventive Jinnah International Airport (JIAP) Wasim Malik on suspicion the

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team of Customs Preventive deputed at the arrival of JIAP intercepted a passenger who reached Karachi through Qatar Airways flight No QR-604 from Korea. The customs officer asked the passenger for their travel documents as well as to get the luggage checked. Deputy Collector Customs Preventive JIAP also informed that during the search of passenger the officer of the Custom Preventive found one hundred and sixteen expensive cellular phones of different brands including Samsung and LG concealed in the traveler bag which worth 13 lac rupees in the market. The officers of the Custom Preventive has taken the smuggled goods in the custody and case has been filed against the apprehended culprit named Khurrum Ali Raza whereas further investigation in underway against the heinous crime added, Deputy Collector Customs Preventive Jinnah International Airport (JIAP).

National

No substantial change in tax/duties rates for fY 2018-19: Dr iqbal

commerce Ministry finalises national tariff policy for fY 2018-23 ISLAMABAD

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ommerce Division is formulating the Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) 2018-23 which will provide strategic direction for the export sector for the next five years. Tariffs play an important role in enhancing export competitiveness and productivity of the domestic industries. Although Pakistan has liberalized its tariff regime since 2005, the tariff structure remains complex and needs to be simplified. Commerce Division and National Tariff Commission (NTC) have drafted National Tariff Policy to make exports more competitive and facilitate participation of local manufacturers, including SMEs in global and regional value chains. This policy will be an integral part of the upcoming STPF 2018-23. The objective of the draft policy is to simplify and rationalize the existing tariff structure for enhancing the efficiency of existing domestic activities, especially in manufacturing sector and simultaneously, to ensure predictability and transparency.

The draft National Tariff Policy recommends to gradually reduce duty on raw materials and machinery for export-oriented industries.

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ember Inland Revenue Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Dr. Iqbal, said that there would be no substantial change in the rates of taxes and customs and regulatory duties for the upcoming Tiscal year 2018-19. In this regard, internal discussions are underway at relevant wings and quarters of FBR and no Tinal decision has yet been made. While brieTing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue here on the tax amnesty scheme, he said that tax amnesty scheme had been introduced to overcome the loopholes for the offshore investments; therefore, every Tiler would have to Till an additional form to describe offshore company or asset along with the income tax returns.

He further said that remittances of $10 million had been Tixed as minimum threshold for a person and on receiving over this amount, the receiver would be held questionable to declare the source of remittance; however, he would not have to pay any additional tax on this amount.

Tuesday May 1, 2018

“Previously, FBR had not authority to ask anyone about the source of remittances of billions of dollars. Even FBR does not get any information about any transaction of money from abroad and it is often disclosed by the filers in the tax returns” he observed. Now and onward, he said that every filer would have to declare assets abroad in the tax returns; otherwise, FBR would impose penalty of 2% per annum of total value of an undeclared asset of any filers if detected by FBR and this penalty would continue in the

coming years too. Therefore, under tax amnesty scheme, he said that a filer would be able to declare an undeclared asset by paying 5% tax of the total value of the asset as well as 2% tax on an undeclared foreign currency bank account. He added that tax to GDP ratio would be fixed at five to six percent during the next fiscal year. Bureaucratic machinery is just to give input in the budget whereas the duty of implementation of any policy comes on the members of the parliament or the ruling party.

customs tribunal upholds oNo in seized Mobil oil case

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he Customs Appellate Tribunal has upheld an Order-inOriginal in the conTiscated Mobil oil case. The appeal was Tiled by one Muhammad Nawaz, a resident of Gujranwala, against Deputy Director Intelligence & InvestigationFBR Gujranawal and Additional Collector of Customs (Adjudication) Lahore. Muhammad Shabbir Gujjar, Member Judicial bench-II, heard the stance of both parties and considered the record produced. After hearing both parties, the case was decided with remarks that the ap-

pellant had failed to produce the local sales tax invoices, so the adjudi-

cation order is upheld. As per brief history of the case which has been

reported by the Deputy Director Intelligence & Investigation-FBR Gujranwala that, on a tip-off received, that a huge quantity of foreign origin smuggled Mobil oil was stored in the godown of M/s Al Ramzan Marble Industries. After obtaining a search warrant from the judicial magistrate, the raiding party raided and confiscated 58 drums of allegedly smuggled Mobil oil under Section 2 (s) of the Customs Act-1969. The appeal filed before the Customs Appellate Tribunal on the grounds that the appellant has a proof of legal import of Mobil oil and he will produce them before the court.

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China March scrap metal imports fall 24.6 pct customs

World Customs

BEIJING: China’s scrap metal imports in March fell by 24.6 percent from the same time a year ago as new curbs on foreign solid waste came into effect for the first time, while waste paper imports slid by 54.2 percent and the country imported zero plastic.

New impurity limits – set at 1 percent for nonferrous metal, and at 0.5 percent for paper, plastics and ferrous metal – were announced by China last year and had already impacted shipments but only officially came into force on March 1.

Tuesday May 1, 2018

Abu Dhabi tobacco sales plummet after excise tax

S African tax returns hit “unacceptable increase”

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he sale of tobacco and related products plummeted 97.2 percent in January 2018 compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD). According to SCAD, the dramatic decrease of tobacco sales is the highest since the adoption of excise tax in October 2018, which includes a 100 percent price increase in tobacco, as well as price hikes on a number of products “that harm public health” such as soft and energy drinks.

The SCAD statistics show that the tobacco trade also fell 53.4 percent in Q4 2017. According to retailers surveyed by the state-run WAM news agency, the actual drop in Abu Dhabi’s tobacco trade started in Q4 2017, “after large segments of society relinquished

china targets uS eu with rubber trade case hina announced it would impose temporary anti-dumping measures on synthetic rubber imported from the United States, the European Union and Singapore. The case could stoke the simmering titfor-tat trade tiff between Beijing and Washington, with each side having made threats of more duties on billions of dollars worth of good.The anti-dumping measures on rubber come after an initial investigation by China’s commerce ministry found evidence the countries were dumping the halo-isobutene-isoprene rubber. Importers were directed to place deposits with China’s customs department ranging in amount from 26 percent to 66.5 percent of the goods’ cost to be applied against the imposed tariffs if the ministry finds dumping in its final ruling. –CB Report

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purchases following the signiTicant rise in prices.” The Tigures show that the emirate’s trade in tobacco and related products stood at AED 2.3 million ($626,209) in January, down from AED 84.5 million ($23 million) during the same month in 2017. Additionally, tobacco imports were down from AED 55,000 ($14,974) in January 2017 to AED 33,000 ($8,894) in January 2018.

Meanwhile, ConTidence improved in

the UAE in the Tirst quarter of 2018 as economic buoyancy across the Middle East rebounded strongly to its highest level since second quarter 2015, professional accountants said. ConTidence is at a fairly elevated level by recent standards, according to the latest Global Economic Conditions Survey from the Association of Chartered CertiTied Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Management Accountants.

philip Morris plunges as slump in cigarettes accelerates

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hilip Morris International Inc. spent more than $4.5-billion to develop four new products, including the iQos, a device that heats a tobacco plug without setting it on Tire. It’s been most successful in Japan, but now the company says sales growth is slowing. Philip Morris, which sells Marlboros outside the U.S., reported revenue excluding excise taxes of $6.9 billion, less than the $7.03-billion projected by

analysts in a Bloomberg survey.

Shares fell as much as 17.7 per cent to $83.50, the most since the company split from Altria Inc. in 2008.

The stock had fallen 4 per cent this year through close of trading. As global smoking rates decline, tobacco companies are trying to keep up performance by boosting prices and introducing new products.

Philip Morris has introduced iQos into 38 markets. –CB Report

he South African Revenue Services (Sars) said over the past few years it has experienced an “unacceptable increase” in the non-submission of returns across all tax types.

Sars has now pledged to take action against these non-compliant taxpayers through an initiative with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to take criminal proceedings against the worst offenders.

The initiative follows South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa suspending Sars commissioner Tom Moyane in March after he refused to resign from the position.

As of March 2018, Sars said its outstanding returns books show that active taxpayers had collectively failed to submit more than 30 million returns, in many cases showing that multiple outstanding returns were due by a single taxpayer.

The initiative saw its Tirst convic-

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tion last week when a representative of a company called SPS Distributors, referred to as S Ragunat, paid an admission of guilt Tine of ZAR5,600 (£330, €379, $468) for non-submission of more than 50 outstanding value-added tax (VAT), pay-as-you-earn, (PAYE) and corporate income tax (CIT) returns. “He was ordered to and has submitted all the outstanding returns,” a Sars spokesperson said. Sars said eight outstanding return cases that involve hundreds of outstanding returns are currently before the courts.

Meanwhile, The resilient smartphone suited for harsh and rugged environments” was Tirst showcased at IFA 2017 in Berlin, and has been available in SA through grey imports, but has now ofTicially arrived in mobile networks’ stores. Up front, there’s a 2MP selTie camera, and a small-for-2018 4.7-inch TFT LCD screen with a resolution of 1280×720. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 is also included a decidedly lightweight but budget chipset.

thailand aims to join tpp trade deal

hailand intends to join the new 11-member Trans-PaciTic Partnership free trade deal, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.

Thailand is preparing to join the deal, which counts Japan and Australia among its members, after it takes effect. The existing 11 member countries are seeking to have it take effect this year. Thailand would be the Tirst additional country to join the TPP a move that could boost the deal’s prospects for further expansion. Japan, as the largest economy among the 11 members, seeks to exchange views with Thailand about issues including its proce-

dures for joining the deal. The government is considering dispatching Toshimitsu Motegi, minister in charge of economic revitalization and the TPP, to Thailand during the holidays starting at the end of this month. The trip would require Diet approval. Thailand’s exports to the 11 countries stood at $70.3 billion in 2017 about 30 percent of its total export value. In joining the TPP, Thailand would aim to increase its exports to those countries. Additionally, Thailand had extra impetus to avoid being left out of the deal due to the prospects of foreign investments from nations. –CB Report

Dutch diesel tax hike postponed because of it issues

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he Dutch tax authorities have announced they will postpone the introduction of a new diesel tax that was planned for 1 January 2019.

The tax on diesel cars without a factory-installed particle Tilter was

set to go up 15% next year. For an average passenger car, this would represent a €225 per year increase.

The newspaper reports IT problems are at the root of the delay, which will cost the authorities many millions of euros. Meanwhile, Netherlands Crude Oil ReTinery Outlook to 2021” is a comprehensive report on crude oil reTinery industry in Netherlands. The report provides oil consumption, exports

and imports details from 2000 to 2020 along with oil reserves for the period 2000 to 2015. The report also provides details on oil reTineries such as name, type, operational status, operator apart from capacity data for the major processing units, for all active reTineries in Netherlands till 2021. Further, the report also offers recent developments, Tinancial deals as well as latest contracts awarded in the country s oil reTinery

industry.Acute Market Reports is the most sufTicient collection of market intelligence services online. It is your only source that can fulTill all your market research requirements.We provide online reports from over 100 best publishers and upgrade our collection regularly to offer you direct online access to the worlds most comprehensive and recent database with expert perceptions on worldwide industries.

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KPT ships movement, cargo handling report KARACHI: Following were the movements of ships and cargo handling at the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) during the last 24 hours, ending at 0700 hours. SHIPS ARRIVED: Maliakos Container Ship Kmtc Mumbai Container Ship Oceanus Leader Car Carrier Selin D Tanker Anton Schulte Container Ship Al Mahboobah Tanker Hansa Offenburg Container Ship SHIPS SAILED: Navios Verano Ultra Dynamic AG Mars M.T.Quetta Oceanus Leader Antje CARGO HANDLING TURNOVER: The total cargo handled at Karachi Port during the last 24 hours closed at 173,359 tonnes. The breakup shows that the port has handled 45,667 tonnes of export cargo and 127,692 metric tonnes of import cargo during the said period.

Six ships take berth at port Qasim ix ships, African Horn Bill, Free State, Star Antares, SC Tianjin, Yu Fu and Al-Thumama scheduled to load/offload Cement, Coal, Chemicals, Palm oil and LNG took berths at Multi-purpose Terminal, Port Qasim Electric Power Terminal, Pakistan International Bulk terminal, Engro Vopak terminal, Liquid cargo terminal and Engro Elengy Terminal respectively. Meanwhile three more ships scheduled to load/offload Containers, Condensate and Diesel oil also arrived al outer anchorage of Port during last 24 hours. A total twelve ships namely, GSL Tianjin, MSC Heidi, Daytona Beach, African Horn Bill, Star Antares, Free State, Low Land Amstel, ST Cergue, Sakizaya Champion, SC Tianjin, Al Thumama and Yu Fu are currently occupying PQA berths to load/offload Containers, Rice, Cement, Soya Bean seeds, Coal, Chemicals, LNG and Palm oil respectively during last 24 hours. A record cargo handling was achieved at

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Ports & Shipping

uS exports to iran increases versus huge imports fall U

WASHINGTON

Austria act as a bridge between eu and china ustria wants to function as a bridge between China and Europe, attracting investments from e-commerce to electric automobiles while laying the groundwork for trade over the new Silk Road, according to a top government official. The Alpine country plans to increase the frequency of business missions to Asia and will present an expanded strategy to boost exports by the end of the year, Economy Minister Margarete Schramboeck said. She took part in a record trade delegation this month that clinched 30 deals worth 1.5 billion euros ($1.9 billion) with Chinese companies. “We have the knowledge of eastern European markets and China can open the door to other Asian markets,” Schramboeck, 47, said in an interview in Vienna. She and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz held meetings with executives from Chinese companies including Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. –CB Report

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S witnessed a signiTicant fall in 2018, meanwhile the US increased its exports to the Islamic Republic by over 67 percent.

Trade turnover between Iran and the US stood at $27.5 million in the Tirst two months of 2018.

The Tigure is 7 percent more compared to January-February 2017, according to the statistics of the United States Census Bureau.

The US exports to Iran accounted to $20.4 million in the 2-month period, which is 67.2 percent more year-on-year. Meanwhile Iran’s exports to the US decreased by 47.4 percent to $ 7.1 million in the same time span, according to the report.

In February 2018, Iran and the US had a trade turnover worth $14 million, $11.6 million of which accounted for the US exports to Iran.

The US exports to Iran in 2017 reached $137.7 million, which is 19.9 percent less year-on-year.

Iran’s exports to the US decreased by about 27.9 percent to $63.2 million in January-December

Tuesday May 1, 2018

2017. During 2016, the US exported $172 million worth of goods to Iran, mostly agriculture products and medical equipment, and imported $87.7 million worth of goods from Iran, mostly pistachios and carpets.

Removal of international sanctions against Tehran in 2016 only contributed to Iran’s imports to the US, which experienced a 700-percent rise year-on-year, while the overall trade stood at $260 million, 11 percent less than the preceding

year. Meanwhile, US companies have their sights on M&A opportunities as they seek to deploy anticipated tax savings from US Tax Reforms, according to the EY Tax Reform Dollar Deployment Survey.

As companies combat digital disruption and seek innovation through a variety of avenues, 47 per cent said they will increase research & development (R&D) spend and 42 per cent are planning to use those savings to pursue M&A.

Dominican Republic increases exports to Russia the port on Wednesday where a cargo volume of 222,321 tonnes, comprising 165,265 tonnes import cargo and 57,056 tonnes export cargo inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 3,290 containers (TEUs), (795 TEUS imports and 2,495 TEUs exports) was handled during last 24 hours. Two ships, container vessel GSL Tianjin and Bulk cargo carrier ST Cergue sailed out to sea on Thursday morning, while two more ships, MSC Heidi and SC Tianjin are expected to sail on same day. Four ships, and MSC Saturn, Tucapel, New Actively and Chemroad Quest scheduled to load/offload containers, Condensate and Phosphoric Acid are expected to take berths at QICT, FOTCO and EVTL respectively. –CB Report

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ussia has been demanding more products from all over the world, some companies saw the opportunity to export and make investments. The demand for produce and tourists arriving to the country encourage Russian air lines to start with routes to the Dominican Republic and realized the growth and that good returns on investment can be made”, explains Cesar Perez who is a producer and exporter from the Dominican Republic.

He explains that the Russian market is looking for alternative supplying countries. “The Russian and European market have been constantly growing over the years. We believe they are looking for opportunities to supply the national markets by importing from other countries. For ex-

ample Latin America, Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Colombia and also the Dominican Republic. During each exhibition where we are present we see a growing number of Russian visitors that are interested in doing

business.” “For now, most in demand is our avocado. We produce the green skin avocado and there is a good market for this variety in Russia.

Meanwhile, Russia’s SPVC (solution polyvinyl chloride) imports rose

19% in the January to March 2018 period year on year to 5,700 tonnes, according to MRC’s DataScope report on Friday. Russian producers managed to increase their SPVC exports by 50%, the data showed. March SPVC imports grew to 1,900 tonnes from 1,200 tonnes a month earlier.

Thus, overall imports of resin to Russia totalled 5,700 tonnes in JanuaryMarch 2018, compared to 4,800 tonnes a year earlier. At the same time, Russian producers were forced to ship resin for export more actively this year, export sales increased 1.5 times. Chinese producers have been the key foreign SPVC suppliers to Russia for the past several years.

March imports of Chinese acetylene process resin grew to 1,900 tonnes from 800 tonnes a month earlier.

Overall imports of resin from China were 5,100 tonnes in the Tirst three months of 2018, compared to 3,900 tonnes a year earlier.

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Govt urged to withdraw property tax in Bannu BANNU: Advisor to Chief Minister Malik Shah Muhammad Khan has asked the government to withdraw the 800 percent property tax levied in Bannu district.

Speaking at a protest rally of the Muttahida Bannu Mahaz, he asked the government to withdraw the property tax which he said was unjust. He also said that Bannu was deprived of another National Assembly seat and asked the government to restore it. The adviser said that Medical Teaching Institution had the most incompetent staff in Bannu and warned of becoming a member of the protest camp if the government did not dissolve the MTI in Bannu.

Tuesday May 1, 2018

Business

‘cpec will bring economic revolution in region’ ISLAMABAD

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conomist Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig has said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project will bring an economic revolution in the region and will benefit all the countries in the region. Talking to Radio Programme he said, both China and Pakistan have been enjoying diplomatic, political and brotherly relations since long and now these relations have also been extending to economic relations as well, Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig said the CPEC is a game changer project that is a win-win situa-

kp NAB orders several inquiries PESHAWAR

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tion for both the countries. The multibillion rupee is a multipur-

‘honesty, commitment vital to eradicate corruption’

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he National Accountability Bureau, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has authorised a number of inquiries. NAB KP Director General Farmanullah Khan chaired the regional board meeting, which took the decisions. Directors, deputy prosecutor general (DPGA), case officers and others attended the meeting, said a press release. The board authorised an inquiry against employees of the Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and others about alleged corruption and corrupt practices.

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pose task, including the system of streets, railroads, seaports, air

terminals, improvement, foundation, and numerous openings for work. Certain job opportunities will also be created through this project.

Pakistan will have an easy access to other countries that will improve trade relations. Pakistan needs to make long-haul arrangements in future, he suggested.

Chairman, Pakistan Economic Forum Hamayun Iqbal Shami said the CPEC would also help Pakistan in overcoming energy problems and improving its economic growth through construction of good roads and railways network.

Completion of many power projects launched by the incumbent government under the CPEC would help in overcoming energy crisis as well, he added.

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ISLAMABAD

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hairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Justice (Retd) Javed Iqbal said there was no shortcut to success besides honesty, hard work and professionalism. He said that corruption is cancer and silent killer for the society, he said honesty, dedication, transparency and integrity were vital for eradication of corruption,said statement issued here.

He said NAB has devised an ef-

fective and proactive anti corruption strategy to arrest corrupt and bring them to justice, directing Bureau’s ofTicers to continue their hard work transparently as per law.

The Chairman said NAB believes in “Accountability for All” policy across the board to eradicate corruption from the country.

He said NAB has devised effective monitoring and evaluation system in order to rack implementation and outputs systematically, and to measure effectiveness of performance in enhancing operational, monitoring and evaluation

capabilities. Justice Javed said NAB has established its first Forensic Science Lab (FSL) in Rawalpindiwhich has facilities of Digital Forensics, Questioned Documents and Fingerprint Analysis.

Meanwhile, Director General National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Balochistan Muhammad Irfan Baig will hold an open court at the regional ofTice in Quetta. Citizens can submit applications against corruption in government departments with complete evidence to the DG NAB from 11 am to 1 pm Thursday, a NAB ofTicial said.

kpRA launches tax registration drive PESHAWAR

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he Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority (KPRA) has launched registration drive in various districts of the province with full zeal and zest. A registration team consisting of Deputy Collector, Assistant collectors, Senior Auditors and Inspectors have started the scheduled visits in the districts of D I Khan, Bannu and Kohat. The team registered various persons as service providers in the registration camps established in Likoozin Hotel, D I Khan; Baghi Sakoon Hotel, Bannu and Shelton Hotel, Kohat. The team has faced enormous response and interest of the people towards registration with the KPRA, people have appreciated these directives of registration of the KPRA and praised the outreach of registration facility at their door step. Furthermore, the registration team under the leadership of Additional Collector has been scheduled under this drive to visit and establish camp offices in districts of Swabi, Mardan, Nowshehra, Abbottabad, Mansehra and Galyaat. On this occasion, Director General (DG) Muhammad Nasir Khan while talking to media told that the purpose of registration campaign will broaden the tax base towards more revenue collection for self-reliance and development of the province.

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tea imports increase 9.65 pc in 3 quarters ISLAMABAD

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he imports of tea into the country witnessed 9.65 percent increase during the first three quarters of the ongoing fiscal year, compared to the corresponding period of last year.

Pakistan imported tea worth $411.231 million during JulyMarch (2017-18) against the im-

ports of $450.932 million in JulyMarch (2016-17), according to the latest data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). Overall food group imports into the country witnessed increase of 4.51 percent during the period under review by growing from $4.526 billion last year to $4.730 billion during the ongoing fiscal year, the data revealed.

Meanwhile, on year-on-year basis, the tea imports into the coun-

try increased by 5.89 percent during the month of March 2018 against the imports of the same month of last year. The tea imports during March 2018 were recorded at $52.878 million against the imports of $49.939 million in March 2017.

On month-on-month basis, the tea imports into the country however decreased by 8.93 percent when compared to the imports of $58.062 million in February 2018,

the data revealed. It is pertinent to mention here that the overall imports into the country during the first three quarters increased by 15.66 percent by going up from $38.369 billion last year to $44.379 billion during the current fiscal year. Exports from the country also increased by 13.14 percent during the first three quarters of the current fiscal year against the exports of corresponding period of last year. The ex-

ports from the country during July-March (2017-18) were recorded at $17.080 billion compared to the exports of $15.097 billion during July-March (201617). Based on the figures, the trade deficit during the first three quarters of fiscal year 2017-18 increased by 17.30 percent by growing from the deficit of $23.272 billion last year to $27.299 billion during the current year, the PBS data revealed.

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FPCCI asks FBR to cut capital gain tax to 10% for filers KARACHI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been urged to reduce capital gain tax on securities to 10 percent from 15 percent in case of income tax return filers.

Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in its proposals for budget 2018/2019, proposed that the rate of capital gain should be reduced from the proposed 15 percent to 10 percent for filers. It further proposed that this change should be made applicable to all the purchases made on or after July 01, 2016 on the principle that the changes should be prospective and not retrospective in its applicability. The FPCCI also pointed out the issue of collections of taxes by stock exchange. It said the Finance Act, 2017 substituted sub-section (2) whereby tax collected at source would be final tax on such transaction which presently is an adjustable tax.

call for focusing on pharma industry to improve exports

Tuesday May 1, 2018

Chambers

uNiDo conducts training on renewable energy & energy efficiency

ISLAMABAD

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heikh Amir Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry has said that pharmaceutical industry has the potential to earn billions of dollars foreign exchange for the country through exports and government should focus on resolving its key issues that would help in improving country’s exports. He said despite decline in Pakistan’s exports during the last few years, exports of pharma industry have witnessed 26 percent growth during the last five years as our pharma exports increased from over US$ 169 billion in 2012-13 to US$ 213 billion in 2016-17. It showed that if government pay more attention to this industry, it could fetch

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billions of dollars through exports to the national exchequer. Sheikh Amir Waheed said India’s pharmaceutical industry was earning over $16 billion annual exports, but Pakistan’s pharma industry’s exports could not touch $ 1 billion mark as yet despite the fact that this industry has huge scope to grow and improve country’s exports. He said that the pharma industry was importing 95 percent of raw material which was main hurdle in its way of better growth. He urged that the government should offer special incentives to investors in the coming budget for setting up industrial units to produce pharmaceutical raw material in the country that would go a long way in promoting exports of pharmaceutical products. He said government should also reduce duties and taxes on the import of pharma technology and machinery that would help in upgrading this important industry.

KARACHI

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resident Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Muffasar Atta Malik has said that the Industries need reliable and affordable energy to become productive and competitive whereas they must also Tind an appropriate balance between growing demand for energy and responsibility to protect the environment.

Speaking at the Top Management Awareness Training Session on Renewable Energy & Energy EfTiciency organized by United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), he said that Pakistan has large and economically viable resources in Wind, Solar, Biomass, Waste, Geothermal and Hydel power, waiting to be harvested. “Renewable energy is a viable option for enhancing access to energy at energy intensive sectors and businesses especially in SMEs”, he added. Special Secretary Energy Department, Government of Sindh Rashid Hussain Qazi, National Project Coordinator – UNIDO Masroor Ahmad Khan and

others also share their views at the session. UNIDO under its ongoing GEF funded project titled “Sustainable Energy Initiative for Industries in Pakistan” successfully conducted a round of two back to back training sessions on Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy EfTiciency (EE) in Karachi. Muffasar Malik further commented that the importance of energy generation cannot be underestimated due to its pivotal role in the industrialization process and the so-

cio economic development of the countries. “It is also the single largest contributor of climate-change and greenhouse-gas emissions due to heavy dependence on fossil fuel.” He pointed out that in Pakistan, the energy mix was heavily reliant on oil, natural gas and coal that makes it susceptible to both economic and environmental damages. Unlike coal and thermal power plants, solar and wind power generation does not add pollution or contribute to global

‘private sector can “do more” for economic stability’ LAHORE

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rovincial Finance Minister Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha and the LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid jointly inaugurated the LCCI Exhibition “Zauq-e-Hunar” at Royal Palm Club. The LCCI executive committee members and people from different walks of life were present on the occasion. As many as over 66 stalls of textile, precious & semi precious stones, automobile, motorbike, agriculture sectors have been displayed at the exhibition.

Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha extolled the LCCI initiatives for promotion of trade and economic activities in the country. Talking about economic scenario, she said the government is making sincere efforts to overcome economic challenges, adding that

promotion of local industries and conTidence building of investors was an integral part of government policy. The LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry is organizing regular basis as “exhibition means business for the country” and leading companies of different countries take part in these events.

“To grab huge foreign investments, we need to tell the world that large-scale economic changes in Pakistan have crated good opportunities.” He said that macroeconomic stability can increase the competitiveness of Pakistani goods and services”, Malik Tahir Javaid added.

The LCCI chief said that prospects of growth are directly dependent economic freedom and government’s ability to provide favorable and transparent atmosphere for businesses. He said that

government should reduce burden from the existing taxpayers and expand tax net through corrective measures. He said that creation of atmosphere conducive for businesses will also strengthen private sector and enable it to do more for the cause of economic stability of the country.

Malik Tahir Javaid further stated that elimination of harmful taxation that hinders business and trade in the country is need of the hour. There is, therefore, an urgent need to reform the taxation system by engaging all the stakeholders. He said that withholding tax should be reviewed and tax credit should be given to withholding agents performing state duties. This tax credit should vary in slab based on withholding tax deducted and deposited by withholding agents.

warming which has become a serious national and international concern endangering human health, causing global warming which leads to increased Tloods and natural calamities. President KCCI was of the opinion that in addition to the hazards of thermal electricity generation on environment, the increasing share of expensive thermal electricity generation leads to increase the cost of doing business particularly in times of high oil prices.

Lcci team meets italian businessmen ahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) trade delegation held meeting with Pakistani Ambassador in Italy Nadeem Riaz and their Italian business counterparts, according to information made available from Itly. Headed by LCCI Senior Vice President Khawaja Khawar Rashid, the delegation informed the Italian businessmen that there was a good scope of collaboration between Pakistan and Italy in agriculture, hospitality, chemicals and auto-part sectors, according to LCCI spokesman. The delegation head called upon the Italian businessmen to come forward and avail the opportunities in Pakistan. He said that both countries should conduct sector specific studies that would help enhance mutual trade. –CB Report

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Faisalabad Customs seizes smuggled rear tubes FAISALABAD: The Customs Intelligence and Investigation has seized smuggled used Rear Differential tubes for HTV. The market value of seized items is Rs 30,00,000 involving duty and taxes Rs 12,50,000.

Besides impounded Mazda Mini truck to the tune of Rs 7,00,000.

Sources told Customs Today, that Deputy Director Customs Intelligence Rana Irfan Shouqat received credible information that foreign rear tubes are being smuggled after which she constituted a Customs team.

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

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collector Ambreen assures speedy clearance of shipments at the Multan Dry port MULTAN iMRAN ALi

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ollector Customs Collectorate Ambreen Tarar assured business community for the resolution of road Cess relating to the clearance of goods as soon as possible.

Addressing the businessmen Collector Ambreen Tarar on her visit to Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that is wide of the mark opinion from business community that clearance of import and export shipment bear fewer cost from Karachi and it gains more beneTits in clearance from Karachi instead of Multan. Multan Dry Port is not charging any additional taxes to importers for clearance of their shipments because duty and taxes collected from Multan and Karachi are uniform. Multan Dry Port also offers similar clearance facilities of Karachi on the clearance of shipment and if businessmen have any issue regarding clearance then they must inform about it for its way out.

Several issues will be resolved regarding the import and export shipments after the installation of tracking system on transshipment vehicles and we have tax revision

facility available in the WeBOC system in case of any mistake. Collector Ambreen assured speedy customs clearance of shipments at the Multan Dry port to facilitate business community of South Punjab .He told that Sadiqabad Port has been established and trustees are responsible for the provision of necessary facilities in order to mange port. Customs department is not bound to

spend funding on newly established Dry Port of Sadiqabad.

Infrastructure Development Cess is provincial matter and cost of business has been expanded for importers and exporters in the region after its imposition.The Model of Customs Collectorate Multan is making efforts to resolve issue of Infrastructure Development cess for expeditious clearance of ship-

ments from Multan Dry Port . Few importers have contacted to courts regrading Infrastructure Development cess and they have taken short term relief. Assistant Collector Muhammad Ikram informed business community that they can pay online taxes from their home in the account of Collector for the clearance of consignment without any hurdle. Collector assured of-

fice bearers of MCCI that we will take up this issue with Federal Board of Revenue for its resolution.

It is pertinent to mention that Government of Punjab has imposed 0.9 % Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess on the import consignment and it is collecting Infrastructure Development Cess on all import consignments since 20th May of the 2016.

ANf seizes drugs worth over Rs 9.8b in 15 countrywide strikes RAWALPINDI

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nti Narcotics Force (ANF) Pakistan has seized 2.511 tons narcotics worth Rs 9.882 billion in international market and arrested 24 accused including three foreigners and three females allegedly involved in drug smuggling and impounded seven vehicles while conducting 15 counter-narcotics strikes

across the country.

According to ANF spokesman, the seized drugs comprised of 1634.6 kg Hashish, 589.1 kg Heroin, 257.1 Opium, 15 kg Morphine, 15 kg Methamphetamine and 830 grams Amphetamine.

Most of the recovered drugs were intended to be smuggled abroad, he added. ANF Quetta seized mega cache of drugs comprising 584 kg Heroin, 753 kg Morphine, 15 kg Methamphetamine and 1400 kg Hashish in two separate intelligence based operations conducted at mountainous belt of Mashkel near Pak-Iran border, Dis-

trict Washuk and an area of Shadi Kor, Tehsil Pasni, District Gwader.

ANF Rawalpindi intercepted a car near Tarnol Interchange Rawalpindi and arrested two persons identiTied as Shahkareen resident of Charsadda and Alamzaib r/o Orakzai Agency along with 240 kg Opium and 108 kg Hashish concealed in secret cavities of the car. In another operation, ANF Rawalpindi recovered four kg Hashish from personal possession of two arrested accused, identiTied as Muhammad Shahzad r/o Rawalpindi and Shazia Bano r/o Waziristan Agency. In third operation, ANF Rawalpindi in-

tercepted a car near Chungi No. 26 stop Islamabad and recovered 1.5 kg Opium and three kg Hashish. In fourth operation, ANF Rawalpindi arrested Shafaat Khan r/o Upper Dir, recovering 830 grams Amphetamine at Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad. In Tifth operation, ANF Rawalpindi intercepted a car opposite to Tandoori Restaurant G-8 Markaz Islamabad and recovered 600 grams Hashish and apprehended Syed Fawad Hashmi. In sixth operation, ANF Rawalpindi arrested three accused namely Muhammad Aslam, Muhammad Iqbal and Tasweer

Published by M S Raza Off# 42, 3rd Flr Gull Plaza M.A Road Karachi, Printed by (Ibne Hassan Offset Printing Press, Shop No. 33 to 36 , Hockey Stadium, Karachi).

Akhtar r/o Kotli Azad Kashmir at Benazir Bhutto International Airport and recovered 159 Heroin Tilled capsules weighing 1.080 kg.

ANF Lahore arrested Amjad Hussain r/o Jhelum at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, travelling to Colombo and recovered 375 grams Opium. ANF Lahaore also recovered 9.8 kg Hashish from Salahuddin, 995 grams heroin from Nigerian National namely Chinedu Christian at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore and three kg heroin by intercepting a UK bound parcel, being sent through a courier service company.