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Karachi, Wed November 15, 2017

KARACHI

MUBEEN HUSSAIN

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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Tariq Mehmood Pasha has directed all the chief collectors and Directorate General Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) to submit all the information of the mega seizures in the future, sources said.

Again, all the chief collectors and Directorate General Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) have instructed the ofPicials concerned to com-

pile the data of mega seizures of the current Piscal year, sources said.

The stance came after the mega smuggling case of thousands of cellular mobile phones surfaced last week. The progress report of all the sections of the customs have also been sought by the Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Tariq Mehmood Pasha, said the sources. A meeting is also going to be held in a few days and it will be chaired by the FBR chairman. During the meeting, anti smuggling strategy and other priorities will be discussed, added the sources.

The sources also informed that Director General of the

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Directorate General Customs Investigation and Investigation (I&I) along with Chief Collector Enforcement South, Chief Collector North, Chief Collector Central as well as other senior ofPicers will give a comprehensive briePing on control, strategy and techniques to curb smuggling.

Serious concern have been shown by the higher authorities after which a dire need to conduct such huge level meeting seemed essential as the smuggling is not only defaming the name of the country bur also have cost billion of rupees loss to the revenue during the last few years, said the sources.

MCC Islamabad stands surplus with Rs702 million collection

DG Valuation Surriya Butt to revise VR No 802/2016 by mid November

Customs Preventive confiscates illegally imported Gutka, cloth

Pakistan, Thailand FTA to be signed by January 15

Customs Appraisement posts 5.9 percent growth, earns Rs 3,385 million

MCC surpassed the assigned revenue collection target with Rs1692.84m | SEE pAgE 02 |

DG aluationhas decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 802/2016 | SEE pAgE 03 |

Customs Preventive team recovered huge quantity of NDP illegally imported Gutka | SEE pAgE 04 |

A FTA between Pakistan and Thailand will be signed on on Jan15 in next year | SEE pAgE 11 |

Customs Appraisement has attained growth rate of 5.9pc in the month | SEE pAgE 16 |

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Tribunal reserves verdict on case filed by M/s Kohinoor Traders Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The Customs Appellate Tribunal has reserved a decision on a custom matter filed by M/s Kohinoor Trader.

Customs Appellate Tribunal’s bench comprising Members Tribunal, Syed Muhammad Anwar and Muhammad Nasir Khan heard the case being contested against Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad. The appellant had filed the cases challenging departmental decision pertaining to the seizure of imported goods.

Earlier the bench had disposed of a case filed by the same appellant.

Mcc Islamabad stands surplus with rs702 million collection

ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD

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tArIQ DErYA

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ustoms Appellate Tribunal dated in office hearing on customs references filed by M/s Klaguardia Logistics and M/s Trade Master after hearing arguments from Model Collectroate of Customs, Islamabad. Customs Appellate Tribunal’s bench comprising Members Tribunal, Syed Muhammad Anwar and Muhammad Nasir Khan heard the matters submitted by M/s Klaguardia Logistics and M/s Trade Master against Model Collectroate of Customs, Islamabad.

Counsels from M/S Five Star Trading had appeared before the bench and demanded time from the bench for finalizing preparations for the case.

Customs appellate tribunal’s Member Technical, Ziaddin Wazir had heard the cases of Raja Nabeel, Waqas Enterprises, Arshad Khan and Musawir Shah had filed the cases last week.

Raja Nabeel had filed the cases against Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad. Other three appellants had filed their cases against Model Collectorate of Customs, Islamabad. The appellants had filed cases against Directorate General of Investigation and Intelligence, Islamabad and Model Collectorate of Customs, Islamabad.

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he Model Customs Collectorate Islamabad surpassed the assigned revenue collection target with Rs1692.84million under all the heads during October of Financial Year 2017-18 against the allocated target of Rs990.84million. So the collectorate earned extra revenue of Rs702million under the above same heads during October FY2017-18.

According to details explained

by Dr. Saeed Khan Jadoon, Collector Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Islamabad, that the collectorate showed outstanding performance regarding the revenue collection during above said period. The MCC Islamabad achieved its revenue target for the month of October with an average of 170.85% growth against the assigned target under all the heads.

Explaining the collection details of all the heads during October FY17-18, he said the collectorate earned Rs567.69million of Customs Duty (CD) against the allocated target of Rs465.07million.

The collectorate generated surplus revenue of Rs102.65million against earmarked target of CD. He told CT that the collectorate received Rs797.20million as Sales Tax (ST) during above said period

tribunal hears references filed against customs collectorates

while it was assigned the revenue collection target of Rs290.17million as ST. The collectorate got extra revenue of Rs507million against the allocated target of ST during the month of October FY17-18. The

collector informed CT that the MCC Islamabad collected Rs323.15million as Income Tax (IT) against the earmarked revenue target of Rs221.18million while it generated extra revenue of Rs102million

against the allocated revenue target of IT. The collectorate received Rs4.80million of Federal Excise Duty (FED) while it was earmarked Rs14.42million as FED for the month of October FY17-18.

IHc seeks fresh directives on case filed by customs collectorate

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ISLAMABAD

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he Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday dated in ofPice the hearing of Model Collectorate of Customs, Islamabad’s customs cases with fresh directives to submit record and conclude arguments.

MCC had Piled this case against M/s Al Haj Enterprises. The bench had earlier directed the counsels to submit related record prior to the

next date of hearing. This case was pending with the court since 2013.

A division bench of the IHC comprising Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the case. The same bench also issued notices to parties to assist 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 ofPice 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 continues interim order on petition filed by M/s Intertek Pakistan KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) continues interim order for the next date of hearing on a constitutional petition file by M/s Intertek Pakistan (Private) Limited against impugned demand notice issued by deputy commissioner Inland Revenue Enforcement and Collection Unit-II Zone-II. A two-member bench headed by Justice Munib Akhtar was hearing the petition.

Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is a private limited company and is engaged in providing technical inception services to oil and related industries, foods, and agriculture products, textile, mechanical and pharmaceutical products.

SHc continues interim order on petition filed by M/s royal Impex

Wednesday November 15, 2017

Karachi

Dg Valuation Surriya Butt to revise Vr No 802/2016 in November

KARACHI

M B rANA

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) continued interim order passed earlier on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Royal Impex for restoration of its sales tax registration number seized by customs department. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Omer Sial was hearing the petition. On last date of hearing, court had restored petitioner’s sales tax registration number seized by customs officials.

Earlier, counsel for the petitioner through its proprietor Saleh Hamza that petitioner is engaged in the lawful business as commercial importer/ exporter/ wholesaler and fulfilling all the liabilities properly.

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court extends bail of suspect in tax evasion case KARACHI

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he Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling Court has extended bail of a suspect, Shahid Muneer, Chief Executive Officer of M/s GCS (Private) Limited in a tax fraud case. According to the prosecution, during the investigation, it was found that goods declaration dated 08/06/2017 filed by M/s Malik Brothers Logistics (Private) Limited, on behalf of importer M/s GCS (Private) Limited, declared the value @ $794.98 whereas, the detailed scrutiny of documents manifested original office company of detention receipt revealed value of @$7947.98. Moreover, scrutiny of documents further revealed that the clearing agent M/s Malik Brothers Logistics at the time of clearance of goods provided/ presented concocted, altered, mutilated, false, forget and tempered DR and invoice to customs department.

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KARACHI

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irectorate General, Customs Valuation, Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 802/2016 on mid of November (date not conPirmed) it is learnt. Director General Surriya Butt said the department was reviewing suggestions from importers to set new prices of Sodium Sulphate. 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 Customs Valuation in which change in prices of non dairy topping cream was requested.

Sources said the Valuation Ruling No: 802/2016 was issued on January 22, 2016. A meeting was held with the stakeholders on October 26, 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.

Customs Valuation, Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt has revised the Value of tooth brushes be-

fore two days.

Meanwhile, The 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

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

pcA detects cases of tax evasion worth rs 90.58m

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KARACHI

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irectorate of Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Director Nadeem Memon has shown excellent performance by detecting 22 cases of tax evasion, including of M/s Nestle Pakistan Limited, involving revenue of Rs 90.58 million in October.

Sources told Customs Today that Directorate of Post Clearance Audit, headed by Director Memon, un-

covered cases pertaining to short payment of customs duty and sales tax/ and withholding tax as well as inadmissible concessions of additional sales tax, federal excise duty and income tax. The directorate served one contravention report and one observations during the first two days of November involving total duty and taxes of Rs 3.76 million. The companies served audit observations or contravention are M/s Ayat Enterprises, M/s Rana Garments and Exports.

Directorate General of PCA Nadeem Memon directed all the relevant officials and teams to expedite their efforts to recover the outstanding amount from defaulters.

It is necessary to mention here that the Directorate of Post Clearance Audit is using all available resources to detect cases involving tax evasion and mis-declaration.

The directorate served 16 contravention reports and 6 observations during days of October.

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.

Mis-declaration summons witnesses he Customs court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi called prosecution witnesses in a case registered against suspects namely Shaikh Muhammad Amin, proprietor of M/s SMD Sons, Abdul Samad son of Muhammad Haroon, proprietor of M/s Zafar Enterprises and Muhammad Shahid son of Ibrahim, proprietor of M/s Zafar Enterprises.

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Customs Court sends accused to jail involved in cloth smuggling Wednesday November 15, 2017

Lahore

LAHORE: The Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti Smuggling sent two accused to jail on extension of judicial remand of 14 days.

According to details available to Customs Today two accused Rehmat Ali and Nasir Khan were arrested by the Customs Intelligence. After arresting the accused customs intelligence started investigations against them and got their physical remand as well for this purpose. Customs Intelligence had also recovered huge quantity of foreign made smuggled cloths and related goods from their possession.

Customs Intelligence has told the court that accused persons were involved in smuggling of cloths from Afghanistan to Lahore and Faisalabad via different routes.

fourteen-day Judicial remands of two accused in mobile smuggling case LAHORE

M IMrAN MEHAr

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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling has approved the 14-day judicial remands of the two accused held in a mobile smuggling case. Accused Abdul Waheed and Agha Wali were arrested by the customs intelligence authorities on The Mall Lahore.

The customs intelligence and investigation team had presented them before the customs court for getting their physical remands to investigate more on the crime.

Both accused were supplying mobile phones to some traders of Hall Road which is the largest mobile-phone market not only in Lahore but also of Punjab.

tribunal sets aside order-In-revision in bearing import case he Customs Appellate Tribunal has accepted an appeal filed by M/s Amir Bearing Centre and others against the Director General Customs Valuation Lahore and others. Justice Retired Malik Manzoor Hussain examined all the record and heard the arguments from both sides and passed the order that the Customs Appellate Tribunal has observed the facts so all the appeals are accepted, and the impugned Order-In-Revision is set aside and directions are issued to re-determine the value as per new valuation ruling. As per brief history of the case, all the appellants were importers bearing different brands in the country. In the case, appellants mentioned that Director Customs Valuation Karachi issued Valuation Ruling for the determination of customs values of the Bearing. –CB Report

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Sources said the customs intelligence recovered 324 mobile phones worth over Rs06million in the local market. By smuggling these cell phones, accused caused the national kitty a big Pinancial loss in the form of duties and taxes.

The customs investigation team had presented them before the court of Special Judge of the Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling, Tahir Sabir, and asked for their physical remand for three days. The customs court handed them over to the customs investigation team for further investigation for 14 days. After the completion of the physical remands, now they have been sent to prison for judicial trial.

The customs intelligence has registered a case against the accused and launched an investigation as well after confiscating the cell phones that they were trying to smuggle.

customs preventive confiscates illegally imported gutka, cloth

LAHORE

M HAYAt

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ollectorate of Customs Preventive team recovered huge quantity of non duty

paid illegally imported Indian origin Gutka and cloth from a truck.

The market value of seized Gutka is Rs4,50,000/-.

Sources told Customs Today that credible information was received that some smugglers were planning to smuggle huge quantity of Indian origin Gutka. He immediately con-

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stituted a customs team comprising Superintendent Nasir Minhas, Deputy Superintendent Agha Qadeer Haider and Inspectors Mansoor Elahi and Gulzar Bhatti.

The Customs Preventive team established check posts at various locations and started checking of vehicles.

The Customs Preventive team intercepted a truck and recover 600 kilogram of foreign blended cloth and 33 cartons (148500) sachat Gutka. When asked the driver of the vehicle failed to show any legal documents regarding transportation and possession of the Gutka and foreign origin cloth. Customs Preventive team seized the goods and registered a case of smuggling against the accused persons. Meanwhile, Collectorate of Customs Preventive Collector Faiz Ahmad has issued a notiPication no: Admn/AFU/OfPicer/2017/1519 According to the notiPication, Deputy Collector HaPiz Naveedur Rehman Deputy Collector of Air Freight Unit (AFU) will also look after administration, cash, FTO, Adjudication.

customs court imposes cash penalty fBr undertake transffers, of Ir officers on smuggler of electronic items ederal Board of Revenue Office, Islamabad has been trans-

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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling has imposed a cash penalty of Rs100000 on the culprit arrested in the smuggling of electronic goods from Afghanistan into Lahore. Accused Ikram-ul-Din was involved in smuggling of different electronic goods. After a judicial trial of the accused on Friday, Customs judge Tahir Sabir imposed on him a cash penalty and announced an imprisonment in his verdict. The punishment consists of an end to the

timings of the court.

He was arrested while trying to smuggle electronic goods with the help of his counterparts. He was held from Bund Road, Shera Kot area of Lahore.

The customs investigation and prosecution team presented a complete investigation challan of the case. On the other hand, the Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling on Friday heard 15 cases including pre-arrest bail pleas filed by suspects. –CB Report

(FBR) has undertaken large scale transfers and postings of various officers of Inland Revenue Service (BS-20-21) with immediate effect and until further orders. According to the details, Naushad Ali Khan (Inland Revenue Service/BS-21) has been transferred as Member, Federal Board of Revenue (Headquarters), Islamabad from Large Taxpayers Unit, Islamabad as Chief Commissioner while Habibullah Khan (Inland Revenue Service/BS-21) Chief Commissioner, Regional Tax

ferred as Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue Large Taxpayers Unit, Islamabad. Mustafa Sajjad Hassan (Inland Revenue Service/BS-21) Chief Commissioner, Regional Tax Office, Sargodha has been transferred as Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue Regional Tax Office, Islamabad while Zulqarnain Tirmizi (Inland Revenue Service/BS-21) Chief Commissioner, Large Taxpayers Unit, Lahore as Member, Federal Board of Revenue (Headquarters), (stationed at Lahore). –CB Report

customs tribunal declares confiscation of Hino truck as legal

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LAHORE

SAJID NAwAZ

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ustoms Appellate Tribunal has declared out right conPiscation of Hino Ranger truck impounded by Field Intelligence Unit (FIU) Khushab. In the judgment, the tribunal member judicial bench-II, Omer Arshed Hakeem, declared that

the appellant had failed to produce legal documents regarding the lawful import of the vehicle so the appeal was not accepted.

As per brief history of case, the FIU authorities intercepted the truck near Shahpur district Sargodha. On demand, the driver failed to produce documents regarding lawful import of the vehicle. So, the vehicle was detained for further ex-

amination.

After the physical veriPication from the Motor Transport Authority Sibi the vehicle was declared as smuggled and was seized under section 171 of Customs Act 1969.

The show cause notice was issued and Order-in-Original was passed by the adjudication authority with remarks that allegations in show cause notice are correct and

notice stands established. The seizure of vehicle is in favor if federal government under Section 156 (1) 89 (i) of Customs Act 1969.

Being aggrieved from the order, the appellant filed the case before the Customs Appellate Tribunal on the grounds that ONO was not passed on the facts, without applying judicious mind and liable to set aside.

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ollectorate of Customs Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Monday confiscated over R310 million illegally imported Q Mobiles from a godown in Behria Town and arrested one person. The mobiles were seized in the presence of the godown watchman, whom customs authorities asked to inform his owners and produce legal documents but he failed despite the fact that he was given a reason able time.

The authorities following being fully satisfied that the mobiles were dumped at the godown with smuggled Q Mobiles and have no legal documents, official sources, said, adding that they after geting search warrants from the magistrate get into the godown after two to three days intense

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Wednesday, November 15, 2017

surveillance of the godown.

Collector of Customs Preventive Faiz Ahmed told that the Q Mobile were carried in four Mazda truck to the Customs House while the seized mobiles includes various brands of the mobile including android and key pad operational. He said that the godown owners were given seven hours time to produce legal documents but they failed to produce.

The operation was under taken by the four scouts of the Customs ASO under the supervision of Additional Director Muneeza Majeed, Deputy Collectors, Naveed ur Reham, Moazam Raza. The team that undertook the crackdown was led by led Superintendent Nasir Minhas

in the eized s e r e w man, obiles watch n w o th e m d to he go asked ce of t rities n o e s h e t r u p sa duce custom ers and pro n whom led his ow he fai t u b s inform nt en a as giv oc ume d w l e a h g le t that he fac t ime e t i p able t des n o s a e r

and the team was consisting of Deputy Superintendent Agha Qadeer, Inspector Gulzar Bhatti, Rao Mansoor Elahi, Azam Wattoo, Shahid Bhatti, Abdur Rehman Butt, Amjad Khan and others. Earlier, Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation Customs Lahore raided a warehouse in Lahore and recovered mobile phones (mostly Q Mobile) and their accessories.

This is the Pifth incident wherein another approximately 45000 smuggled mobile phones (Q mobile) have been seized.

It may be recalled that MCC Preventive Karachi caught a container of mobile phones imported

by M/s Digicom declared as LED lights and recovered over 60,000 Q mobile phones. Subsequently Directorate of Customs Intelligence & Investigation Karachi recovered a huge quantity of smuggled Q mobile phones owned by M/s Digicom and thereafter MCC Preventive Karachi made another seizure of smuggled mobile phones.

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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 regional trade

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akistan has been maintaining its trade relations with India and Afghanistan despite border tension and poor diplomatic relations for the last many years. Kabul is the great beneficiary of Pakistani products which are available in every market of that country. The trade balance is overwhelmingly in favour of Pakistan and the bilateral trade has the potential to bring the volume to $5 billion a year. There are also vast export potentials to enhance trade with Iran and the Pakistani exporters should avail the opportunity to grow their share in that country as the country is still under the shadows of sanctions imposed by certain nations. According to reports, Pakistan exported $500 million worth of goods to the regional countries, including India and Bangladesh but its imports remained $256 million during the last few months, showing that overall trade balance remained in favour of Pakistan.

However, the trade balance remained in India’s favour during the last fiscal year when Pakistan imported goods worth $1.6 billion against exports of less than $500 million.There is still significant trade potential to enhance trade with India.

Incidentally, the two economies are pursuing open trade policies with the rest of the world but offer limited concessions to each other. Trade volume between Pakistan and China was $4 billion in 200607 but reached $13.77 billion in 2015-16 while Pakistan’s exports have jumped to $1.69 billion from $575 million during the same period, showing that trade balance remained in favour of China. It is claimed that most of the goods imported from China were related to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. However, the other neighbouring countries could not come out of their political differences to boost regional trade. The loss of one country is the loss of the other country but no country could apply this formula in the broader sense Pakistan and India are two major countries in the SAARC region where trade remained hostage to political implications. A fanatic and hostile government in India is at its best to spoil relations with every neighbouring country, not only with Pakistan, but also with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Arrival of the Bank of china A

LAHORE

Dr AftAB AfZAL

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ccording to newspaper reports, the Bank of China has formally begun its operations in Pakistan, which is seen as a step to further speed up the process of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. Inaugurating the bank, President Mamnoon Hussain expressed the hope that the opening of the bank will not only improve national growth rate, but will also play an effective role in creation of conducive environment for the local and foreign investors. The opening of the bank is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corri-

dor, which will also spur economic and business activities in the region. It is good omen that the corridor project has been going on in full swing despite opposition from the United States and India on flimsy reasons. Pakistan is the fifth most populated country of the world and it needs business, trade and food security for the coming generations. Until now Pakistan mostly remained under developed and needs to open up its borders with neighbouring countries to boost business and trade. The corridor project has opened up window of opportunities for all the countries in the region, including India, Afghanistan and Iran. Previ-

ously, India had always insisted that business relations should not be made hostage to political relations within the countries, but it reversed its policy on the issue of the economic corridor.

China has emerged as a major investor and business partner of Pakistan and trade between the two countries grew many folds in recent years. The opening of the bank is a positive development to materialise the possibilities of business and economic cooperation. The president eulogized the development of infrastructure sector in Pakistan and a favorable investment climate in the country.

The bank will not only help speed up trade and economic

cooperation under CPEC projects, but will also cater to the financing needs of the development projects by offering specialised services and expertise in Pakistan. The Bank of China is a good addition to the banking industry of Pakistan and will also help ease business transactions between the two countries for the benefits of business communities. The Bank of China enjoys a huge global presence and the banking sector of Pakistan will greatly benefit from the transfers of technology and innovative products and processes. It is hoped that the bank will boost a healthy competition the financial sector of Pakistan.

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SHC asks Customs to justify non-implementation of order KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has asked Pakistan Customs to justify non-implementation of order passed in a suit filed by the importer/petitioner.

A SHC division bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Omar Sial, earlier heard arguments by counsel representing Franklin Law Associates appearing for the petitioner company “Position Systems”.

The company imported levelling instruments but the consignment was detained by Directorate of Intelligence and Investigations (DIT) accusing importer of resorting to under invoicing depriving the national kitty of 3-3.5 million rupees in taxes/duties etc.

IHc seeks arguments on petition filed by collectorate of customs

Wednesday November 15, 2017

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customs Airport foils attempt to smuggle 41 costly mobile phones

ISLAMABAD

NAEEM ULLAH tArIQ www.customsbulletin.com

division bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb directed parties to prepare for final arguments while hearing a customs matter submitted by Model Collectorate of Customs on Wednesday. The bench also directed counsel from the respondent to ensure his presence on the next date of hearing for final arguments.

Earlier, the bench had relisted the mater for rehearing during next week along with other similar cases. The Collector Customs had filed the case against Nusrat Yaqoob. The matter was pending with the court since 2014.

Meanwhile, the bench also dated in office hearing on cases submitted by M/s Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited. The bench also heard another tax matter filed by M/s Pakistan Tobacco

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LAHORE

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M IMrAN MEHAr

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he Collectorate of Customs Preventive has conPiscated as many as 41 costly mobile phones from Allama Iqbal International Airport on Sunday that were being attempted to smuggle from China to Lahore.

According to details available to Customs Today through credible sources that a passenger identiPied as Muhammad Billal was travelling from China to Lahore via Shaheen Airlines was checked at the airport when customs preventive recovered 41 smuggled cell phones from his luggage. Sources told that worth of the smuggled mobile phones is almost Rs1 million. The accused Bilal has caused huge loss to the national kitty in the wake of duty and taxes by smuggling of these cell phones.

The Customs authorities has arrested the accused and shifted him to unknown place for further interrogation. Customs will present him before the court on Monday for his remand.

On other hand customs officials

have confiscated as many as eight alcohol bottles from passengers travelling via different flights during raid at Allama Iqbal International Airport.

Sources told customs today that the ofPicers conducted operations in different Plights coming from Dubai to Lahore, Turkey to Lahore, Jeddah to Lahore and Muscat to Lahore.

Customs took action in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Plights, Turkish airways Plight, Gulf Air and Saudi Airlines.

During actions in these Plights customs staff recovered 8 bottles of alcohol. Customs allowed all passengers to go after conPiscation of alcohol bottles from their possession.

The security ofPicers have

launched an investigation into the matter. Customs has started strict checking of the luggage of the passengers specially coming from European countries. Smuggling attempts are being foiled by the customs authorities on daily basis.

Customs has conPiscated all the recovered alcohol bottles and has started investigation.

Exports on rise, increase over 10 pc in four months Company Limited. The appellant had filed 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 field offices of Federal Board of Revenue. According to details, M/s Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited had challenged recovery of issued to it in 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), officers of LTU including commissioner Inland Revenue, Commissioner Inland Revenue (Appeals) and Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue.

ISLAMABAD

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cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

he exports from the country increased by 10.04 percent during the Pirst four months of the current Piscal year compared to the corresponding period of last year. The export from the country during July-October (2017-18) were recorded at $7.060 billion against the exports of $6.416 billion during July-October (2016-17), showing growth of 10.04 per cent according to latest Pigures released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The imports into the country also increased by 22.55 percent by going up from $15.658 billion during the last Piscal year to $19.189 billion during the current year, according to the data. Based on the Pigures, the trade dePicit during the Pirst four

months of the current year increased by 31.24 percent compared to the dePicit of last year.

The trade dePicit during the current year was recorded at $12.129 billion against the dePicit of $9.242 billion during the last year.

Meanwhile, on year-on-year basis, the exports from the country increased by 7.89 percent during the month of October 2017 compared to the exports of the same month of last year. The exports from the country during October 2017 were recorded at $1.888 billion against the exports of $1.750 billion during October 2016, the data revealed.

The imports into the country also witnessed increase of 23.60 percent by going up from $3.988 billion in October 2016 to $4.929 billion during October 2017. On the other hand, the exports from the country on moth-on-month basis increased

by 12.72 percent in October 2017 when compared to the exports of $1.675 billion recorded in September 2017. The imports into the country also witnessed increase of

10.19 percent in October 2017 when compared to the exports of $4.473 billion during September 2017, according to the PBS data.

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Appraising officer Ikram to retire on Dec 20 Wednesday November 15, 2017

National Abdur razzaq assumes charge as Addl commissioner-Ir

ISLAMABAD: Muhammad Ikram Khan, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS16, is going to retire from the government service on attaining the age of superannuation.

The officer, posted as Appraising Officer at Model Customs Collectorate (Preventive), Karachi, will stand retired from the government service on December 20.

Muhammad tayyab takes charge as Dy collector at port Qasim

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bdur Razzaq Khan, 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, took the charge of the post of Additional Commissioner-IR, Regional Tax Office, Sahiwal with effect from October 25. Meanwhile, Khalid Javed, a BS-19 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has been assigned the “additional charge” of the post of Chief (OPS) (IDT-ST/FE), Accounting Wing. The officer, presently posted as Commissioner-IR (OPS) (BTB), Islamabad, was given the “additional charge” of the post of Chief (OPS) (IDT-ST/FE), Accounting Wing, Federal Board of Revenue (HQ), Islamabad with effect from October 16, 2017 to November 10, 2017.

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principal Appraiser Shahid suspended he competent authority has suspended Shahid Akbar, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-17.

The competent authority placed the officer, posted as Principal Appraiser at Model Customs Collectorate, Peshawar, under suspension in term of Article 194 of CSR with effect from September 19. Meanwhile, Hassan Bin Izhar, a BS-18 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has taken charge as Second Secretary (IR Operations Wing).

The officer, in pursuance of Board’s Notification No.2628-I/2017 dated 20-092017, relinquished the charge of the post of Deputy Director, Directorate General of Intelligence & Investigation (Inland Revenue), Islamabad with effect from October 17. –CB Report

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uhammad Tayyab, a Pakistan Customs Service ofPicer of BS-18, has taken charge as Deputy Collector at Port Muhammad Bin Qasim.

The ofPicer, in pursuance of Board’s NotiPication No. 2720-CII/2017 dated 28.09.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Deputy Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Exports (PMBQ), Karachi, with effect from October 9 and assumed the charge of the post of Deputy Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Karachi on the same date.

Meanwhile, Saad Ata Rabbani, a Pakistan Customs Service ofPicer of BS18, has assumed charge as Deputy Col-

lector. Saad, in pursuance of Board’s NotiPication No. 2720-C-II/2017 dated 28.09.2017, relinquished the charge of

the post of Deputy Collector, Model Customs Collectorate, Multan with effect from October 9 and took the

charge of the post of Deputy Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Exports, Custom House, Karachi on October 16.

customs North region posts 28.71 percent growth during 10 days of November T

ISLAMABAD

tArIQ DErYA

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he North Region collected surplus revenue of Rs287.82million of all duties and taxes against the earmarked proportional revenue target from 1st to 10th of November of Financial Year 201718. The North showed 28.71% increase against the abovementioned proportional assigned revenue target.

According to details explained by the sources of the North Region which, comprising collectorates of Islamabad, Peshawar, Gilgit-Baltistan and Sialkot, earned Rs1276.90million as all duties and taxes against the allocated proportional revenue target of Rs992.08million during the Pirst 10 days of FY17-18. The North generated Rs927.83million

under all the heads during the same period of corresponding FY16-17. The North’s Customs

Station, Collectorate of Islamabad, earned Rs109.92million extra revenue under all the heads during

initial 10 days of November FY1718 against the earmarked proportional revenue target.

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FBR withdraws zero-rated supply of power, gas to textile unit ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed power and gas utilities to stop supplying zero-rated to a textile unit with immediate effect.

In two separate Sales Tax General Orders (STGOs) issued on Wednesday, the FBR suspended zero-rated sales tax supply of gas and electricity allowed to Faisalabad-based textile unit i.e. Amtex (Pvt) Limited on recommendation of concerned Regional Tax Office (RTO).

The FBR directed the chief commissioner RTO Faisalabad to coordinate with FESCO and SNGPL authorities regarding implementation of amendments for the registered person and submit report in respect of action taken / recovery made for misuse of the facility.

pfc constitute committee for 9th pakistan Expo ISLAMABAD

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akistan Furniture Council (PFC) constituted a high level committee for co-ordination and arrangements for holding a 3-day 9th mega Interiors Pakistan Exhibition in befitting manners. The event would be held at the Expo Center from December 15 to attract foreign investors and promote the local furniture industry. A meeting of PFC board of directors was held, which was chaired by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mian Kashif Ashfaq and briefed about the arrangements of the upcoming exhibition, said apress release issued here today. He said there is great potential in Pakistan’s local furniture industry and urged the government to establish greater liaison with this sec-

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tor to fully understand the market conditions and requirements of the industry needs to protect, develop and promote. He said the government should also provide more visible support to furniture business in terms of simple and easily obtainable grants for exhibiting and traveling to trade shows and promoting Pakistan’s export as a success globally. He suggested that a programme for developing and promoting the furniture sector both in rural and urban areas could be feasible, and also stressed upon urgent need for implementing modern techniques which not only enhance productivity, develop skills of labourers and meet requirements of local and global markets. He praised the furniture carving industry of Chiniot, Gujrat and Gojra and said that it requires the government’s support in order to get promoted internationally.

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customs Intelligence releases consignments after receiving duties & taxes

Sc issues notices to NAB, others on Dr Asim petition ISLAMABAD

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upreme Court issued notices to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and other respondents on Dr Asim petition seeking removing his name from Exit Control List (ECL). A division bench of SC headed by Justice Mushir Alam heard Dr Asim petitions. Advancing arguments on the petition, Asim’s counsel Latif Khosa said that Supreme Court had earlier allowed Dr Asim to proceed abroad for treatment for one month. He added that his client had complied with the order of SC and returned within one month. He added that the apex court had authorized the NAB to put Asim name on ECL again after his treatment. The counsel said that treatment of his client had not completed and he was scheduled to travel abroad again in connection with his treatment on Nov 21, 2017. He pleaded the court to direct NAB to remove Dr Asim’s name from ECL. The court while issuing notice to NAB and other respondents adjourned further hearing till Nov 16, 2017. In the petition, Dr Asim has submitted that he has to go abroad for medical treatment as “he is fighting a number of health problems” and highlighted the urgency with which he needs medical care.

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he Customs Intelligence and Investigation released the consignments worth Rs07.1million after receiving an evaded amount of duties and taxes. The said consignments were intercepted during the month of October 2017.

Sources told Customs Today that the consignments released by the Customs Intelligence consist of foreign origin computers valued at Rs588074, cumin 9990-Kgs priced at Rs01.3million, used machinery valued at Rs01.2million, grey fabrics worth Rs02.9million and Indian cumin valued at Rs01.3million. The abovementioned consignments were seized by the Customs Intelligence due to evasion of customs duty worth Rs01.6million, Sales Tax Rs02.3million, Income Tax Rs01.2million and Redemption Fine Duty Rs02.1million during October 2017. The tax evasion was detected by a team comprising Intelligence OfPicer Mansoor Nasir, Sepoys Ajmal Hussain and Muhammad Musaddiq Ahmad.

Meanwhile, The customs collectorate authorities generated

Wednesday November 15, 2017

Rs10.4million through auction of smuggled goods during the month of October 2017. The auction was held on the premises of the Customs Collectorate Park, Dry Port, under the supervision of Additional Collector Ghulam Mustafa and Assistant Collector Muhammad Fazal.

Sources told Customs Today that 107 items were offered for auction but only nine goods fetched suitable prices. The remaining lots were rejected by the bidders.

The items, presented for auction, include foreign origin cloths, Indian black tea, auto-parts, fax machines,

smuggled ceramic tiles, Toyota Hilux Surf, Toyota Mark-X car, Toyota Hiace van and other different types of vehicles.

Sources said only seven vehicles, including Toyota Noah worth Rs1.2million, Toyota Raum valued at Rs800000, Toyota Marks X car worth Rs1.2million, Toyota Fielder X car valued at Rs1million, Toyota Hiace van worth Rs906000, Toyota Cygnus Pive-door jeep valued at Rs3.2million, Toyota Passo worth Rs730000, Toyota Corolla Car valued at Rs1.1million and two lots of miscellaneous items.

fBr IrS officers name for member accountant tribunal

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ISLAMABAD

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he cabinet approved the appointment of Rear Admiral Jamil Akhtar, HI (M) as Chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT) for a period of three years. Appointment of four ofPicers of Inland Revenue Service as Accountant Members in the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue was also approved. The Cabinet approved appointment of Naeem Y. Zamindar as the Chairman of Board of Investment. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired a meeting of the cabinet.

The federal cabinet allowed the

State Bank of Pakistan to acquire shares of ZTBL and HBFCL. The arrangement would settle the loans owed to SBP by ZTBL and HBFCL. The Combined Financial Statements of the Federation, all provincial governments and district authorities for the years 2010-2011 to 20132014 were also placed before the federal cabinet for perusal.

The cabinet approved a proposal for issuance of 50,000 pieces of commemorative coins of Rs. 50 in honor of Dr. Ruth Pfau. The cabinet approved a proposal to replace Ms. Faryal Jooma with Haq Nawaz as one of the members of the Board of Directors of PIACL. Appointment of

Director Industrial and Commercial Relations (DICR) in Pakistan Ordinance Factories Board was approved by the cabinet.

The federal cabinet agreed to a proposal to appoint Nawaz Raza,

Chief Reporter Nawa-i-Waqt and Sarmad Ali, Managing Director Jang as private members of the Board of Directors of Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation. The cabinet approved the appointment of Muhammad Azam as Director General Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP) for a term of three years. Proposals submitted by Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination regarding maximum retail prices of drugs were approved in principle. Proposal of the Ministry of Education and Professional Training to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in the Pield of Technical.

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DP World keen to explore new investment opportunities in Africa

World Customs

DUBAI: DP World is looking for new investment and expansion opportunities across Africa, as it pushes ahead with its long-term strategy focusing on the continent, the company’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director for the UAE Region Mohammed Al Muallem told delegates at the fourth Global Business Forum on Africa in Dubai. “We want to be part of Africa’s progress. We see huge potential in Africa and we are looking to build on our success and the experience we’ve accumulated there to grow further,” said Al Muallem.

Wednesday November 15, 2017

US customs and Border protection officers seizes drugs

Dubai customs organizes seminar on breast cancer DUBAI

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S Customs and Border Protection officers over the weekend seized 314 pounds of narcotics and captured 14 fugitives.

OfPicers intercepted 181 pounds of methamphetamine, 55 pounds of cocaine, 11 pounds of heroin, 31 pounds of fentanyl and 36 pounds of marijuana. US Customs and Border Protection ofPicers seize 1,800 pounds of drugs worth $3.2 million It total, ofPicials say the drugs are worth more than $2.4 million. The drugs were found hidden in several places including inside vehicle doors, seats, a gas tank and a speaker box. The 14 fugitives were arrested for charges that include parole violations, robbery, assault and failure to appear in court.

Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Bor-

Indonesia oct inflation seen easing slightly ndonesia’s annual inflation likely eased for a fourth consecutive month in October, a Reuters poll showed, as food prices were seen under control. The consumer price index (CPI) likely rose 3.68 percent in October on annual basis, compared with 3.72 percent in September, according to the median forecast from 18 analysts polled by Reuters. The annual core inflation rate, which excludes governmentcontrolled and volatile food prices, was seen at 3.06 percent in October, compared with 3 percent recorded in September. A senior official at the finance ministry said last week that inflation rate could remain at around 3.7 percent for the rest of the year. Indonesia’s central bank has taken advantage of the low inflation by cutting its key interest rate twice since August to boost up economic growth. –CB Report

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der Protection (CBP) ofPicers at HartsPield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport this week intercepted $509,700 in counterfeit U.S. $100 bills that a 62-year-old U.S. Citizen arriving from Peru attempted to hide in his luggage. “This seizure demonstrates how U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s border search authority protects American businesses and consumers against counterfeit currency and other illicit products that pose

potential harm to our nation and to our economy.” Carey Davis, CBP’s port director for the Area Port of Atlanta, said. “This is our Border Security work at its Pinest, and we are proud of the ofPicers involved.” After the CBP ofPicers discovered the counterfeit currency, agents from the U.S. Secret Service arrived and conPirmed that bills were, in fact, counterfeit. Secret Service agents took custody of the fake currency and the individual.

Denmark police arrest 12 connected to cannabis smuggling network

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welve people have been arrested in connection with the investigation of a criminal network which police believe to be responsible for widespread organised smuggling and sale of cannabis.

The arrested individuals are between 32 and 49 years of age, Copenhagen Police conPirmed in a press statement. The arrests took police during coordinated police raids. “This is a network that has been responsi-

ble for a large amount of smuggling of cannabis into Denmark. There is an international network that is responsible for and delivers the cannabis in question,” police inspector Flemming Madsen said in the statement. The raid primarily took place on Zealand, but arrests were also made in Jutland as well as in Spain, police said. Investigations leading to the arrested were carried out with the assistance of authorities abroad. –CB Report

omen’s Committee of Dubai Customs organized an assembly in front of its main headquarters for all its employees to raise awareness about Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The function saw the presence of Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs and a number of executive directors, heads of departments, employees and clients.

Musabih pointed out that the awareness activities carried out by Dubai Customs during the month of October in support of breast cancer campaign are part of its commitment towards its social responsibilities and its inherent values in fulfilment of the national agenda of UAE Vision 2021.

“Health awareness initiatives are

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part of our strategic plans at Dubai Customs. They encourage employees to follow a healthier life style and seek prevention from different types of cancer” he added. On her part, Mariam Khalifa Al-Shamsi, Head of Women’s Committee at Dubai Customs said: “Awareness initiatives started in the second week of October for 3 weeks. They covered a wide array of activities to encourage employees to early detect cancer as we all know early detection of cancer greatly increases the chances for successful treatment”. Female employees were given vouchers for free medical scanning, and laborers wore pink shirts branded with a breast cancer logo. Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

Australian retail sales flat line

ustralian retail sales missed expectations again in September, following a sharp fall in August. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), nominal sales growth was flat at 0.0% in seasonally adjusted terms, short of forecasts for a gain of 0.4%.

Quarterly figures for retail sales volumes rose by 0.1%, slightly ahead of expectations with analysts forecasting flat growth.

The Australian dollar fell sharply on the result, and a short time ago was down 0.3% to 0.7689 US cents.

September’s result follows a bad miss in the August results, when

retail sales unexpectedly declined by 0.6%. The August figure was subsequently revised slightly higher to -0.5%. The flat result for September saw the year-on-year pace of sales slow to just 1.4%, down from 2.13% in August. The retail sales report measures changes in dollars spent on retail goods from one month to the next.

In seasonally adjusted terms, gains were led by a pickup in department store sales to 2.1% (up from 0.7% in August) and food sales (0.6% growth in September). Those were offset by falls in the other major categories. –CB Report

Hong kong lifts import ban on S. korean chickens

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outh Korean poultry farms will be able to export chickens to Hong Kong, one year after sales were banned due to a widespread outbreak of avian inPluenza (AI), the agriculture ministry here said Tuesday. The Ministry of Agriculture,

Food and Rural Affairs said Hong Kong notiPied Seoul of its decision to lift the import ban on Korean chickens and eggs after the two sides agreed on quarantine measures last week. Hong Kong suspended chicken imports after the highly pathogenic AI swept across South Korea last winter, which led to the culling of more than 33 million birds. The latest decision comes af-

ter Seoul acquired the AI clean status Oct. 13 and notiPied the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) that it was free of the contagious disease.

Meanwhile, The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) seized 634 suspected smuggled hairy crabs and 190 kilograms of suspected smuggled razor clams with an estimated value of about $100,000 during an

anti-sea smuggling operation mounted off Aberdeen today (October 29). Customs ofPicers intercepted a Pishing vessel off Aberdeen this morning. After a search on board, a batch of suspected smuggled hairy crabs and razor clams were found. The vessel’s local captain was subsequently arrested. Investigation is ongoing.Smuggling is a serious offence.

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Ports Authority approves $69.5M for buying new cranes WASHINGTON: The State Ports Authority on Monday approved a $69.5 million contract for the purchase of six new ship-to-shore cranes today.

SCPA achieved a 10 percent container growth, these cranes will serve the growing container volumes and large ships in the Port of Charleston. Ports Authority officials say this is the largest crane purchase in South Carolina’s history.

chennai port to pep up car exports acing stiff competition from two neighbouring ports, the Chennai Port Trust (ChPT) has drawn up plans to pep up its car exports, said a top official. “We have to act fast as Adani’s Kattupalli Port has also started handling vehicles,” said P. Raveendran, Chairman, Chennai Port Trust. “In the last few months, the export volume had gone up due to its aggressive pricing.” Chennai Port used to handle about two lakh vehicles every year. Hyundai accounted for a major chunk of it, followed by Nissan and Ford. A change in the production strategy of Hyundai led to a substantial fall in export volumes at the Chennai Port.

Nissan and Ford shifted to the nearby Kamarajar Port. Currently, Kamarajar Port handles more than two lakh vehicles, while Chennai Port’s car export numbers have fallen below 1.50 lakh units. Having

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served as Chairman for more than a year, Mr. Raveendran had analysed the reasons for the sudden decline in export volume and discovered that Nissan and Ford had moved to Kamarajar Port due to space constraint for parking the vehicles meant for export, besides traffic congestion.

However, tariff was not an issue.

“Earlier, it used to take two days for trailers to make a round trip from the factory to the port. On a daily basis, about 800 trailers entered the port. However, they had to wait till next day to exit due to the ban on heavy vehicles movement during daytime. We have made certain modifications and now they are able to exit the same day. By this, we have taken care of a major problem,” the Chairman said. –CB Report

Ports & Shipping

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activity port of gothenburg achieves Shipping at port Qasim LNg bunkering breakthrough G WASHINGTON

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he Port of Gothenburg reports the Pirst bunkering of a ship with LiquePied Natural Gas (LNG) while it was loading occurred last week. This follows close on the heels of the very Pirst ship-toship bunkering of LNG at the quayside just one month ago. Bunkering of LNG has in the last few weeks alone become a regular part of operations at the Port of Gothenburg, and thanks to the application of carefully planned instructions and routines it has gathered momentum.

In addition to these two events, Pive other ships were bunkered whilst they were at anchor just outside the port. The newly constructed bunker and distribution vessel Coralius is operating in the area, and the LNG is supplied by Skangas. “Even 5-10 years ago the idea of ships running on liquePied natural gas would have almost been regarded as science Piction. Now we have had seven LNG-

bunkerings here in less than a month. It would be no exaggeration to describe this as a major breakthrough,” said Dan-Erik Andersson, Gothenburg Port Authority Operations Manager at the Energy Port.

The EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive states that it should be possible to bunker LNG at what are termed Sweden’s core ports (Luleå, Gothenburg, Stockholm, Copenhagen/Malmö and Trelleborg) before 2025. The Port of Gothenburg has already realised

this ambition in full, and is the only port to do so. According to Dan-Erik Andersson, this is the outcome of a number of key factors, coupled with effective collaboration between various companies and organisations.

“This development has been driven from different directions. We have shipping companies and energy producers that have had the foresight to invest responsibly in the long term, as well as public agencies that have been compliant with regard to the regulatory framework.

as carrier, Gas Husky carrying 3,783 tonnes LPG was allotted berth at Engro Vopak Terminal.

Meanwhile five ships with Containers, Coal, Canola Seeds and Animal Feed also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. Sixty five percent berth occupancy was observed at the port on Sunday where a total of eleven ships, namely, Navios Verano, Wade-Al-Bustan, Ocean Prefect, Eternal Trumph, Lady Amna, Kenta, White Purl, Gas Husky, Al-Jassasiaya, Genuine Galaxy and Brizo were currently occupied at PQA berths to load/offload Containers, Coal, Fertilizer, Soya Bean Seeds, LPG, LNG, Palm oil and Furnace oil respectively. A cargo volume of 139,966 tonnes, comprising 127,597 tonnes import cargo and 12,369 tonnes export cargo inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 750 containers (TEUs), (99 TEUs imports and 651 TEUs exports) was handled at the port. Three ships, Eternal Trumph, Wade-Al-Bustan and Genuine Galaxy sailed out to sea on Monday morning, while two more ships Al-Jassasiaya and Brizo are expected to sail on same day. –CB Report

ports of Indiana enjoying growth in 2017 WASHINGTON

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ere’s some possible good news for prospects of adding Indiana’s fourth shipping port in Lawrenceburg. Ports of Indiana says more than 8.1 million tons of cargo moved through Indiana’s three existing ports through the Pirst nine months of 2017. The Pigure is a 10 percent increase over the same period last year. It is also the second-highest volume through three quarters for any year in Ports of Indiana’s 56-year history. The higher numbers are due mainly to increased coal, steel, fertilizer and ethanol shipments.

The Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon had the highest volume of shipments with 4.5 million tons, up 15 percent when compared to the same period in 2016. The port at

Jeffersonville reached over 1.6 million tons, up nine percent. The only Indiana port on Lake Michigan, Burns Harbor, took on two million tons of goods, up 11 percent. Last month, Ports of Indiana announced an $8 million purchase agreement for the former American Electric Power Tanners Creek coal power plant in Lawrenceburg. The agreement will allow the agency to conduct environmental and economic impact studies as it continues to evaluate the viability of a port here.

Indiana has not opened a new port in more than 30 years.

Meanwhile, The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will be getting quieter and greener. Toyota Motor North America, Inc.’s (TMNA) introduces “Project Portal” a hydrogen fuel cell system designed for heavy-duty truck use. The zeroemission class 8 truck proof of concept has completed more than

4,000 successful development miles, while progressively pulling drayage rated cargo weight, and emitting nothing but water vapor.

With testing and development miles completed, Project Portal is ready to go to work. Initial feasibility study routes, moving goods from select Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach terminals to surrounding rail yards and warehouses for distribution, will begin on October 23rd.

It’s estimated the truck’s daily trips will total around 200 miles. These localized, frequent route patterns are designed to test the demanding drayage duty-cycle capabilities of the fuel cell system while capturing real world performance data. As the study progresses, longer haul routes will be introduced.

The initial feasibility study operations will be managed by the TMNA Project Portal team, in collaboration with Toyota’s Service

Parts Accessories Operations group and its drayage provider, Southern Counties Express (SCE). Revealed in April 2017, Project Portal is the next step in Toyota’s effort to broaden the application of zero-emission fuel cell technology that can serve a range of industries. It is a fully functioning heavy duty truck with the power and torque capacity to conduct port drayage operations while producing zero emissions. Heavy duty vehicles make up a signiPicant percentage of the annual emissions output at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and the Portal feasibility study may provide another path to further reduce emissions.

The Project Portal heavy-duty truck concept generates more than 670 horsepower and 1,325 pound feet of torque from two Mirai fuel cell stacks and a 12kWh battery, a relatively small battery to support class 8 load operations.

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SECP extends dates for filing of annual returns ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) extended the dates for filing of annual returns.

In order to facilitate the corporate sector, the SECP had extended the last date of filing statutory returns such as Form 29, Form A and B and annual accounts considering the difficulty faced by the corporate sectors due to weekend, a press release said.

The returns could now be filed up to November 15, and November 30, respectively without any additional filing fee.

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pak, thailand ftA to be signed by January 15 ISLAMABAD

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Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Thailand will be signed on on January 15 during next year to focuses for enhancing the bilateral trade between two countries.

The 9th round on FTA negotiation will start between Pakistan and Thailand by November 6-8 in this year, in which both side would presenting the complete offer list of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) , for reaching the Pinal agreement, a top ofPicial of Ministry of Commerce.

Both sides had exchanged the Pinal offer lists of items for free trade,

IrSA releases 105,400 cusecs water KARACHI

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including automobile and textile sectors in order to remove the reservations of both sectors, Pakistan wants concession on 100 products on textiles, agro-products, plastic and Pharmaceuticals as same Thai-

SBp’s seminar on pakistan’s upcoming AML/cft mutual evaluation

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he Indus River System Authority (IRSA) released 105,400 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow of 41,600 cusecs. According to the data released by IRSA, water level in the Indus River at Tarbela Dam was 1467.38 feet, which was 87.38 feet higher than its dead level of 1,380 feet. Water inflow in the dam was recorded as 25,900 cusecs and outflow as 50,000 cusecs. The water level in the Jhelum River at Mangla Dam was 1164.25 feet.

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land granted to other FTA partners in these products, he said.

The ofPicial said that during the 9th round, talks would be held on the text of agreement, tariff reduction modalities, complete request

lists from both side and offer lists.

He said that Pakistan had relative advantages over Thailand in some 684 commodities including cotton yarn and woven textiles, readymade garments, leather products, surgical instruments and sports goods.

While talking on second phase of Pak-China FTA, he said China had agreed to provide market access to 65 items, shared by Pakistan besides providing concession on all items included in the offer list.

He added that coming round of negotiation with China under 2nd phase of FTA would held in Pirst week of January, 2018 in Islamabad.

This acceptance came during the negotiations held under 2nd phase of Pak-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in China.

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he State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) organized a “Compliance Forum Session” for guidance and awareness of Pinancial institutions in implementation of Risk-based approach and alert them regarding upcoming Anti Money aundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) mutual evaluation of Pakistan.

A statement on Monday said that besides presence of senior ofPicials

from supervisory departments of SBP, relevant ofPicers from Banks, Developments Finance Institutions (DFIs), MicroPinance Banks (MFBs), Exchange Companies and Payment System Operators also participated.

The session was chaired by Executive Director – Banking Policy & Regulations Group, who observed that the AML/CFT compliance is a global phenomenon which has implications for economic and trade related activities with rest of the world.

He highlighted the importance of implementing AML/CFT regime and need for further improvements in ar-

eas of transaction monitoring through sophisticated technology coupled with appropriate human resources for identifying and reporting suspicious transactions under the AML laws. He urged reporting entities to rePine their efforts in risk based AML/CFT compliance and prepare well for the upcoming AML/CFT assessment. In his presentation, the senior ofPicer of the SBP discussed in detail the essential elements of technical compliance and effectiveness of FATF Recommendations in the context of upcoming AML/CFT mutual evaluation of Pakistan.

Sc issues notices to NAB, others on Dr Asim petition ISLAMABAD

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upreme Court issued notices to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and other respondents on Dr Asim petition seeking removing his name from Exit Control List (ECL). A division bench of SC headed

by Justice Mushir Alam heard Dr Asim petitions. Advancing arguments on the petition, Asim’s counsel Latif Khosa said that Supreme Court had earlier allowed Dr Asim to proceed abroad for treatment for one month. He added that his client had complied with the order of SC and returned within one month. He added that the apex court had authorized the NAB to put Asim name on ECL again after his treatment.

The counsel said that treatment of his client had not completed and he was scheduled to travel abroad again in connection with his treatment on Nov 21, 2017. He pleaded the court to direct NAB to remove Dr Asim’s name from ECL. The court while issuing notice to NAB and other respondents adjourned further hearing till Nov 16, 2017. In the petition, Dr Asim has submitted that he has to go abroad for medical treatment as “he is fighting a number of health problems” and highlighted the urgency with which he needs medical care.

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cabinet okays $3b borrowing through Sukuk, Eurobonds ISLAMABAD

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he federal cabinet has allowed immediate borrowing of up to $3 billion from international debt markets by Ploating three sovereign bonds and has also waived a dozen taxes to make deals attractive for investors.

Instead of tabling a summary in a cabinet meeting, the Pinance min-

istry got approval of the cabinet by circulating the summary among its members earlier this month. This is surprising as the federal cabinet meets every week.

Pakistan is going to Ploat the bonds in the largest transaction to take pressure off the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves that are depleting at a rapid pace. Earlier, the government borrowed $2 billion in 2014 through similar capital market transactions.

In its Pirst four years, the PML-N government took gross $35 billion in foreign loans to shore up the foreign currency reserves, Pinance the external account and return previous loans. According to the summary approved by the cabinet, the Pinance ministry can Ploat multiple bonds in the range of $2 billion to $3 billion. A consortium of banks have initially indicated that Pive-year Sukuk (Islamic bond), ten-year Eurobond and another 30-year Eurobond with com-

bined proceeds of around $2 to $3 billion can be Ploated, according to the Pinance ministry. The exact size will, however, be determined on the basis of market appetite and pricing, according to the summary signed by the Pinance secretary. It will be for the Pirst time that Pakistan will Ploat a 30-year dollar-denominated Eurobond, but the decision to sell it will depend on the interest rates that the investors will seek. Higher maturity bonds are issued at relatively higher

interest rates. The cabinet waived a dozen income taxes to make the Ploat attractive for foreign investors. It waived taxes on proPit on debt, minimum 1% income tax, advance tax, dividend tax, taxes on payments to non-residents, taxes on payment of contract fee to Pinancial advisers, taxes collected by the Pakistan Stock Exchange and National Clearing Company of Pakistan, and taxes on the auction and purchase of immovable property.

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ADB pledges $150m for energy project KABUL: The Asian Development Bank has pledged to donate $150 million USD for the power transmission line from Turkmenistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan.

Officials from the bank said they will provide technical assistance as well as financial assistance to the three countries. “Next year, the ADB hopes to provide support for TAP which is an energy transmission line and connects Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan … Currently, ADB is the largest on budget development partner to Afghanistan. We work in collaboration with other development partners,” Linda Arthur, head of portfolio unit at the Asian Development Bank, said.

The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan power line transmission project will transfer at least 2,000 megawatts of power in the first phase.

IccI calls for incentives for young entrepreneurs ISLAMABAD

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Wednesday November 15, 2017

Chambers

Serene Air to offer discounted package to IccI members on domestic flights

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heikh Amir Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that youth has the potential to put Pakistan on fast track economic growth by becoming entrepreneurs and government should offer special incentives to young entrepreneurs for launching successful business ventures so that they could play more effective role in the economic development of the country. He was talking to a delegation of Youth Business Development Association of Pakistan (YBDAP) that visited ICCI led by its President Raja Waqas Janjua. Asim Ali Kazmi Patron-in-Chief, Raja Shafqat Chairman, Arsalan Saddique Senior Vice President, Taimur Awan Secretary General, Youth Business Development Association of

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Pakistan, Junaid Haider, Asad Chaudhry and others were in the delegation.

Sheikh Amir Waheed said that Pakistan was experiencing youth bulge and government should focus on making new policies to foster entrepreneurship in youth that would help in reducing unemployment and alleviating poverty in the country. He said by making entrepreneurship-friendly policies, government could turn youth into a huge economic dividend for the country, but if left neglected, youth could become a burden on the economy. He advised the youngsters to carve out their future in business field and become job creators instead of job seekers. He assured that ICCI would guide and mentor youth for becoming successful entrepreneurs.

Muhammad Naveed, Senior Vice President and Nisar Mirza Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

ISLAMABAD

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he Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Serene Air (Pvt.) Limited to get discounted package for its members on domestic air travel. Sheikh Amir Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Khalid Bashir Anjum, Chief Commercial Operations of Serene Air (Pvt.) Limited signed the MoU at a ceremony held at Chamber House.

The Serene Air will provide 15% discount to ICCI OfPice Bearers and Executive Members and 10% corporate discount to ICCI members and their families on domestic air travel through its Plights. The discount package will be offered on production of valid ICCI membership card. The Serene Air will also offer special privileges to ICCI members including protocol and fast track service at airport, guaranteed seat conPirmation, free boarding of infants, special discount to children, pre-allocation of seats and in case of

Plight cancellation, guarantee to accommodate on next Plight.

Speaking at the occasion, Sheikh Amir Waheed, President ICCI thanked Serene Air for offering attractive package to ICCI members and hoped that it would facilitate them in visiting major cities of the country to attend business meetings and explore new business opportunities. He said cooperation of air lines with business community was

important to promote economic activities and added that the special package of Serene Air was a right step in that direction. He urged that ICCI members should take maximum benePit of these incentives for exploring new possibilities of strengthening business linkages with domestic counterparts.

Khalid Bashir Anjum, Chief Commercial Operations, Serene Air (Pvt.) Limited said that purpose of

pervez Malik inaugurates LABArD Mela-2017 LAHORE

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ederal Commerce Minister Pervez Malik and the LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid Saturday jointly inaugurated the LABARD Mela -2017 at Ghulam Jilani (Race Course) Park. The LCCI Vice President Zeshan Khalil, Shaista Pervez Malik, Ahmer Malik, Saeed Khan, Bao Bashir, Shahid Nazir and high government officials spoke on the occasion.

As many as more than 5000 special children belonging to various institutions took part in different activities at the LABARD Mela. The basic aim of holding this Mela is to give encouragement to the disabled persons and make them useful citizens of the society so that they could be able to play a positive role in their

future life. Federal Commerce Minister Pervez Malik, who is also president of LABARD, said that bright future is the destiny of nations that look after the distressed segments of the society enabling them to play their part in economic building of the country. He expressed pleasure that Lahore businessmen are fulPilling their social corporate responsibility by ensuring that all disabled children of the city are provided proper education and vocational training so that they could join the main stream economic activities.

While appreciating the LCCI role in making the event a big success, Federal Minister said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry is also extending every help to the Lahore Businessmen Association for the Rehabilitation of disabled persons as they are an important segment of the society and

their active participation is necessary for country’s development.

Both the speakers said that there is a need to launch specific programs for training and education of disabled persons. The LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid said that it is duty of every citizen to play his role for the betterment of the society.

They said that over 10 per cent population of all the developing countries consist of disabled persons that needs to be taken care of by the rest of the 90 per cent in the larger interests of the whole society. He said that everyone should cooperate with organizations like LABARD as around 200,000 physically challenged people are waiting for help in the suburbs of Lahore.

Malik Tahir Javed suggested that the frequency of the LABARD Mela should be increases and should be arranged twice a year.

offering discounts in air travel to ICCI members was to facilitate them in business promotion and hoped that they would fully exploit these incentives for expanding their business ventures. Muhammad Naveed Senior Vice President and Nisar Mirza Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry assured that Chamber would fully cooperate with Serene Air in promoting its business interests.

‘UBg will sweep federation polls with thumping majority’ resident Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Zubair Tufail Tuesday claimed that United Business Group (UBG) would sweep annual elections of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. (FPCCI) for fourth time consecutively, as it emerged most popular leading trade body after landslide victory of its candidates in regional elections across the country. Addressing a gathering of traders and office-bearers of the chambers drawn across the province at the residence of Provincial Chairman UBG Khyber Pathtunkhawa, Senator Ilyas Ahmad Bilour, in connection with second round of election campaign of FPCCI, Zubair Tufail said that UBG has introduced a meritbased election. –CB Report

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Sargodha ASO impounds non customs paid Honda car SARGODHA: The Customs Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) has seized a tempered and non customs paid foreign origin Honda car worth Rs500,000 involved duty and taxes Rs285000.

Sources told Customs Today, that Collector Muhammad Sadiq received information that some non duty vehicles are plying on roads of Faisalabadn and Sargodha. After receiving the tip off he directed the Collectorate to take all necessary measures to check illegal vehicles.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

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customs Appraisement posts 5.9 percent growth, earns rs 3,385 million LAHORE M HAYAt

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ollectorate of Customs Appraisement has attained growth rate of 5.9 percent in the month of October of Pinancial year 2017-18 as compared to the same period of the corresponding month of the last Piscal year.

The Customs Appraisement has collected customs duty of Rs 3,585 million in October against Rs 3,380 million collected during the same period in the Pinancial year 201617. The Collectorate collected Rs 205 million extra against the last year. The Collectorate of Appraisement collected Rs 7.7 billion in Pirst four months of Piscal years of 201718. The Collectorate not only achieved growth of 7 percent as compared to the last year but also exceeded the target by 18 percent.

It is perhaps due to the strategies the department had adopted and brought about many changes in the Collectorate at every level.

The Collectorate of Customs Appraisement collected Rs 3386 million and attained a growth of almost 6 percent against the corresponding period of FY 2016-17.

Collector Jamil Nasir said that

“the Collectorate had also met its revenue target in the previous months and this consistent increase in revenue was made possible only because of the initiatives taken by

the department to optimise revenue collection.” Nasir added that collection also increases with a decrease in the cost of doing business at the dry ports of Lahore. “The cost was

reduced through streamlining of clearance procedures and restructuring of various Sections and branches of the collectorate,” said he. Moving ahead, he observed that

the jump in customs duty collection during October, 2017 is a clear indication of the fact that the businessfriendly measures aimed at trade facilitation are delivering.

Smuggled goods worth rs43.516m seized by Multan customs MULTAN

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he Anti-Smuggling Organization of Customs Collectorate Multan has seized smuggled good and vehicles of worth Rs43.516 million in various antismuggling activities during October.

The Anti-Smuggling Organisation has registered 16 seizure

cases in different actions carried out during the month of October against smuggled goods. Anti-Smuggling Organization teams impounded 16 foreign origin smuggled /non customs paid vehicles from jurisdiction during the month of October. The impounded vehicles were made of numerous designs and latest models seized by Anti-Smuggling Organization in different actions.

The seized vehicle includes Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Corolla X, Toyota Corolla G, Toyota Hilux Surf, Suzuki Jimmy

jeep, Hino Mazda truck, Toyota Vitz, Toyota Corolla X, Toyota Premio and others. The value of the seized non-duty paid smuggled vehicles is worth almost Rs.31.106 million during October. During various actions of Anti-smuggling Organization, eight seized various vehicles were tampered and others were found non–tampered and noncustoms paid during their action. Anti-Smuggling Organization conducted majority of anti-smuggling operations in Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan districts.

Customs Collectorate has also seized the Indian origin Gutka, Pan Parag One to One brand and other miscellaneous goods during their actions. The worth of the seized miscellaneous goods is almost Rs.12.41 million during their anti-smuggling activities in the jurisdiction. The Customs Collectorate has forwarded several seizure cases to the Customs Adjudication after conclusion of their interrogation for legal proceedings. Anti-Smuggling Organization is taking all measures to curb smuggling in the

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region .The Customs Collectorate is taking stern action against smugglers without any discrimination to curb smuggling from the jurisdiction.

Multan customs has successfully seized the various smuggled vehicles and goods of valuing Rs43.516. million due to their effective enforcement in the region during October.

Collector Saud Imran Ahmad has directed Anti-Smuggling squad to remain vigilant over the movement of smuggled goods and non-customs paid vehicles in the region.