Friday, 10 November 2017

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Karachi, Fri November 10, 2017

ISLAMABAD

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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Tariq Mahmood Pasha has said that all possible measures are being taken to broaden the tax base which is the key area to promote tax compliance and enhance tax-to-GDP ratio.

He was addressing the participants of the 107th National Man-

agement Course during their visit to the FBR House. Earlier, presentations were given by Member (Operations) FBR Khawaja Tanveer Ahmad and Member Customs FBR Zahid Mahmood Khokhar on the working of Inland Revenue Service and Pakistan Customs Service.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Revenue Haroon Akhtar Khan has described the state of the economy as “healthy and stable” with most of the eco-

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nomic indicators showing positive growth trends as evidenced by stable ratings regularly given to Pakistan by international agencies monitoring our economic performance.

Giving an overview of the state of the economy and the growth trends on the revenue generation front, Haroon said the country was well on its way to achieving 6 % GDP growth during the ongoing Qiscal as compared to 5.3% growth recorded last year.

Customs Intelligence seizes 1,000 smuggled mobiles at Islamabad airport

DG Valuation Surriya to revise VR No 838/2016 on November 21

Customs ASO seizes huge quantity of non duty paid goods

‘Govt committed to enhancing quality of medical education’

ASO Multan takes into possession NDP Land Cruiser on actionable tip-off

Customs I&I Rawalpindi has foiled the attempt to smuggle the mobile phones | See pAge 02 |

DG Valuation Ruling No: 838/2016 on November 21,2017 it is learnt | See pAge 03 |

Customs ASO seized huge quantity of non duty paid Indian origin Gutka | See pAge 04 |

Saira Afzal visited Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital and inquired after the health | See pAge 14 |

ASO Multan impounded a non-dutypaid Toyota Land Cruiser worth Rs02m | See pAge 16 |

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FST seeks reply on complaints filed by FBR employees Friday, November 10, 2017

ISLAMABAD: Federal Service Tribunal directed the Federal Board of Revenue to submit reply before the tribunal against ‘review’ complaints challenging administrative measures taken by the board concerning to its employees services.

FST benches comprising Syed Rafique Hussain and Nazir Saeed heard cases recently filed by M Zaman, M Waheed, Abdul Ghafoor, Muhammad Arshad Rahim, Ghulam Ishaq Kiyani, Muhammad Arif and Attique Ahmed Abbasi.

Islamabad

customs Intelligence seizes 1,000 smuggled mobiles at Islamabad airport

ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD

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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has transferred/posted seven Inland Revenue Services (IRS) officers of BS 20-21 with immediate effect until further orders. Naushad Ali Khan (BS-21) has been posted as Member, FBR (HQ), Islamabad from Chief Commissioner, Large taxpayer Unit (LTU), Islamabad. Habibullah Khan (BS-21) has been posted as Chief Commissioner IR, LTU, Islamabad from Chief Commissioner, RTO, Islamabad. Mustafa Sajjad Hassan (BS-21) has been posted as Chief Commissioner IR, RTO, Islamabad from Chief Commissioner, RTO, Sargodha. Zulqarnain Tirmizi (BS-21) has been posted as Member, FBR (HQ), (Stationed at Lahore) from Chief Commissioner, LTU, Lahore.

Asim Ahmad (BS-20) has been posted as Chief Commissioner, IR (OPS) LTU, Lahore from Chief Commissioner, (OPS) RTO, Multan. Dr Bashitullah Khan (BS-20) has been posted as Chief Commissioner, IR (OPS) RTO, Sargodha from Director General, (OPS) (Enforcement) FBR (HQ), Islamabad. Zubair Bilal (BS-20) has been assigned as “Look after charge” of the post of Chief Commissioner-IR (OPS), RTO, Multan.

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irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Rawalpindi has foiled the attempt to smuggle the mobile phones worth Rs.25 million at Benazir Bhutto Islamabad Airport with the connivance of some customs ofQicials.

Sources told Customs Today that Customs I&I has seized 1000 mobile phones and tablets and arrested two notorious smugglers including one female namely Shabana Akhtar and Waseem Abbas. FIR has been lodged against the accused persons and further investigations are still underway. According to the details Customs Intelligence and Investigation received credible information through informer that a huge quantity of mobile phones would be smuggled from Dubai to Islamabad via PK Flight No 212 by a couple.

On tip off Director Abdul Waheed Marwat constituted the raiding party led by Deputy Director Customs I&I Rawalpindi Shahid Jan, who has started the surveillance of the passengers coming from Dubai on flight PK 212, outside the arrival hall at Islamabad Airport. The passengers were cleared by the customs staff of Customs Collectorate Islamabad.

However citing upon information the raiding party intercepted them

FBr transfers four chief commissioners, two Members

just after going the out from arrival hall and searched their baggage led to recover the 1000 mobile phones and tablets approximately worth Rs25 million. On demand they have failed to produce any legal import documents, therefore, they were arrested along with smuggled mobile phones. Their passport bears multiple visits from Islamabad Airport.

The arrested persons were later identiQied as Waseem Abbas and Shahbana Akhtar will be taken before the magistrate for legal action.

Meanwhile, The Rawalpindi Di-

rectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation, Federal Board of Revenue, has taken into possession a foreign origin non-duty-paid smuggled Toyota Hilux Surf SSR (G) worth Rs08million.

On a tip-off, staff of the Rawalpindi Directorate of Customs Intelligence signaled the said vehicle to stop but the driver of Toyota Hilux bearing registration No: AFD-558 (ICT-Islamabad) ignored the signal and accelerated the vehicle.

The staff started chasing the said vehicle in an ofQicial vehicle No: GT-

657. After covering some distance, the driver abandoned the vehicle on the roadside and Qled the scene.

Despite hectic efforts, the staff could not trace out the driver of the Toyota Hilux, so the vehicle was taken into possession in the presence of the witnesses. No import record was found in the import data available with the directorate concerned. Nobody appeared in the Rawalpindi Directorate of Customs Intelligence nor produced any legal import documents of the impounded Toyota Hilux.

Ihc seeks customs remarks on plea filed by M/s Al haj enterprises

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ISLAMABAD

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slamabad High Court dated in ofQice hearing on Model Collectorate of Customs, Islamabad’s customs cases till Monday with directives to Qinalize arguments.

MCC had Qiled this case against M/s Al Haj Enterprises. The bench had earlier directed the counsels to submit related record prior to next date of hearing. This case was pend-

ing with the court since 2013.

IHC division bench comprising Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the case.

The same bench also issued notices to parties regarding assisting court on the matter of M/s Hasas Engineering and Construction Company Private Limited. The appellant had challenged the act of recovery of said amount by commissioner Inland Revenue of Large Taxpayer’s Unit, Islamabad.

ATIR was also made respondent in the case as the tribunal had sustained

departmental decision regarding issuance of show cause notice and demand of recovery of outstanding tax amount in head of federal excise duty.

M/s Hasas Engineering and Construction Company Private Limited had prayed the court that FBR ofQice had issued a recovery notice to the company which did not hold lawful grounds. The appellant had prayed the court to declare the act as illegal and without any lawful authority and an interim stay may be granted against recovery proceedings.

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SHC directs parties to file comments on petition filed by M/s KATYS KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) directed parties to file their respective para wise comments on a constitutional petition filed by M/s KATYS against assessment of its consignments of copper filter dryers (a component of refrigerators) under Valuation Ruling no1103/2017 dated 21/03/2017. A two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Omer Sial was hearing the petition.

During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is engaged in the business of import and supply of various types of copper filter dryers (a component of refrigerators) imported from Italy.

Shc hears dozens of petitions against regulatory duty

Friday November 10, 2017

Karachi

Dg Valuation Surriya to revise Vr No 838/2016 on November 21

KARACHI

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Sindh High Court’s division bench heard dozens of constitutional petitions against imposition of regulatory duty (RD) on more than 400 items of daily use, edibles, tiles etc. As the hearing commenced in petitions filed

by Franklin Law Associates on behalf of their clients, Deputy Attorney General (DAG) appearing for the Federal government submitted a number of documents to show that what steps were taken before imposition of the RD. The bench after hearing initial arguments asked a number of questions that how RD can be imposed on items of this nature.

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NAB court sends suspects to jail in tax refund scam KARACHI

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he National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Court has sent the suspects, Luqman Javed and Abdul Hameed Agar, to Central Jail Karachi on a judicial remand. The were booked in a case of illegal sales tax refund and had caused a loss of Rs 120 million to the national exchequer. During the hearing, the investigation officer produced the suspects before the NAB court and informed that they were arrested yesterday from different areas of Karachi, and that they were the beneficiaries of illegal sales tax refund and were nominated in Reference in which DC FBR Abdul Rauf Nasir was arrested on October 25, 2017. He further informed the court that accused persons are receivers of proceeds of offence they committed by managing tax refunds on the basis of fake and bogus invoices, incurring loss of Rs 120 million in connivance with other accused persons.

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KARACHI

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he Directorate General, Customs Valuation, Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt, has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 838/2016 on November 21,2017 it is learnt.

Sources told Customs Today that Directorate General Customs Valuation was reviewing different suggestions from importers to set new prices of biscuits. She said that some valuations, which were issued in 2015 and 2016, were being reviewed from the beginning.

Moreover, the valuations will be set in view of rising prices in the international markets. Sources told that a petition was submitted by the importers to Directorate General Customs Valuation in which change in prices of cereal foods was requested. Sources said the Valuation Ruling No: 838/2016 was issued on April 20, 2016. A meeting was held with the stakeholders on October 30, 2017. Importers were told 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 item in question through which the actual current value could be ascertained.

Meanwhile, The Directorate General, Customs Valuation, Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt, has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling

No: 818/2016 on November 16, it is learnt. Sources told Customs Today that Surriya Butt said the department was reviewing suggestions from importers to set new prices.

She said that some valuations, which were issued in 2015 and 2016, were being reviewed from the beginning.

Moreover, the valuations will be set in view of rising prices in the international markets. Sources told that a petition was submitted by the importers to Directorate General Customs Valu-

Sources told that a petition was submitted by the importers to Directorate general customs Valuation in which change in prices of cereal foods was requested.

Sources said the Valuation ruling No: 838/2016 was issued on April 20, 2016

Adjudication-II recovers of rs 10.98m

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KARACHI

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he Customs Adjudication-II has issued 10 show cause notices and Qive Qinal notices during the month of October and recovered Rs 10.98 million.

Sources told Customs Today that the Customs Adjudication-II issued a Qinal notice to a defaulter company, M/s Amir Enterprises, and recovered Rs 1.88 million from M/s

Mogheera and Sons.

Sources said that M/s Amir Enterprises was found involved in the tax evasion. The company imported imported emergency lights its accessories in the month of July and used wrong PCT heading.

After careful investigations, the Customs Adjudication-II sent the Qinal notice to the company, asking it to clear the outstanding amount of Rs 1.26 million at the earliest.

Sources told that another company M/s Mogheera and Sons

cleared a consignment different kinds of Aluminum sheets on 30th August and evaded tax amount of Rs 1.88 million, after investigation Customs Adjudication sent a show cause notice on September 6 but the company failed to clear the outstanding tax amount.

On that time Collector Customs Adjudication-II Muhammad Javed sent Qinal notice on September 26.

After receiving Qinal notice, the company deposited the amount of Rs1.88 million.

ation in which change in prices of cereal foods was requested. Sources said the Valuation Ruling No: 818/2016 was issued on March 3, 2016. A meeting was held with the stakeholders on October, 2017. Importers were told 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 item in question through which the actual current value could be ascertained.

FIA arrests four accused ujrat Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has conducted raids in different areas and arrested four accused including two land route agents involved in human trafficking cases.

According to FIA spokesman, FIA team arrestedproclaimed offender-Muhammad Ilyas resident of Rati district Gujrat, general accused- Muhammad Arshid of Rajyki district Gujrat.

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Court grants 14-day judicial remand of accused in money laundering Friday November 10, 2017

Lahore

LAHORE: The Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has approved a 14-day judicial remand of the accused held in currencies-smuggling case.

An accused Faisal Hussain was apprehended by the customs preventive authorities at the Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore. The customs authorities, during a search of his luggage, found a big quantity of currencies. Accused Faisal Hussain was trying to smuggle the currencies of Rs02million from Lahore to Europe. The customs authorities found Dollars, Euros, Pounds and Pakistani currencies from his luggage.

The customs investigation team had presented him before the customs court for getting his physical remand to investigate more on the issue that had been granted by the court.

customs tribunal rejects appeal filed by M/s Danyal Agencies LAHORE

SAJID NAwAZ

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he Customs Appellate Tribunal has dismissed the case Qiled by M/s Danyal Agencies versus Collector of Customs (Adjudication) and Deputy Director, Directorate of Customs Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Lahore.

According to details, during the audit, it was revealed that the appellant imported 19,000 DVD players in CKD condition from M/s Goodrich Trading Company under PCT heading 8521.9090 attracting CD @ 20 percent in terms of general interpretation Rule 2 (a) of Harmonized Description and Coding System. The goods were got assessed at customs valued of $1.62 per set that is lower than customs value $7.50

court postpones worth rs50million statues smuggling hearing by Nov he Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has recorded the statements of the witnesses and adjourned the hearing of a case for November. A case of statues smuggling was scheduled for hearing before the Special Court of Muhammad Shakeel. The customs registered the case against three accused including Ammar, Gulzar and Muhammad Hassan. They were arrested on the charges of smuggling of 50 antique dolls, 313 costly coins and two plates as well of Mogul era. Two customs officials were also held on the charges of helping the smuggling of these items. They had got bails from the court. The customs court hand ordered the customs authorities to hand over these statues to the management of the Lahore Fort for keeping them in the museum. –CB Report

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per DVD player as determined by the Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi. The goods were seized under Customs Act 1969.

After show cause notice adjudication proceeding were culminated and Order-in-Original (ONO) has passed that importer has evaded amount of duty and taxes is Rs42,38,025. Penalty equal to 5 percent of the value also imposed on importer. Appellant challenged the ONO before the Customs Appellate Tribunal on the grounds that adjudication officer passed the Order-in-Original without using judicious mind and appeal to set aside the Order-in-Original passed

by Adjudication. On the other sides, the departmental representative has denied allegation and appeal for rejection of appeal.

After hearing and examined the record produce by the appellant and respondent as well.

customs ASo seizes huge quantity of non duty paid goods

LAHORE

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ollectorate of Customs Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) seized

customs I& I books officials involved in iphones embezzlement

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he Investigation & Prosecution (I&P) Branch of Customs Intelligence & Investigation, Lahore has booked two ofQicials of Customs Intelligence & Investigation, Lahore for illegally removing conQiscated goods (mobile phones) from the State Ware House to M/s Canteen Stores Department (CSD).

Sources told Customs Today, that the staff of the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation, Lahore deposited mobile phones in the State Ware House. Later, an ofQicial was de-

puted to inspect the mobile phones at State Ware House. Intelligence OfQicer Abdul Hameed at State Ware House was directed to produce the 1703 mobile phone which had been conQiscated.

Despite, repeated requests, Abdul Hameed avoided to produce mobile phones for couple of days on one pretext or another. Subsequently, he came up with a story that the mobile phones had already been sold out to CSD Stares with the approval of Amjad Khaliq, the then superintendent after assessment from Dry Port Mughalpura. –CB Report

huge quantity of non duty paid Indian origin Gutka, sofa cloth and other goods worth Rs1.5 million during a crackdown.

Sources told Customs Today that Collector Customs Preventive Faiz Ahmad received credible information about some smuggling attempts. After receiving the information he immedi-

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ately constituted a raiding team under the supervision of Superintendent Nasir Minhas, Superintendent Agha Qadeer Haider, Superintendent Gulzar Bhatti and Inspector Mansoor Elahi.

The ASO team raided a godown located near larri adda and recovered huge quantity of non duty paid Indian origin goods. The manager of the godown failed to provide any relevant legal documents showing legal import of the goods. After his failure Customs ASO team seized the entire goods and after registering a case of smuggling against the accused person started investigations. Meanwhile, The Model Customs Collectorate of Preventive notiQied transfer and posting of two appraising ofQicers and one inspector with immediate effect. According to a notiQication issued by Deputy Collector Headquarters Mohammad Moazzam Raza Appraising OfQicer Naveed Ahmad son of Chaudhary Mohammad Afzal is hereby transferred and posted from Air Freight Unit Allama Iqbal International Airport Unit, Railway Station T-10, Lahore.

customs tribunal hears seven cases he Customs Appellate Tribunal Division bench-II comprising Omer Arshed Hakeem, Member Judicial and Imran Tariq Member Technical heard seven cases on Monday and adjourned all cases to the next dates.

According to details, division bench heard cases of Noor Gas versus Customs Lahore, Advocate Energies versus customs Lahore, Jumma Khan versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Multan, Supreme Tube versus customs Lahore.

On Monday, same bench heard

cases of Ishtiaq Ahmed versus customs Multan, Down Enterprises versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Lahore, Waqas Abbasi versus Customs Lahore and Supreme Tube versus customs Lahore. Customs Appellate Tribunal will hear same cases on next reserve dates.

It is necessary to mention here that Customs Appellate Tribunal expedited its efforts to conclude the hearing of pending cases on priority basis. Recently Customs Appellate Tribunal also reserved verdict of various cases. –CB Report

Deputy collector Ambreen issues oNo in tax evasion case

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LAHORE

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ollectorate of Customs Adjudication Deputy Collector Ambreen Ahmad issued Order-in-Original ONO 115/2015 in tax evasion case.

According to the details on a credible information was received

in Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation-FBR Lahore that M/s Numeric Distribution Network Limited was importing “Camel” brand cigarettes on which federal excise duty and sales tax were payable on the retail price but the price did not cover the duties and taxes paid by the importer on the imported goods.

During scrutiny of import data it was also revealed that according para

(vii) of SRO 53 (KE)/2009 dated 1.7.2009 with effect from the 1st July, 2009, free goods cash rebates, free samples, discount of goods below the market value shall not be given or offered for the purpose of advertisement of tobacco product to consumers of tobacco products to generate sales or promote smoking. Deputy Collector in ONO said that the respondents have intentionally mis-declared the retail

price and evaded a huge amount of duty and taxes leviable thereon. Therefore the charges of mis-declaration of retail price which according to the applicable rule is the basis of determining the federal excise duty (FED) of the imported cigarettes and evasion of duty and taxes leviable thereon leveled against the respondents in the contravention report as well as in the show cause notice stand established.

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irec (I& Inv pro and me Cus offi Me ves M/ onc sha oth “Th pan tor Inv hav ter wh Q-M com tom It a ven

Friday, November 10, 2017

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ctorate Intelligence and Investigation &I) of Customs has contacted Federal vestigation Agency (FIA) to initiate legal ocedure to arrest the prime accused d the owner of M/s Digicom Traders in ega smuggling and tax evasion scandal, stom Today has learnt through a high icial of I&I. eanwhile Directorate Intelligence and Instigation has lodged another FIR against /s Digicom Traders (Q-Mobile) in which ce again the owner of the company Zeean Akhtar has been booked along with her ofQicials of his company. his is the second FIR against the comny in last four days,” said Deputy Direcr of Directorate Customs Intelligence and vestigation. He further said that they ve registered a fresh FIR on Monday afr the successful raid on a bungalow in hich they recovered over 80,000 dumped Mobiles and two arrested ofQicials of mpany have been produced in the cusms court for obtaining further remand. also has been learnt that Customs Prentive has decided to ban the company

for ever and initiated the process for cancellation of the working and import license of the company whereas the Directorate Intelligence and Investigation ofQicials has sought all the record of the company’s import since the company started its business in Pakistan.

Additional Collector Customs Ali Zaman Gardezi, Directorate Intelligence and Investigation has told that after checking the whereabouts of prime accused Zeeshan Akhtar who Qiled GD from his ID into Green Channel for clearing four containers, they have came to know that he has Qled away to Dubai. It is pertinent to mention that on 5th of November on this month Customs Appraisement East had recovered Rs18.7 million from M/s Digicom Trading Pvt Ltd (Q-mobile), which was short-paid through availing inadmissible concessions under 5th and 6th Schedule on the import of LED lights. Moreover, recovery notices for recovery of Rs33 million have also been served on M/s Digicom.

Meanwhile ofQicials of Directorate Intelligence and Investigation has initiated a separate hunt to recover the smuggled stuff under the garb of LED Bulbs from various godowns of the said company which was brought into the country in four containers

through Green Channel by mis-declaration After this incident, Customs got high alert in the documents and further cleared by and all the consignments of M/s Digicom the appraisement staff. were put on hold. Customs Preventive Directorate Intelligence and Investigaalong with MCC Appraisement East contion team in the supervision of ducted joint examination of six containers Deputy Collector Directorate imported by M/s Digicom declared to conIntelligence and Investigatain LED lights. tion Sindh (I&I) Shah Faisal Sahu had recovered over 80,000 QMobiles from a bungalow situated in the posh area of DHA Phase 7 worth Rs1.2 billion on Saturday and arrested two key ofQicials of the company who are being interrogated. ce and lligen e t n A couple of days earlier, I f er FIr o orate anoth d Customs Preventive e g d Direct has lo rs (Qfound a container of the trade gation i t m s o e c i v consignment imported In owner Dig n the i st M/s a n i g

by M/s Digicom dea a g e s a ch onc tar ha clared to be LED lights. n Akh in whi a ) h e l s i e b e cials On examination, the conMo pany Z er offi h m t o o c h e t tainer was found to be of th ng wi stuffed with mobile ed alo k ny o o b compa been phones and tablets. The of his said consignment had been cleared from Green Channel.

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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

potentials of furniture industry

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ccording to an official of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the local furniture industry has great potential to become one of the best earning sectors in the country. Pakistan has artisans, craftsmen and host of other skilled force to produce best handmade furniture and it has a huge demand in international market.

Shortage of cash and proper marketing training are the biggest flaws facing the local industry which can make a substantial contribution to national economy. And billions of dollars annual export can be made if the government patronizes the furniture industry and creates its demand in overseas destinations.So far, the local furniture manufactures have booming business within the country where they have held a successful series of exhibitions in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore. According to FPCCI official, the government should establish liaison with this sector to fully exploit the potentials of the local market and understand conditions and requirements of the industry for its development, promotion and protection.

Currently, the textile sector is the largest industry in the country in terms of exports which stands at $14 billion annually.

However, the furniture industry needs the government support to enable the manufactures to hold exhibitions and ensure that they get easy access to foreign markets.

The current exports of Pakistan’s furniture stand at $51 million which is peanuts. The industry has the capacity to bring up the exports to $5 billion mark in five years.The government should launch a comprehensive programme to develop and promote the furniture sector in urban and rural areas of the country. On the pattern of textile sector, a separate authority should be established not only to introduce modern techniques to the manufactures but also develop skilled labour to cater to the needs of the industry. However, the government has so far failed to acknowledge the potentials of this industry at any level.

The cities like Chiniot, Gujrat and Gojra have been emerging as the hub of furniture industry but the government support is required to get the product promoted in international markets. Pakistan itself has great market for furniture and imports Rs 4 billion worth of furniture annually.

economic outlook of pakistan I

LAHORE

Dr AFtAB AFZAL

www.customstoday.com

n its annual Middle East and Central Asia Regional Economic Outlook report, the International Monetary Fund has suggested the government to boost its exports and economic growth by taking full advantage of the global economic recovery. The report also suggests that bilateral and multilateral trade agreements with partner countries can play an important role in fostering more open trade in Pakistan and that an increase in the volume of exports during the Qirst half of the current Qiscal alreadyhelped strengthen economic activity in the country.

The report speciQically refers to the

importance of apparel production which is part of an important value-added sub sector of the textile industry and it earns over 60 percent of the country’s annual exports of $20 billion. The country has improved quality and standards of apparel production in recent years and stronger global economy can help Pakistan in dealing with balance of payment problem despite the rising current account deQicit which stands at 4.9 percent during the Qiscal year 2017-18 as against four percent last year.The country desperately needs to maintain its foreign exchange reserves as the external debt are likely to increase to over $80 billion in the second quarter of the current Qiscal year from $75

billion in the Qirst quarter of 2017.

However, the government is trying its best to stay away from entering into another bailout programme with the fund management. Pakistan is facing multiple problems from political uncertainty to inconsistent business and trade policies. In the absence of a stable government in the center and incapacity of the provinces to devise growth-oriented economic policies, the country is sinking in debt crisis. The IMF report also underlines the importance of the agriculture sector, which heavily relies on weather conditions and price development.

However, the fund will not come to rescue the nation from economic or Qinancial quagmire. It is the na-

tion which has to focus on the value added goods to increase not only industrial production, but also agriculture yields. The fund expects that investment in the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor will strengthen credit growth and will push the country’s real GDP growth at 5.6 percent in 2018.The report also expectsthat spike in public investment will spur medium-term growth. However, what the fund will never suggest is that the country will have to minimize its reliance on foreign loans which will ultimately subdue economic progress in the country. A growth in overall GDP is the need of the hour to ward off the pressure of the budget deQicit and resolve balance of payment problem.

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FBR asked to announce Dec 31 as new date for filing of tax returns LAHORE: Tomorrow will be the last date for filing of income tax return while the business community and tax practioners have urged the FBR to extend the date for filing return to upto December 31.

The FBR would keep all his Regional Tax Office open till 12am on October 31. On the other hand, the Board has ordered all the chief commissioners, commissioners to make it possible being in coordination with adjacent branches of National Bank of Pakistan for duty and taxes collection. The NBP branches nominated to collect duty and taxes would also remain open till 12 pm on October 31.

However on the other hand business community and tax practioners demanded extension in date of filing return till Decenber 31, 2017 for achieving revenue collection target and broadening of tax net.

customs AFu hands over 1,000 artifacts to DoAM for muselum

Friday November 10, 2017

National

customs tribunal reserves verdicts on references filed by M/s waseem Autos

LAHORE

M hAYAt

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ecovered by Customs Air Freight Unit (AFU) deputed at the Islamabad Airport, Department of Archaeology and Museums (DoAM) has added 1,000 artifacts to its artifacts’ collection including a unique bowl and a ram-shaped object made of 19 tola gold which would be housed in the Islamabad Museum.

“These artifacts belonging to Buddhist, Greek and Mughal period were recovered by customs officials and handed over to the relevant department of DoAM after fulfilling all legal requirements and now the number of recovered artifacts in Islamabad has reached up to 12,000” revealed by Director (Archaeology), DoAM, Abdul Azeem . Talking to media, Abdul Azeem said customs officials have saved these artifacts from smuggling to different countries including Italy, Thailand, Germany and Japan

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ISLAMABAD

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ustoms Appellate Tribunal Chairman Justice (r) Manzoor Hussain has reserved decisions on customs references Qiled by M/s Waseem Autos and M/s Nisar Traders during his recent visit to tribunal’s headquarters in the capital.

The chairman resumed his visit to tribunal’s ofQice on October 31.

The chairman headed the hearings of cases during his visit in division and single benches besides performing administrative affairs at the tribunal. M/s Waseem Autos and M/s Nisar Traders had Qiled cases against MCC, Islamabad.

The chairman also heard cases involving Model Collectorate of Customs and Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad. These cases were Qiled by M/s Parts & Parts, M/s Chief Autos, M/s Aman Elahi, M/s Kohinoor Traders, M/s Saleem Silk Centre, M/s Five Star Trading, M/s Pakistan Royal Group and M/s Nayatel Private Limited, M/s Degicell & others, M/s Kohinoor Chemical, Mirza Muhammad

Majid, M/s Fazal Razaq, M/s Fazal Ur Rehman and Gul Rehman & others.

The appellants had Qiled cases against Directorate General of Investigation and Intelligence, Islamabad and Col-

lectorate of Customs, Islamabad. M/s Degicell & others and M/s Kohinoor Chemical Qiled cases against Model Collectorate of Customs, Islamabad.

Among the cases Mirza Muhammad

Majid, M/s Fazal Razaq, M/s Fazal Ur Rehman and Gul Rehman & others had made Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigations, Islamabad as respondents in the cases.

customs officials booked for illegally removing mobile and these include stone made sculptures, clay utensils, coins and other items. He said the bowl is openmouthed of 16.5 cm diameter and 5.7 cm depth with flat base interior. The bowl is decorated with embossed figures of winged lions and acanthus leaves alternative. The bowl has bearded human head with long curly hair in its center and head rests on four round shaped objects. He said it seems that the human shape carved on the bowl is of ‘Dionysus’, king of wine in ancient Greek mythology while wine bottles, leaves of grapes and lion are carved on the bowl also represents its connection with King Dionysus. He said the same bowl was earlier found during the construction of Serena Hotel more than three decades ago and housed in Taxila Museum.

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he Customs Intelligence & Investigation’s prosecution branch has booked two of its ofQicials for illegally removing mobile phones from the State Ware House to M/s Canteen Stores Department (CSD).

The staff of the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation, Lahore deposited mobile phones in the State Ware House, where an official was deputed to inspect the cell phones.

Intelligence ofQicer Abdul Hameed at State Ware House was directed to produce 1703 mobile phone which had been conQiscated.

Despite, repeated requests, Abdul Hameed avoided producing mobile phones for couple of days on one

pretext or another.

Subsequently, he came up with a story that the mobile phones had already been sold out to CSD Stares with the approval of Amjad Khaliq, the then superintendent after assessment from Dry Port Mughalpura. He submitted some papers regarding disposal of mobile phones against Rs1.488 mil-

lion deposited at NBP Lahore. But, he failed to show any approval from the competent authority regarding the disposal/delivery of the said phones to CSD Stores.

Amjad Khaliq the then superintendent was noticed to appear in the Directorate and list of conQiscated goods sold/issued to CSD stores bearing his signature was

shown to him. Khaliq denied signing release/approval order to remove the goods from the warehouse.

However, Abdul Hameed submitted that the mobile phones were sold to CSD stores after the approval by the then superintendent after getting physical examination and valuation from dry port Lahore to M/s CSD. He obtained cheque of Rs1.48 million at the time of delivery from representatives of M/s CSD stores and deposited the same at NBP branch. There was no record of outward movement of the mobile phones at the State Warehouse.

The market value of the mobile phones is Rs11.3 million and duty/taxes were assessed at Rs4.86 million, while M/s CSD Stores bought these mobile phones for just Rs1.48 million from corrupt ofQicials of Customs Intelligence & Investigation, Lahore.

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Appraising officer Khan Muhammad to retire on Nov 13 Friday November 10, 2017

National tajamal assumes charge as Additional commissioner-Ir

ISLAMABAD: Khan Muhammad Kerio, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-16, is going to retire from the government service on attaining the age of superannuation Khan, presently posted as Appraising Officer at Model Customs Collectorate of Appraisement (West), Karachi, will stand retired from the government service on November 13.

Mohsin Aman assumes charge as Second Secretary-Ir

ISLAMABAD

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ajamal Bilquis, a BS-19 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has assumed charge as Additional Commissioner-IR. The officer, in pursuance of Board’s Notification No. 2883-IR-I/2017, dated 16.10.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Additional Director, Directorate General of Intelligence & Investigation (Inland Revenue), Islamabad with effect from October and took the charge of the post of Additional Commissioner-IR, Regional Tax Office, Islamabad on the same date. Meanwhile, Muhammad Saleem, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-18, has been assigned to look after accounts & budget-related work of the Collectorate of Customs Adjudication-I, Karachi. The officer, presently posted as Chief Accounts Officer at Model Customs Collectorate of Appraisement (West), Karachi, will look after the accounts & budgetrelated work of the Collectorate of Customs Adjudication-I, Karachi.

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Mohsin Aman assumes charge as Second Secretary-Ir ohsin Aman, a BS-18 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has assumed charge as Second Secretary. The officer, in pursuance of Board’s Notification No.2883-IR-I/2017 dated 16-102017, relinquished the charge of the post of Deputy CommissionerIR, Regional Tax Office, Sialkot with effect from October 19 and took the charge of the post of Second Secretary at Federal Board of Revenue (HQ), Islamabad on October 24.

Meanwhile, Modassar Ahmad Tirmizi, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-18, has assumed charge as Deputy Director in the Directorate of Training & Research (Customs), Lahore. –CB Report

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ohsin Aman, a BS-18 ofQicer of Inland Revenue Service, has assumed charge as Second Secretary.

The ofQicer, in pursuance of Board’s NotiQication No.2883-IRI/2017 dated 16-10-2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Deputy Commissioner-IR, Regional Tax OfQice, Sialkot with effect from October 19 and took the charge of the post of Second Secretary at Federal Board of Revenue (HQ), Islamabad on October.

Meanwhile, Waqas Aslam, a BS19 ofQicer of Inland Revenue Service, has taken charge as Additional Commissioner-IR. The ofQicer, in pursuance of Board’s NotiQication No.

2883-IR-I/2017, dated 16.10.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Additional Director, Directorate

General of Training & Research (Inland Revenue), Lahore with effect from October 23 and assumed the

charge of the post of Additional Commissioner-IR, Large Taxpayers Unit, Lahore on the same date.

karachi Appraisement east collects rs13.26m of all duties, taxes T

KARACHI

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he Customs Collectorate of the Appraisement East has generated Rs13.26million of customs duty, sales tax, income tax and federal exercise duty during seven days of November.

Sources told reporter that the Customs Appraisement East collected Rs3.23million as customs duty, Rs4.25million of sales tax, Rs2.28million as income tax and Rs3.50million of federal excise duty during seven days.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Customs Collectorate of the Appraisement East received Rs74.23million of customs duty, sales tax, income tax and federal exercise duty during the previous month of October and generated Rs26.87million as customs duty, Rs18.78million of sales tax,

Rs13.85million as income tax and Rs14.73million of federal excise duty during 31 days of October. If

we talk about the Qirst 14 days of October, the Customs Collectorate of the Appraisement East received

Rs24.97million of customs duty, sales tax, income tax and federal exercise duty during above said days.

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Customs Appellate Tribunal rejects reference filed by M/s M. Younas ISLAMABAD: Customs Appellate Tribunal Member, Ziauddin Wazir dismissed a customs reference seeking release of seized mobile phones. The appellant, M Younas, through the case had challenged an announcement made by adjudication of Model Collectorate of Customs, Islamabad about seizure of mobile phones. The bench had reserved decision on the case after hearing counsels arguments. The bench had held plenty of hearings on the matter in recent weeks. Earlier the bench had dated in office hearing of the matter after initial arguments. The department on the day had sought time from the bench, hence hearing was adjourned. At least six mobile phones first confiscated by the customs authorities at Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad.

FBr collects rs1,024b in July-oct, faces rs47b shortfall ISLAMABAD

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is facing Rs47 billion shortfall in tax collection during first four months (July-October) of the current financial year. The FBR has provisionally collected Rs1,024 billion during JulyOctober period of the year 2017-18 as against the target of Rs1,071 billion.

The top revenue authority of the country has collected Rs259 billion during October. The federal government had set the revenue target of Rs4,013 billion for fiscal year 2017-18. The FBR would require collecting Rs650 billion additional revenue to achieve ambitious target of Rs4,013 billion in the current fiscal year. Around 19 percent growth would be required in the cur-

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rent fiscal year over provisional collection of Rs3,362.1 billion in the just concluded fiscal year. The federal government had restricted the budget deficit at Rs324 billion during first quarter (July-September) of the current fiscal year as against Rs438 billion in the same period of the last year due to robust tax collections and lower expenditure. In terms of GDP, the overall deficit decreased to 0.9 percent in the first quarter of current financial year as compared to 1.3 percent recorded in the first quarter of last year. The government has recently decided to repay the tax refunds to the exporters amid healthy collection in tax collection. The FBR on Tuesday has asked State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for payment of Rs12.5 billion refund against 3,261 RPOs issued up to August 31, 2017, through direct electronic credit to the claimants’ account. The amount shall be so credited within 24 hours.

National

customs court imposes penalty of rs200000 on chinese currencies-smuggler

court awards imprisonment to suspect in diesel smuggling case KARACHI

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ustoms Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi awarded 35 days imprisonment and fine of Rs 100,000 to suspect namely Atiq-ur-Rahman son of Abdul Qadir on pleading guilty. The suspect was booked for attempting to smuggled nonduty paid/ smuggled foreign origin 35,000 liter high speed diesel. During the hearing, the suspect appeared before the court along with his counsel and filed petition for pleading guilty. After filing the petition, the court framed charge against him. The suspect was intercepted by ASI, Mochko Police Station Hub, River Road Karachi along with Hino oil tanker bearing registration number TLZ-289 loaded with 35,000 liter high speed diesel for its illegal disposal in open market. The accused was carrying/ transportation smuggled foreign origin diesel without documentation, therefore, he has committed an offence punishable under customs act. The suspect pleaded guilty of the charge and left himself on the mercy of the court. The court awarded him 35 days imprisonment which already undergone and a fine of Rs 100,000, if fine is not paid than he shall suffer further two months imprisonment in Central Jail Karachi.

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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling has imposed a penalty of Rs200000 on a Chinese national and ordered the imprisonment until the end of the court proceedings. The accused was booked at the Lahore Airport while attempting to smuggle foreign currencies.

Last Tuesday, investigation and prosecution team of the customs preventive had presented the accused before the court of Tahir Sabir which sent him to jail on judicial remand. Earlier, Pakistan Customs Preventive and Airport Security Force arrested the Chinese passenger for said offence at the Lahore airport.

The foreign national, who was going to Bangkok by an international airline, was held during a checking at the Allama Iqbal International Airport following the recovery of foreign currencies worth Rs2.5 million.

The Pakistan Customs officials have recovered $20,000 and 15,000 Chinese Yuan from his possession.

The accused was shifted to an unknown place for interrogation in

Friday November 10, 2017

the custody of the officials of Pakistan Customs. A passenger can carry up to $10,000 or equivalent notes of another currency while going abroad. A number of currencies-smuggling cases have been registered in the last two months.

The Pakistan Customs Preventive has thwarted many currenciessmuggling attempts at the Allama Iqbal International Airport and recovered millions of dollars that were being smuggled from Lahore into other countries.

chinese keen on investing in automobiles, buildings

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LAHORE

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ight-member Chinese delegation from Sichuan province Hebei Chamber of Commerce has arrived in Pakistan on the invitation of SM Naveed, President of Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) to review joint venture opportunities in the Qields of Automobiles innovative accessories, town planning and vertical buildings infrastructure.

The delegation consists of Gaoqiang, Xu Yingliang, Cao Wei, Yang Yongang and Cao Zaiqiang, and PCJCCI President SM Naveed and

Vice President Rana Mehmood Iqbal briefed them on the demand of innovative energy efQicient automobiles, car accessories and vertical buildings in Pakistan, according to joint chamber’s spokesperson here on Monday. S.M. Naveed said that automotive industry in Pakistan was one of the fastest growing industries of the country, accounting for four per cent of Pakistan’s GDP and employing a workforce of over 1,800,000 people. With the growing demand for automobiles, demand for the car accessories had also increased, he said.

The head of the delegation, Mr. Gaoqiang said that we want to ven-

ture with Pakistan in mechanical parts and accessories, Electric motor parts and accessories and Electronic parts and accessories. According to Mr. Gaoqiang, China has extensive manufacturing facilities that could be relocated to Pakistan based on the demand for accessories. He said that China is eager to make a massive investment in the Pakistani auto-sector where the vehicle’s quality and the price will boost the competitiveness in the market. The process of putting the plant together is expected to be completed in 2 to 3 years.

S.M Naveed informed the delegates about the automotive policy

2016-2021, according to which, new investors under the category ‘A’ shall be eligible for the Duty-free import of plant and machinery on a onetime basis, Concessional rate of custom duty at the rate of 10 percent on non-localized parts and 25 percent on localized parts for a period of Qive years for manufacturing of cars and LCVs, eligible to import 100 vehicle at 50 percent of the prevailing duty for test marketing of the project, he added. Chinese delegates shared their plan for an exclusive China Town in Lahore to reside, and hoped that after completion of the model China Town, the design would be replicated for local citizen as well.

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Brazil extends tax debt renegotiation program for 2 weeks

World Customs

Friday November 10, 2017

BRASILIA: Brazil’s President Michel Temer signed a decree extending for two weeks a tax debt renegotiation program known as Refis, the presidential office said.

The program has collected more than 10 billion reais ($3.05 billion) in back taxes this year for the Treasury. Earlier this month, the Senate approved greater discounts to taxpayers in the program, depriving the cash-strapped government of about 3 billion reais.

uS customs house in Barnstable earns state award

korea’s pharmaceutical exports reach 3.6t won SEOUL

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he Massachusetts Historical Commission has awarded the US Customs House in Barnstable a 2017 Historic Preservation Award. “I’m excited about it because, when I was a (town) councilor, that was one of my early projects,” said Ann Canedy, a former council vice chair, in a brief phone interview as she rushed out the door yesterday to the awards ceremony at the Massachusetts Archives Building in Dorchester. Canedy, of Cummaquid, served 12 years on the council before stepping town in 2005 due to term limits. She currently serves as secretary of the board for the Tales of Cape Cod, a non-proQit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Cape Cod history. “I really was very pushy with (Barnstable Community

uk interest rates rise for first time in 10 years or the first time in more than 10 years, the Bank of England has raised interest rates. The official bank rate has been lifted from 0.25% to 0.5%, the first increase since July 2007. It is likely to rise twice more over the next three years, according to Bank of England governor Mark Carney. The move reverses the cut in August of last year, which was made in the wake of the vote to leave the European Union.

Almost four million households face higher mortgage interest payments after the rise, but it should give savers a modest lift in their returns.

As well as many of the country’s 45 million savers, anyone considering buying an annuity for their pension will also see better deals. The main losers will be households with a variable rate mortgage. –CB Report

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Preservation Committee chairman) Lindsey Counsell and others to get that building repaired,” she said. “At the time, you could hear the wind whistling through the windows” and the property had been repaired asneeded by the Barnstable Department of Public Works. “We got it looked at from a historical point of view and started using historic preservation techniques and designs,” Canedy said. Town Architect

Mark Marinaccio “was excellent,” she said. “Mark applied for the grants, which have been matched over the years. It has been a work in progress. It has been a source of pride for me.” The Coast Guard Heritage Museum in June opened expanded exhibits and refurbished windows at its museum building in Barnstable Village at a reception celebrating the facelift to the 1856 U.S. Customs House.

New Zealand unemployment at lowest level since financial crisis

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ew Zealand’s unemployment rate fell again in the third quarter, sliding to 4.6% from 4.8% three months earlier, to its lowest level since the global financial crisis, Statistics New Zealand said Wednesday. The South Pacific country’s jobless rate came in below the 4.7% forecast by economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal. The unemployment rate is at its lowest

since the December 2008 quarter, when it was 4.4%. The labor force participation rate was 71.1%, up from 70% in the previous quarter.

“This is the highest labour force participation rate on record for the household labour force survey, and reflects more people entering employment,” labor market and household statistics senior manager Diane Ramsay said in a statement. –CB Report

outh Korea is situated on the periphery of the global pharmaceutical industry map. The global drug market reached US$1.1 trillion (1,244 trillion won) as of last year, the South Korean market stood at 21.7 trillion won (US$19.19 billion), accounting for a 0.012 percent of the total. There are no South Korean pharmaceutical companies ranked among the global top 50 as they have failed to achieve economies of scale due to such a small domestic market. However, that doesn’t mean only gloomy indicators exist. There are hopeful signs as well. South Korea’s medicine exports had grown by 55 percent in four years from 2.34 trillion won (US$2.07 billion) in 2012 to 3.62 trillion won (US$3.2 billion) last

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orange Belgium revenues lift in Q3 range Belgium said revenues for the Qirst nine months of the year rose 1.5 percent from the year before to EUR 933.7 million.

Underlying growth amounted to 4.7 percent, taking into account the impact of the EU roaming regulations, estimated at EUR 28.0 million.

Despite a third quarter fall in the adjusted EBITDA, for the nine months, adjusted EBITDA lifted 1.3 percent to EUR 240.3 million, from 237.1 million the year earlier. The positive result came despite a negative EBITDA contribution from separately offered cable services of EUR 14.9 million. For Q3, Orange said the

canada oil, gas drilling to pick up in 2018

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anadian oil and gas drilling activity will climb 5% in 2018 as a gradual uptick in crude prices gives rise to cautious optimism among producers, an industry body forecast on Oct. The Petroleum Services Associa-

tion of Canada (PSAC) expects energy firms to drill 7,900 wells in 2018, up from 7,550 wells in 2017. The biggest increase in activity will be in Canada’s main crude oil and gas-producing province of Alberta. Based on PSAC’s forecast, next year will be the busiest for drilling since 2014, when oil prices crashed because of global oversupply.

year. The figures in the first half of this year also reached 1.9 trillion won (US$1.68 billion), up 6.9 percent from a year earlier. As domestic drug makers have succeeded in developing a new drug one after another by expanding research and development (R&D) investment, export of technologies are on the rise. In particular, they stand out in the biomedicine market. A considerable amount of pharmaceutical products are about to be approved and licensed to sell while conducting global clinical trials.

Some say that South Korea can go mainstream in the global market in the era of biomedicine, though it fell behind in the era of synthetic drugs in the past. In the 1980s, domestic pharmaceutical companies only focused on producing complete products and localizing raw material medicines. It was unthinkable for them to develop a new drug that takes an enormous amount of R&D investment costs at that time.

The 2018 estimate is still 30% below 2014 well totals, highlighting the slow speed of recovery.

U.S. crude prices are hovering just under $55 a barrel (bbl), well below early 2014 prices of above $100/bbl. “For 2018, confidence that oil will stay in the low-to-mid $50 range as markets tighten and inventories reduce, along with growing interest in

decline came mainly on the back of lower MVNO revenue. For the 9months, Orange Belgium investments went to EUR 114.6 million, including EUR 35.5 million for cable activities. Operational cash Qlow went to EUR 137.4 million. At the end of September, the company’s net Qinancial debt was worth EUR 288.3 million, with the net Qinancial debt ratio to reported EBITDA at 0.9x. Meanwhile, Belgium’s merchandise trade deQicit for August narrowed from a year ago with exports growth exceeding the rise in imports, preliminary data from the National Bank of Belgium showed. –CB Report

Canada’s vast liquids rich natural gas, should support a 4% to 5% increase in activity levels,” PSAC’s President Mark Salkeld said. He also called for more export pipelines to ship Canadian oil and gas to market, warning that TransCanada Corp.’s (NYSE: TRP) recent decision to cancel its Energy East project was a blow to investor confidence.

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Shipping activity at Port Qasim KARACHI: Shipping activity remained active at the Port where five ships. MSC Al-Ghero Maersk Columbus, Chemroad Nava, YM Miranda and Kenta carrying Containers, Palm oil, Chemicals and Soya bean seeds were arranged berthing at Qasim International Container Terminal, Liquid Cargo Terminal, Engro Vopak Terminal and Grain & Fertilizer Terminal respectively. Meanwhile two more ships, oil tanker Bahra and Gas carrier Gas Husky also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. Berth occupancy was observed at the Port at seventy one percent on Tuesday where a total of twelve ships namely, MSC Al-Ghero, Maersk Columbus.

port of Savannah hits 1 million container mark in Q1 of fiscal year n July, Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Griff Lynch reported a record Fiscal 2017 to his board 3.8 million containers and $373 million in revenues for the period ending June 30. After receiving congratulations all around, he could rest for all of five minutes before board Chairman Jimmy Allgood threw down the gauntlet. “This has been a great year,” Allgood said.

“Now, as we turn our attention to 2018, we have an opportunity to reach some really phenomenal milestones – we are looking at the potential of 4 million (TEU containers) as well as $400 million in annual revenue.” Lynch never flinched – he just delivered, reporting last week that the Port of Savannah moved more than 1 million TEUs across Garden City Terminal in the

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first quarter of FY2018, which ended Sept. 30. Allgood was not surprised, nor did he think his directive had much to do with the first-quarter gains. “My comments were more tongue-in-cheek than anything,” Allgood said this week. “I had no doubt Griff and his staff were already shooting for that. Forward thinking, planning and follow-through are hallmarks of this organization’s success.” Lynch pointed to a myriad of reasons for the ports’ continued success, most of them the result of innovation that has brought about a sea change pun intended in what was once a sleepy Southern harbor. “Sustained organic growth coupled with increased market share are driving these volume increases,” Lynch said. –CB Report

Ports & Shipping

port houston container volumes jump 11% in 2017

ports of Indiana shipments up 10% in first nine months of 2017 hipments during the first nine months of 2017 at the Ports of Indiana were up more than 10 percent compared to the same time period last year. Total tons handled reached over 8.1 million, the second highest volume during the first three quarters of any year in the organization’s 56-year history. The growth was primarily due to increased shipments of coal, steel, fertilizer and ethanol.

The Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon’s volume for the first nine months of 2017 rose to over 4.5 million tons, up 15 percent versus 2016 figures and the second highest ever at the port for that time period. The port is on track for a third-consecutive year of exceeding 6 million tons. Coal and ethanol shipments have remained strong and were up 31 and 34 percent, respectively, compared to last year. There were also significant increases in shipments of salt (54 percent), fertilizer (49 percent) and minerals (32 percent). –CB Report

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ort Houston posted an 11 percent increase in container volumes year-to-date compared to the same period last year, with containers surpassing the 1.8 million TEU mark by September, according to recent data from the U.S. Gulf Coast port. September container activity at Port Houston’s Barbours Cut and Bayport facilities increased 22 percent and the port also recorded a cargo increase of 9 percent for a total of 28.8 million tons of cargo handled year-to-date at all port facilities, the port announced on Monday. “We remain conQident of continued growth in the container sector, both on the import and export side, during the remainder of this year and into 2018,” said Executive Director Roger Guenther.

The port was signiQicantly impacted by Hurricane Harvey at the end of August, but terminal operations recovered quickly, said Guen-

Friday November 10, 2017

ther. “We anticipated that we would receive most of the cargo that was initially diverted following the storm…and we did,” he stated. For example, general cargo facilities handled nearly 400 thousand tons of steel, “which is a large volume as we caught up for the week or more of time lost due to the storm,” Guenther said. “Port Houston’s results remain strong overall for the year.” The Port Houston Commission said the port and the greater Houston area are grateful for the assistance, relief and aid received from South Carolina

Ports employees, American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Port Employee Relief Fund, Georgia Ports Authority employees and the greater Savannah community, as well as from Port Houston employees. Port Houston also relayed that the port commission has authorized an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the construction and operation of a rail spur across Texas State Highway 146 and Red Bluff Road, to facilitate in a phased approach future intermodal service to the Bayport Container Terminal.

Nigerian ports are bad for business ABUJA

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othing betrays the contradictions in the Federal Government’s avowed policy of nonoil exports promotion more than the lack of an enabling environment for the attainment of this noble national aspiration. With the prices of oil in the international market becoming increasingly unpredictable by the day, wise counsel demands that the government should embrace an alternative means of earning income, other than oil which currently provides over 70 per cent of government’s income and foreign exchange earnings in excess of 90 per cent.

But while the government continues to pontiQicate on the need for diversiQication of the economy, the stiff challenges exporters face in the course of attempting to get their

goods to the outside world make achieving that goal a daunting task.

Government’s lack of enthusiasm in streamlining the process of doing business in the country only conQirms the belief in some quarters that it is only paying lip service to non-oil exports promotion.

Besides many bottlenecks encountered by exporters, including the absence of access roads to the hinterland for the evacuation of agricultural products, which for now constitute the bulk of the non-oil exports, the conditions at the seaports, the gateway to the outside world, leave a lot to be desired. Of particular note is the neglect of all the main seaports, especially the Apapa and Tin Can Island, which are responsible for over 70 per cent of maritime trade in Nigeria. While the ports in Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri and Onne remain underutilised, the Port of Lagos in Apapa has become vir-

tually inaccessible because of the deplorable state of the roads leading there. The situation is such that trucks bearing goods meant for export spend upwards of three weeks on roads within the immediate neighbourhood of the port before gaining access to the terminal, according to reports.

The corollary is that, due to the prolonged delay, the quality of most of the goods depreciates before they get to their destination. This explains why many Nigerian goods are usually rejected for failing to meet the required standards, as they are usually perishable goods with limited lifespan. Lamenting the situation recently, Tola Faseru, the President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria, said, “Export warehouses are Qilled with commodities; instead of being promptly shipped out, they are rotting away.” This is nothing short of a national embar-

rassment, which ought to have attracted the attention of the appropriate authorities. Those who have taken bank loans to Qinance their export business face an uphill task in meeting up with their loan servicing obligations, just as those who may not have the resilience to weather the storm easily give up; and what could have been a lofty dream for many a budding businessman easily goes up in Qlames.

But the response of the government to these bottlenecks, at best, has been lukewarm. Besides a few platitudinous utterances and Executive Order banning some government agencies from the ports premises, nothing concrete has been done.

Many businesses that used to operate from Apapa have had to relocate, due to the loss of man-hours arising from gridlock. The same goes for residents, who have had to look for some other more hospitable areas.

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SC shares FBR’s details of Panama Papers case with Senate body ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has shared details submitted to it by Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) regarding its investigation against the persons named in Panama Papers with Senate Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs.

Senate Standing Committee on Finance Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla said that a few days back the committee had written a letter to Supreme Court of Pakistan requesting it for provision of a copy of the record submitted by FBR in Panama Papers case.

Friday November 10, 2017

Business

‘govt to enhance quality of education’ FAISALABAD

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he Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar visited Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital and inquired after the health of patient receiving treatment under Prime Minister National Health Programme. Akber Niazi Hospital is an empanelled Hospital of Prime Minister National Health Programme and providing free of cost treatment to enrolled families.

The minister said Prime Minister National Health Programme is now being expanded to the entire country and enrolled patient in every district soon be able to get

SBp to investigate pakistanis named in pp KARACHI

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free treatment. Subsequently Minister inaugurated of Bone Marrow Transplant Centre at Islamabad Medical and Dental College and said that present government on its part has accorded the top most priority to the health sector introducing

ADB, AFI ink Mou for greater financial inclusion in Asia-pacific region

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he State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has also announced issuing notices to Pakistanis named in the Paradise Papers SBP Governor Tariq Bajwa said that they were reviewing the names of Pakistanis mentioned in the leaks, adding that they would inquire into where the capital for the offshore companies came from. The central bank would see whether they had paid tax on the money, which was transferred or not, he said.

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policies and initiatives to improve access to health services and infrastructure. The minister said, healthcare in Pakistan shows that healthcare facilities are inadequate and also the available healthcare facilities are over burdened. The remote

areas have poor access to the facilities. Another important factor is persistently low population to hospital bed ratio. The private sector is expensive and out of pocket expenditure is 86 percent. One of the major issues is that most of the hospitals are concentrated in large cosmopolitans, whereas the population is rapidly growing. There is an increase of burden of Non Communicable and Communicable diseases which needs enhanced treatment facilities. Minister said recent addition of state of the art 500 bedded Akbar Khan Niazi Teaching Hospital is a laudable initiative. She was conQident that IMDC and Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital will play a major role in the healthcare of public especially in Bhara Kahu, Murree and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

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ISLAMABAD

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he Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) to promote greater Qinancial inclusion in Asia-PaciQic Region.

The MoU will enable the two institutions to work more closely to enhance peer learning and knowledge sharing in advancing Qinancial inclusion policies in the region, a statement issued by ADB here said.

The agreement was signed by Senior Director of ADB’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department Gil-Hong Kim and AFI Executive Director Alfred Hannig on the sidelines of the 2nd Asia Finance Forum held at ADB headquarters in Manila from November 8 to10.

“Financial inclusion is crucial to assist people in Asia and the PaciQic, particularly the poor, in accessing credit and insurance products that help them manage risk, build assets, increase their incomes, and enjoy a better life,” Kim said and added, “ADB’s partnership with AFI will

help boost our joint efforts in pursuing inclusive and sustainable development in the region.” “Smart Qinancial inclusion policies promoted and implemented by AFI members are reducing inequality and contributing to overall sustainable economic growth. The partnership between ADB and AFI will further advance Qinancial inclusion, helping low income and unbanked citizens of Asia and the PaciQic increase their economic welfare,” Hannig said. As per the MoU, ADB and AFI will work together to develop and implement programmes and projects.

‘S Arabia showing keen interest to invest in cpec’ ISLAMABAD

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inister for Communications Hafiz Abdul Kareem said on that Saudi government was showing interest in China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). During a meeting with Saudi ambassador Nawaf Saeed Ahmed Al-Malkiy here, the minister briefed him about the potential sectors for investment in Pakistan. He stated that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy very close brotherly relations and expressed the hope that Riyadh will avail investment opportunities and play its role in progress of Pakistan.

Both the dignitaries discussed matters of mutual interests. The Saudi envoy said his country was interested in working in CPEC and Gwadar port development.The Saudi ambassador said that Riyadh will continue cooperation with Pakistan and the bilateral relations will further grow in future Secretary Communications Siddique Memon briefed the Saudi Ambassador about ongoing road infrastructure projects in the country. He said that there was great scope of investment in CPEC including railways,motorways, aviation sector and last but not least Gwadar port.

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court formally indicts Nawaz in three separate references ISLAMABAD

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he accountability court has rejected ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s plea of clubbing all three references into one.

The plea was Qiled by Nawaz Sharif and his sons, Hassan and Hussain Nawaz. Yesterday, Accountability Court reserved judgment on former prime minister plea seeking club-

bing of all the three corruption references against him, after hearing arguments from both defence and prosecution counsels.

Although on previous date of hearing, Accountability Court Judge Mohammad Bashir exempted Nawaz Sharif and other accused, Maryam Nawaz and Capt (retd) Safdar, for Tuesday as the court was to take up the issue of clubbing of the references issue but Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and

son-in-law Capt Safdar appeared before the court and spent well over couple of hours hearing his counsel giving arguments in support of clubbing the three references .

Judge Muhammad Bashir took up the Nawaz Sharif’s plea seeking clubbing together of all three references , including Avenfield property, Flagship Investment and Azizia Steel Mills in light of Islamabad High Court (IHC) judgment to rehear the case.

Counsel Kh Harris contented before the court that the charges levelled against the Sharif family were similar in all three references . “The references are related to different assets but the accused are same.”

Harris said that nine and 13 witnesses have been named in the Flagship Investment Ltd reference and Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference, respectively. Six witnesses are common in both references and three are common with those of AvenQield

Qlats reference.

He argued that the same witnesses have to appear in different references separately if three references were not clubbed. He said a single trail should be conducted against his clients.

Harris contended that the three cases should be clubbed and heard together as they were similar in nature, saying the defence and the prosecution of the three referenceswere also the same.

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Iran petrochemical exports up 13% TEHRAN: Iran’s petrochemical exports rose 13% in the first seven months of the current fiscal year (March 21-Oct. 22) compared with the same period of last year, an official at the National Petrochemical Company said on Thursday. “Over the past seven months, about 13 million tons of petrochemical and polymer products, worth $6.5 billion, were exported,” Ali Mohammad Bosaqzadeh was also quoted as saying by NIPNA, NPC’s official news agency. The lion’s share of petrochemical exports is bound for India, China and South Korea, and the country is gaining more ground in Africa and Europe. Referring to the 9% rise in petrochemical production year-on-year, Bosaqzadeh added that the total output of Iranian petrochemical complexes amounted to 31 million tons, of which 10 million tons were sold to local buyers, mainly downstream petrochemical units and other industrial companies.

rccI organizes seminar on export documentation RAWALPINDI

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Friday November 10, 2017

Chambers

call for withdrawal of biometric verification for umrah aspirants

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awalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) in collaboration with Small Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) has organized atraining seminar on Export Documentation and Procures. Sohail Nazar SMEDA Manager Trainings and Trainer Ejaz Ahmed said local business environment and regulations are changing rapidly, creating challenges for the existing as well as new entrant of import or export business. Through building capacity of SMEs in understanding about requirements for starting their import and export business and procedure involved while making easy to understand difficult terms and documents used therein, they may be able to tackle their day to day import and export related issues and ultimately creat-

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ing conducive business environment for them. In his welcome address, Zahid Latif Khan, President, Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry appreciated the role of SMEDA in brining awareness and providing guidance for business community.

He said such trainings will help participants in expanding their businesses, starting their own import and export business or looking at working for an import export firm. Participants will also be able to manage their businesses successfully with understanding about different important terms and documents used for starting and doing their import and export business, he further added. The training session was designed to help current and potential entrepreneurs particularly SMEs to gain understanding of import and export business, learn about requirements and procedure for starting import and export business and to get latest update on import and export procedure and important terms.

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delegation of local Travel Agents Association visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and said that Saudi Arabia has made biometric veriQication mandatory for Pakistani Umra aspirants which has created lot of problems for them and called upon the Pakistani authorities to take up this issue with Saudi Arabia for its urgent withdrawal.

The delegation members said that the new Umrah policy of Saudi Arabia have bound Pakistani citizens aspiring for Umrah to get themselves biometrically veriQied from designated veriQication centers before applying for visa as without such veriQication, they would not be able to submit applications to Saudi Embassy for Umrah visas. They said the centers providing biometric veriQication service were located only in federal and provincial capitals and the Umrah aspirants from all over the country have to go to these centers which was a troublesome experience for them.

They said due to the imposition of this new condition, Umrah aspirants have to wait for long hours to get biometrically veriQied. They said the Umrah aspirants have to also wait for several days for veriQication results which was a miserable experience for them. They said the biometric veriQication was costing Rs.600 to Rs.700/per person as veriQication fee, but veriQication centers were without required capacity and facilities

including proper seating arrangements due to which especially the old people were facing great difQiculties.

They stressed that Chamber should take up this issue with the relevant authorities for urgent redress. Addressing the delegation, Sheikh Amir Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that large number of Pakistanis want to go for Umrah in winter season, but the new Umrah visa policy of Saudi

LccI chief for more trade between pak & Lebanon LAHORE

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mbassador of Lebanon Mona El Tannir has called for well tailored sector speciQic measures to cement mutual trade ties.

While talking to the LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid, Vice President Zeshan Khalil and Executive Committee Members here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Ambassador said that businessmen of both countries should focus each other’s market as Pakistan is an emerging economy while Lebanon offers investors a wide range of investment opportunities in all sectors of the economy, especially in tourism, agriculture, and energy. Furthermore, Lebanon represents a point of entry to a large regional market.

She said that Embassy of Lebanon in Pakistan is facilitating the business community for closer and strong trade and economic ties between Lebanon and Pakistan. She urged the Pakistani businessmen to visit Lebanon to identify the trade & investment opportunities.

The LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid said that the balance of trade is in favour of Pakistan but unfortunately there is decreasing trend in bilateral trade relations. The trade Qigures revealed that in 2014, the volume of two-way trade was just dollar 34 million which fell down by 21% and by 23% in next two years.

He said that exports of Pakistan were to the tune of dollar 30 million in 2014 which contracted by 9% and 20% in 2015 and 2016 respectively. The same trend was witnessed in imports made from Lebanon to Pakistan.

“We need to make joint efforts to reverse this trend and match with the actual potential of trade.Lebanon market holds a nontraditional status for Pakistan. The best way is to let the private sector representatives interact with each other on regular basis”, the LCCI President added and said that efforts should be made to market Pakistan as a vibrant and growing economy. He said that the Lebanese investors interested in Qinding new avenues and markets should be guided to invest inPakistan. We need to properly introduce comparative advantages including geographic and economic advantages in a big way in Lebanon.

Malik Tahir Javaid said Single country exhibitions of Pakistan and Lebanon should be organized in either country respectively to promote their products.

Arabia has created great problems for them. He called upon the Saudi authorities to reconsider condition of biometric veriQication for Pakistani Urmrah aspirants to save from further troubles. He said if the biometric veriQication was essential, NADRA should be authorized to do this job as it has presence in urban and rural areas of the country and people would be facilitated in getting veriQication from its ofQices.

Seminar on Small Business Startups at IccI he Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with SMEDA organized a seminar on “small business startups” to create awareness in youngsters and aspiring entrepreneurs how to start a small or new business successfully. Speaking at the occasion, Muhammad Asghar Nasar, Regional Business Coordinator, SMEDA said that his organization was working to stimulate SME led economic growth through supporting an enabling business environment, enhancing access of business development services to SMEs and capacity building of SME sector entrepreneurs. He said the seminar for small business startups was a part of the initiatives to foster entrepreneurship culture in the country. –CB Report

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NAB-GB apprehends four officials of forest department ISLAMABAD: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Gilgit-Baltistan has apprehended four officials of forest department of Gilgit-Baltistan for inflicting millions of rupees losses to the national exchequer.

The forest officials were involved in transportation of illegally cut timber during the Timber Disposal Policy 2013. They were also involved in cutting of forest during the ban periods, causing loss of Rs 225 million to the National Exchequer on account of non collection of fine.

Friday, November 10, 2017

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ASo Multan takes into possession NDp Land cruiser on actionable tip-off MULTAN IMrAN ALI

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he Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Multan impounded a non-duty-paid Toyota Land Cruiser worth Rs02million. Sources told Customs Today that Customs Collector Saud Imran received secret information that a non-duty-paid vehicle is moving on the roads of Multan city.

After receiving the tip-off, collector constituted a raiding team comprising Superintendent Habibur-Rehman, Inspector Rana Mujtaba Noon, Inspector Abdul Samad and others.

The Anti-smuggling Organization team intercepted said vehicle near Sher Shah Toll Plaza Road Multan after its strict monitoring. The impounded vehicle was bearing registration No: LED-1014 and the vehicle was trying to enter into Muzaffargarh. The customs team asked Driver Munir-ur-Rehman to produce the original registration documents to prove its legal possession. The driver produced the registration documents on its demand which were found with forgery and chassis number cut and welded during the examination.

ANF seizes 51.4 kg drugs in 22 operations; arrests 25 RAWALPINDI

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nti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Pakistan in 22 counter narcotics operations carried out across the country has recovered 51.4 kg drugs amounting to Rs2.3 billion in international market.

According to ANF spokesman, 25 drug offenders including two females were arrested while ANF

also impounded three vehicles.

The spokesman informed that the seized drugs comprised 21.4 kg Hashish, 8.6 kg Heroin, 3.7 kg Methamphetamine, 6.2 kg Opium, 880 Grams Amphetamine and 510,000 Xanax Tablets weighing 10.7 kg.

He informed, ANF Quetta recovered Qive kg Opium and arrested a drug peddler identiQied as Muhammad Sadiq resident of Karachi who was rounded up near Sindh Transport Company, RCD Road, Hub, and District Lasbella.

ANF Rawalpindi arrested an accused Zakir r/o Nowshera from

Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad and recovered 60 heroin Qiled capsules weighing 380 grams. ANF Lahore arrested an accused Ittefaq Ahmed r/o Sargodha at Multan International Airport and recovered 880 grams Amphetamine. In another operation, ANF Lahore arrested accused namely Nadeem Qasim r/o Gujrat at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore and recovered 1.4 kg Methamphetamine. In third operation, ANF Lahore recovered 250 grams Opium and 200 grams Hashish by arresting two local drug peddlers identiQied as

Muhammad Aslam and Ghulam Abbas both r/o Lahore. In fourth operation, ANF Lahore recovered 450 grams Hashish from Muhammad Ayub r/o Bhakkar who was arrested near Bisti Mina Pooja, Muslims Kot, District Bhakkar.

In fifth operation, ANF Lahore intercepted a Honda Motorcycle and a Suzuki Pickup near Peer Budoya Sultan, District Bhakkar and recovered one kg Opium.

Two accused, Sajjad Hussain and Abdul Ghafar both r/o Bhakkar were rounded up. In sixth operation, ANF Lahore apprehended Ali Raza r/o Sialkot at Sialkot Air-

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).

port and recovered 1.1 kg Heroin.

ANF Peshawar conducted 11 raids in different areas and recovered 980 grams Heroin, 350 grams Opium, 4.4 kg Hashish, 2 kg Hashish, 11000 Xanax Tablets weighing 720 grams, 445 grams Hashish, 1.1 kg Hashish, 2.4 kg Hashish, 9.6 kg Hashish, 2.2 kg Hashish and one kg Hashish from the possession of Zahir and Ibadullah, Asad Ullah, Lal Jan, Gul Akram, Imran Zaman, Nazia Bibi, Hanif-Ur-Rehman, Zari Gul, Dilfarooza Bibi, Syed Rasool, Ahmad and Muhammad Riaz respectively.