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Karachi, Wed September 13, 2017

MULTAN

IMRAN ALI

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irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan Range OfSice has seized Rs18.97 million goods and vehicles during the month of August in different anti- smuggling operations in the jurisdiction. According to details, Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Inves-

tigation carried out different anti-smuggling operations against smuggled goods and vehicles on the directions of Director ZulSiqar Younas. Customs Intelligence launched crackdown against non-customs paid vehicles in the Jurisdiction. Customs Intelligence and Investigation teams detected 11 different seizure cases in their extensive actions during the month of August in the on-going Siscal year 201718.Customs Intelli-

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gence and Investigation seized ten various foreign vehicles of Rs16.97 million in the widely spread jurisdiction which comprised of Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan and Sadiqabad Region. Field Intelligence Unit (FIU) of Dera Ghazi Khan has impounded Sive various non-customs paid vehicles of Rs7.30 million during their different anti-smuggling actions in the month of August. These seized vehicles include Toyota Vitz, Toyota Corolla, Suzuki Pick-up and others.

DG Customs Intelligence detects cases of tax evasion worth Rs1400 million

DG Valuation revises customs values of knob & handle door lock

ASO impounds NDP Toyota Noha worth Rs 2.5 million

Pervaiz Malik lauds IPO-Pakistan’s performance

Hyderabad ASO confiscates 2,000 packs of various brands’ cigarettes

DG Customs I&I FBR has showed tremendous performance regarding | SEE PAGE 02 |

DG Valuation has revised the customs value of knob & handle door lock | SEE PAGE 03 |

ASO has impounded a non-duty paid Toyota Noah van worth Rs 2.5 million | SEE PAGE 04 |

Malik has lauded the role of IPO-Pakistan in protecting the intellectual property | SEE PAGE 11 |

ASO Hyderabad, has seized the foreign origin 2,000 packs of diﬀerent cigarettes | SEE PAGE 16 |

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ATIR reserves decision of case filed by M/s CMPak Ltd Wednesday, September 13, 2017

ISLAMABAD: Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) Account Member Dr Ghulam Mujtaba Bhatti reserved decision of M/s CMPak Limited’s tax matters remanded back by the Islamabad High Court. ATIR Member Technical heard M/S CMPak Limited’s matter which was contesting a show cause notice issued by the field offices of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The bench reserved decision after submission of relevant record and completion of arguments by sides. The member was hearing the matter for the first time.

Islamabad

DG Customs Intelligence detects cases of tax evasion worth Rs1400 million

ISLAMABAD

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT

M FAIZAN

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irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation has seized a non duty paid smuggled foreign origin used vehicle Toyota Mark X, 300-G Premium car worth Rs2 million. According to details on tip off received from informer the anti smuggling team which includes intelligence officer Maqbool Ahmad and IO Shahid Majeed with sepoy Aftab Khan intercepted a non duty paid smuggled Toyota Mark X, car bearing registration fake plate no. PL 271 (ICT) Islamabad having chassis no GRX1211 1005861, Model 2007 (3000 CC) near Aabpara, Islamabad. The vehicle was signaled to stop but driver of vehicle did not care the signal and accelerated the speed of the vehicle. The staff chased the said vehicle at some distance the driver parked the said vehicle on road side and fled away from the scene. Despite hectic efforts the staff could not trace out the driver, so the vehicle was taken into the custody in presence of the witnesses. No import record exists as per import data of vehicle available with directorate. Nobody appeared in the office of Rawalpindi Directorate nor produced any legal import and auction documents respect of recovered vehicle.

irectorate General Customs Intelligence and Investigation Federal Board of Revenue has showed tremendous performance regarding anti smuggling operations and duty and tax evasion cases in the month of August 2017, under the supervision of Director General Shaukat Ali. According to sources of Customs Today, Directorate General Customs I&I has detected cases of duty and tax evasions amounting to Rs1400 million, which is 7,000 percent increase in the performance of directorate as compared to same corresponding period, in last year when the same directorate general detected cases worth Rs14 to Rs 15 million of tax evasions. Directorate of Customs I&I net recoveries are 37 percent. Likewise 77 percent increased in anti smuggling seizures. According to sources Directorate has registered 120 cases of seizures while 15 major cases of duty and tax evasion were detected. Director General Shaukat Ali has lauded the performance of the related regional directorates heads and staff. He hoped that this trend not only continue in future but will also increased. Meanwhile, The Customs Car Cell of Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Islamabad impounded a Non-

Customs impounds NDP Toyota Mark X from Aabpara

Duty-Paid (NDP) Toyota Land Cruiser with registration No: JAD456 Quetta worth Rs2.2million from F-11 Islamabad. According to details given by sources of the MCC to Customs Today that, following a tip-off shared by sources of the Car Cell, the customs squad set up a picket at G-11 Islamabad and intercepted the said

NDP vehicle with Chassis No: LJ790003782, Model 1992, and asked the possessor of vehicle named Guzanfar Abass S/o Muhammad Hayat, a resident of Mohallah Hussainiabad, Haji Camp, Sector I-14 Islamabad, to show the original documents of the car, but he failed to do so. The sources said that, after the Sirsthand investigation, the Car Cell

took the vehicle into possession and brought it to the state warehouse. The estimated value of the vehicle is Rs2.5million. An FIR has been lodged against the owner of the NDP vehicle. The authorities concerned revealed that the documents of the Land Cruiser were checked by the registration authority which turned out to be fake registration.

Customs North Region surpasses revenue target by Rs154.39m

ISLAMABAD

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs North Region (Collectorates of Islamabad, Peshawar, Samberial and Gilgit baltistan) has surpassed its assigned target by generating extra revenue of Rs154.39million during 30 days of August. The North Region received Rs3267.13million revenue under the same head during 30 days of

August FY17-18 while North was allocated revenue collection target of Rs.3112.74million under the same head. According to details given by sources of North Region that performance of the North Region looks satisfactory under all the tax heads during 30 days of August FY2017-18. During above said period, the Customs Collectorate Islamabad collected Rs1381.56million against the earmarked target of Rs1167.00million of all the taxes. During above said period,

the Customs Collectorate of Peshawar earned the revenue of

Rs1652.72million as all taxes while it was assigned the target of

Rs1689.75million. The sources told CT that Customs Collectorate of Samberial was rewarded worth Rs-222.93million rebate against the allocated target of Rs178.07million for 30 days of August FY17-18 under the head of all taxes. The sources told that, during said period, the Gilgit-Baltistan generated Rs455.78million against the assigned revenue target of Rs434.06million under the head of all duties and taxes during 30 days of FY2017-18.

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PCA’s brilliant performance unearths cases worth Rs106.8m KARACHI: The Directorate of Post Clearance Audit (PCA) has shown an outstanding performance during August 2017 and detected 13 cases involving revenue of Rs106.8million. Sources told Customs Today that the Directorate of Post Clearance Audit, headed by Director Nadeem Memon, uncovered the cases pertaining to a short payment of customs duty and sales tax and withholding tax (WHT) because of inadmissible concessions, short payment of anti-dumping duty, additional sales tax, federal excise duty (FED) and income tax.

SHC seeks remarks on petition seeking release of Land Cruiser

Wednesday September 13, 2017

Karachi

DG Valuation revises customs values of knob & handle door lock

KARACHI

M B RANA

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to customs authorities and deputy attorney general and directed them to file their respective comments on a constitutional petition filed by Nasir Hussain son of Muhammad Ashqeen seeking release order of his Toyota Land Curser jeep bearing registration number: BD-3132 Karachi. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar was hearing the petition. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that he is lawful owner of Toyota Land Cruiser jeep bearing registration number BD-3132 Karachi, he purchased this vehicle after fulfilling all the liabilities, however, oﬃcials of the customs department seized the vehicle.

Customs Exports collects Rs 18.9 million KARACHI

WAQAR AHMED ANSARI www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs Exports successfully collected Rs 18.9 million during the month of August for fiscal year 2017-18 while the Customs Exports generated Rs 14.6 million during the first 20 days of August. Sources told Customs Today that Customs Exports issued a total of 15 show cause notices out of which 12 final notices were served on defaulter companies during the month of August. The Customs Exports issued show cause notices to two factories in order to collect the evaded tax amount. The customs authorities issued notices to M/s Gul Traders and Export Karachi and M/s Nimra Samad Enterprises Karachi. M/s Gul Traders and Export Karachi used the wrong Pakistan Custom Tariﬀ heading to get its plastic consignment cleared in the 3rd August 2017.

KARACHI

WAQAR AHMED ANSARI www.customsbulletin.com

he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of knob & handle door lock, door handle thumb action lock (entrance lock), night latch/rim lock & electric rim lock of low end and unpopular brands vide Valuation Ruling No 1206/2017 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. According to the details, the customs values of knob & handle door lock, door handle thumbs action lock (entrance lock) and night latch/rim lock and electric rim lock of low end and unpopular brands were determined under section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969; vide Valuation Ruling No.1075/2017 dated 9-3-2017. The said valuation ruling was set aside by appellate tribunal and the department has Siled reference before the Sindh High Court against the decision of Customs Appellate Tribunal. However, some importers requested for issuance of fresh valuation ruling as become expired after 90 days as per earlier orders of Sindh High Court. With a view to reSlect the current prices prevailing in the international market of these items , an exercise was initiated to determine the customs values of the subject goods afresh under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. During the meeting, the stakehold-

ers were of the opinion that values as determined in the earlier valuation ruling are very high and do not commensurate with trading prices. They further contended that prices of locks have reduced due to advancement in technology and cost cutting done by Chinese manufacturers in raw material etc. All the stakeholders were requested to submit invoices of imports during last three months showing factual value. Meanwhile, The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has re-

The said valuation ruling was set aside by appellate tribunal and the department has filed reference before the Sindh High Court against the decision of Customs Appellate Tribunal

Court grants bail to suspect booked in tax evasion

KARACHI

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs Taxation & AntiSmuggling Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi granted interim pre-arrest bail to suspect namely Usman Shahid son of Shahid Zaki, who was booked in a case of money laundering, concealment of assets and evasion of taxes to the tune of Rs576 million to national exchequer. During the hearing, counsel for

the above mentioned accused person appeared before the court and moved petition for pre-arrest bail, he argued that his client is innocent and was falsely implicated in this case, he further argued that his client in ready to face trail, however, he has apprehension of arrest, therefore, court may grant his bail till Sinal order is this case. After the hearing, court granted his bail against the surety of Rs2,000,000 (twenty lacs) and directed him to appear before the court on next date of hearing. According to

the prosecution, investigation a money laundering case is respect of Usman Shahid in the ground that the suspect has knowingly and willfully made offences of concealment of income, acquiring assets from proceeds of crime by committing “predicate offence” of tax evasion whose preliminary investigation from an available record. Investigation ofSicer further informed the court that above mentioned accused also knowingly and willfully submitted inaccurate/ wrong particulars to federal government.

vised the customs value of non-carbon releasing paper, art card/coated board/paper and light weight coated papers Valuation Ruling No 1205/2017 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. According to the details, the customs values of non-carbon releasing papers, art card/coated board/paper and light weight coated papers were determined under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969, vide Valuation Ruling No.826/2016 dated 06-04-2016.

SHC restores NTN of M/s SM Enterprises he Sindh High Court (SHC) passed an interim order and restored the NTN of M/s S.M Enterprises blocked by customs oﬃcials due to an alleged involvement in the tax evasion. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, heared the petition. After the arguments, the court passed the provisional order for de-blocking the NTN with immediate eﬀect.

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Customs tribunal rejects appeal against M/s Tabish Corp Wednesday September 13, 2017

Lahore

LAHORE: Customs Appellate Tribunal has rejected the appeal in imported auto parts case ﬁled by the Additional Collector of Customs against M/s Tabish Corporation. According to details, M/s Tabish Corporation imported consignment of auto parts. During the examination customs authorities found that imported items cleared wrongly and act of importer and clearing agent constitutes and oﬀence within the meaning of section 32 of Customs Act 1969. Being aggrieved from the order, the Order-in-Original challenged before the Customs Appellate Tribunal on the grounds that impugned order passed in haphazard and perfunctory manner and without the application of judicious mine.

Customs Appellate Tribunal accepts appeal of customs department LAHORE

SAJID NAWAZ

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ustoms Appellate Tribunal has accepted the appeal Siled by Additional Director, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation-FBR Lahore against M/s AlHusnain Traders and M/s Rana Brother and others. According to the details, Member Technical Imran Tariq, BenchII, heard the arguments from the appellant and respondents, after complete hearing of the arguments decided the case and passed the judgment with remarks that the respondent did not join the adjudication proceeding before the tribunal so tribunal agree with the appellant and imported Aesosol Spray Paint is correctly classified

FIA arrests one for blackmailing women

ederal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Circle Monday claimed to have arrested a man for extorting money from women by blackmailing them. Deputy Director, Cyber Crime Circle of FIA Punjab, Shahid Hassan told the media that the accused identified as Hadi was running a fake page of a medicine company through which he would get details of female patients. Through such information, the accused would contact them and demand money. He said a number of female victims contacted FIA for actions against the accused. The DD said an FIA team seized computers, devices and other material of the accused. –CB Report

under PCT Heading 3208. 2090. As per precise fact of case, on the credible information Director General, Intelligence and Investigation-FBR Lahore that M/s AlHusnain Trader are involved in the importation of Aerosol Spray Paint and wrongly availing the benefits of SR 659(I)/ 2007 by mis- declaring the consignments against PCT Heading 3208.9090 against payment of customs duty @ 12.5 instead of correct Heading 3208.2090 attracting customs duty 20 percent. After the complete examination of the imports, customs authorities charged Rs641,120 in taxes under Section 48 of Sales tax Act 1990. After the show cause adjudication proceeding was culminated and authority declared that importer is liable to pay levied duties and taxes and also impose Rs50, 000 as penalty.

ASO impounds NDP Toyota Noha worth Rs 2.5 million LAHORE

M HAYAT

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he Collectorate of Customs Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization has impounded a non-duty paid Toyota Noah van worth Rs 2.5 million. Sources told Customs Today that Collector Customs Preventive Faiz Ahmad received information that some non-customs paid vehicles were plying in the city. After receiving the information, he constituted a team under the supervision of Deputy Collector Muhammad Moazzam Raza. The team also included Superintendent Nasir Minhas, Deputy Superintendent Mazhar Abbas, Deputy Superintendent Sajjad Bukhari and Inspector Nasir Saeed. The team established check points on main roads of the Lahore city and started checking

Collector Adjudication summons owner of NDP goods on Sep 25

he Collectorate of Customs Adjudication Collector Ambreen Ahmed Tarar has issued a show cause notice to the owner of non duty paid goods and directed him to appear on September 25. According to the details, M/s Mehboob Elahi & Company (NTN 0150329) imported 62 consignments of potatoes during scrutiny of import data it was revealed that importer had deliberately claimed the beneSits of SRO 549(I)/2008 dated 11.6.2008 read with SRO 338(I)/2014 dated 2.5.2014 which

was in fact rescinded vide SRO 573 (I)/2014 dated 26.6.2014 and the said were chargeable of sales tax @17%. It was concluded that the importer was not entitled for exemption of sales tax which has further been clariSied vide FBR’s classiSication vide letter dated 16.12.2015. Thus the importer with the connivance of clearing agent deliberately deprived the government of its legitimate revenue of Rs12,126,797 (on account of sales tax Rs10,3078,777/-) on account of additional sales tax Rs1,819,020/-) . –CB Report

vehicles. During the checking the ASO team intercepted a vehicle bearing registration no: LET-1580 and asked its driver identified as Mohammad Yasin to show legal documents regarding possession of

Customs tribunal adjourns hearing of cases he Customs Appellate Tribunal will hear all the cases after before yesterday, the Customs Tribunal’s both benches I & II did not hear any case and now the bench will hear the same cases. On Tuesday, Customs Appellate Tribunal single bench-I, comprising Member Judicial Muhammad Shabbir Gujjar, heard 13 cases, reserved one verdict in only one case of Deputy Director Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Lahore versus QazaSi Enterprises and adjourned all the cases till next date of hearing. The Tribunal postponed 12 cases

NAB has evidence against Zardari

LAHORE

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

he National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Saturday Siled an appeal against Asif Ali Zardari’s acquittal in a corruption reference that accused the PPP cochairman of acquiring assets through illegal means.

The appeal was Siled at the Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi bench by NAB ofSicials. The plaintiffs in their appeal have demanded that the Rawalpindi accountability court’s judgement acquitting Zardari in the assets reference be discarded and the case be referred to a trial court. The appeal states that NAB has a “tremendous amount of documentary evidence relating

the vehicle. But the driver remained failed to produce any relevant documents. After his failure, the team impounded the vehicle after registering a case against the owner of the vehicle.

to the properties and bank accounts and other movable and immovable assets” which could have been used to take the investigation further. According to a NAB spokesperson, the accountability court issued acquittal orders of Zardari without taking into consideration the “solid evidence” submitted by NAB. “The court has acquitted Zardari as a result of a hasty trial which will set

of Ghulam Rasool versus Customs Multan, Muhammad Hussain versus Customs Multan, Khadim Hussain versus Directorate Multan, Deputy Director Post Clearance Audit Lahore versus Akhter Hussain and Company. Furthermore, Tribunal heard Syed Ala-ud-Din versus Customs Multan, Rehmat Ullah versus Customs Multan, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation-FBR Faisalabad versus Abdul Rehman, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Faisalabad versus Rana Dilshad Ali and Niamat Ullah versus Customs Multan. –CB Report

the wrong precedent [for future cases],” he said. The request for Zardari’s acquittal, submitted by his counsel and PPP leader Farooq H. Naek, was accepted by Justice Khalid Mahmood Ranjha, who ruled that the reference lacked a legal basis. Zardari had previously been exempted from appearing in the case owing to security concerns.

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PESHAWAR

TARIQ DERYA

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he Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Peshawar took into possession 48 offending and 16 Non-Duty-Paid (NDP) vehicles and various smuggling goods valued at Rs241.16million during the month of August Financial Year FY2017-18. According to details given by Zakir Muhammad, Deputy Collector ASO Peshawar, while talking with Customs Today that the ASO Peshawarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance has been good during above said period. During the month of August FY17-18, the ASO impounded 48 offending vehicles worth Rs70.35million while it did 16 NDP vehicles priced at Rs34.25million. The Deputy Collector ASO told CT that, during August FY17-18, the ASO conSiscated 111,924 yards of fabrics valued at Rs47.203million while it seized different currencies worth Rs28.00 million. The ASO seized three weapons priced at Rs1.67million, 5,406 kg of black tea valued at Rs3.05million, 3,709 tyres and tubes worth Rs3.29million, 37 auto-parts priced at

Rs10.29million, 49 bottles of liquor worth Rs0.174million, smuggling Mobil oil priced at Rs0.058million, 0.312 kg of gold /silver valued at Rs2.00million and 982 packs of fake cigarettes worth Rs1.207million. The Deputy Collector said

the ASO also impounded 1,704 electronic items worth Rs5.146million, pirated DVDs priced at Rs0.025million, 398 various types of Gutka valued at Rs0.3million, 10 generators worth Rs0.375million, 1,409 mobile phones priced at Rs6.27million and other miscellaneous goods valued at Rs27.47million during the month of August FY201718. Meanwhile, The Model Customs Collectorate of Customs House Peshawar has received Rs1325.87million revenue from Torkham Custom Station in July and August of FY2017-18, said by Muhammad Najib Anjum, Deputy Collector of Torkham Customs Station, on Friday at t a d rice p s Khyber Agency. n o d e ap a valu ree we e Collector Customs at Model t h t k c d a e iz of bl s e g Customs Collectorate Peb k ASO se u 6 dt 40 res an on, 5, shawar Gul Rahman i t y l l t a i 9 d m 0 e pric s n, 3,7 t Rs1.67 lauded the efforts of o r i l a l i p o.05m orth Deputy Collector 37 aut w , r n at Rs3 o o i u l mil f liq 9 o Torkham Customs for his 2 s . d e 3 e l s c t R ri ot il oil p worth untiring efforts to generb n, 49 b o o i l M l i g 9m ate more revenue during /silver ugglin Rs10.2 f gold on, sm o i l l g i k the current FY2017-18 for f m 2 o 4 1 s 7 3 k . 1 c . 0 Rs0 which smart steps have 982 pa illion, n and .058m o 0 i l s l been taken to avoid the loss i R llion i t m a m 0 7 0 . 0 Rs2 s1.2 to the national exchequer. ued at orth R

val tes w igaret fake c

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Wednesday, September 13, 2017

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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

Lethargy in private sector

ccording to economists, the Pakistani entrepreneurs lack marketing techniques to promote their products in overseas markets. They still use old methods of production and could not update their products to come up with changing trends and compete their peers in the region. The small entrepreneurs have no access to the European market and they rely on the forces of local demand and supply, but there are others who can aﬀord to visit European and other countries and have access to the potential buyers. But they are reluctant to modernize their production units and invest in the marketing departments or they also lack capacity and courage to meet the challenges of new business trends in foreign lands or take any initiative to promote their businesses. May be they prefer to keep themselves within limits as they don’t want to take any risk to launch a new venture. The businessmen associated with textile sector are one them who failed to change their methods of production and methods of marketing. As a result, their competitors in India and Bangladesh have taken long strides and the textile sector of the two countries have shown considerable progress during the last one decade. The business community in Pakistan totally relies on the government and wants to get every facility without struggle. The general trend in the world business community is that the governments do their part of the job and entrepreneurs do their part and they support each other for the cause of business. But business environment in this country is marred by mistrust and corruption. The businessmen with resources also look toward the government for help and take lion share of facilities and packages. The small entrepreneurs are left on the mercy of mafias and they have to fight for their survival. The bureaucracy in Bangladesh and India is not diﬀerent from Pakistan, but the business community worked in a way to increase their exports despite challenges. It is time the business community should work on self-help basis in Pakistan and minimize its dependence on the government aid. The government should also update its business policies to facilitate the business community and activates its missions abroad to do some homework and overtime to create demand for the Pakistani products.

War and economy A

LAHORE

DR AFTAB AFZAL

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duction units and invest in the marketing departments or they also lack capacity and courage to meet the challenges of new business trends in foreign lands or take any initiative to promote their businesses. May be they prefer to keep themselves within limits as they don’t want to take any risk to launch a new venture. The businessmen associated with textile sector are one them who failed to change their methods of production and methods of marketing. As a result, their competitors in India and Bangladesh have taken long strides and the textile sector of the two countries have shown considerable progress during the last one decade. The business community in Pak-

istan totally relies on the government and wants to get every facility without struggle. The general trend in the world business community is that the governments do their part of the job and entrepreneurs do their part and they support each other for the cause of business. But business environment in this country is marred by mistrust and corruption. The businessmen with resources also look toward the government for help and take lion share of facilities and packages. The small entrepreneurs are left on the mercy of maSias and they have to Sight for their survival. The bureaucracy in Bangladesh and India is not different from Pakistan, but the business community worked in a way to increase their exports de-

spite challenges. It is time the business community should work on self-help basis in Pakistan and minimize its dependence on the government aid. The government should also update its business policies to facilitate the business community and activates its missions abroad to do some homework and overtime to create demand for the Pakistani products. The government ofSicials thumped their chests when the country achieved European Union’s GSP Plus status, but euphoria soon evaporated when this scheme could not be fully utilized for one reason or the other. The government should now make arrangements to implement Rs 180 billion package announced by the former prime minister to boost exports.

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AFU performance boosts after revising of Free Trade Agreement ISLAMABAD: After revising the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the performance of the Air Freight Unit (AFU) Islamabad has increased. The AFU Islamabad collected Rs726.039 of all duties and taxes on imports during August Financial Year (FY) 2017-18. According to details given by Shahid Jan, Deputy Collector, Air Freight Unit, Islamabad, the revenue collection system has become progressive against the revenue performance of the corresponding financial years. During the past financial years, the AFU Islamabad has been earning less revenue due to implementation of the Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with different countries. Deputy Collector AFU told CT that, due to FTA between Pakistan and various countries, there has been a significant impact on the amount of import trade between the countries.

Court issues NBW of suspects booked in donkey hides smuggling case

Wednesday September 13, 2017

National

Customs Appellate Tribunal set aside order passed by Adjudication

KARACHI

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

ustoms Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has issued non-bailable warrants against absconding accused persons Muhammad Farooq and Muhammad Rafique alias Rafi and others, who attempted to smuggle donkey hides from Lahore to Karachi worth Rs 124,650, 000. The hides were to be smuggled to China. According to the prosecution, local police recovered 4,986 donkey hides which were stuﬀed in 642 bags. The operation took place at a shop located in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Block-12 and arrested a Chinese citizen Tu-Zhong Xiao, Syed Ehtisham Zaidi, Muhammad Faisal Bhutto, Muhammad Jumman, Zeeshan Jan, Daniyal Rah-

man, Afshan wife of Ehtisham and absconders accused Muhammad Bilal, Muhammad Farooq and Muhammad Rafique alias Rafi. After formalities, police handed over them to the customs department for FIR and further investigation. During the investigation, it was revealed that the hides were brought illegally from Lahore to Karachi to be smuggled to China. “There were about eight hides in one sack and one hide is sold for approximately Rs 25,000. As per interim challan, investigation officer informed the court that China is using donkey hides to produce medicine named Ejiao, which is useful in blood-related disease. The Ejiao is obtained from donkey’s Gilatin and owing to this reasons, China has become major importer of donkey hides. “A large numbers of donkey hides are being exported to China and often illegal methods are adopted to make more profits.

LAHORE

SAJID NAWAZ

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ustoms Appellate Tribunal has set aside order passed by the collector Customs (Appeals) in case Siled by the Assistant Collector of Customs, AFU, Lahore against M/s Kaleemullah and Company and Collector of Customs (Appeals). Member Judicial Bench-II Omer Arshed Hakeem heard the case in details, examining the arguments from both parties complainant and respondent and passed the order with remarks that impugned instruments does not qualify for the exemption of customs duty and taxes under PCT Heading 9938 and correctly denied by the Deputy Collector, Customs Collectorate (Preventive), Lahore. As per details, M/s Kaleemullah and Company imported consignment of Endosurgery and Endoscopy equipment and wrongly avail the beneSits of SRO 9938. The consignment was examined by the customs staff and was denied the beneSits of PCT Heading. Being aggrieved from the assess-

ment order, M/s Kaleemullah and Company Siled the case before the learned Collector of Customs (Appeals) who heard the case in details with arguments, accepted the appeal and modiSied the assessment order by the customs authority. Being aggrieved from other,

customs department challenged the order of the collector before the Customs Appellate Tribunal. During the proceedings the counsel for the complainant produced the evidences before the court and appeal to declare null and void the order passed by the collector of

Customs. On the other side, complainant has denied all allegations and appeal for the rejection of appeal. After hearing the arguments from both sides, Customs Appellate Tribunal set aside the impugned order and accepts customs appeal.

SHC calls comments on plea filed by Global Trade Link KARACHI

M B RANA

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) sought comments from customs authorities on a constitutional petition Siled by M/s Global Trade Link challenging the impugned Valuation Ruling No: 863/2016 enhancing the valuing on toilet soaps. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, was hearing the petition. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is lawfully engaged in the business of toilet soaps and imports toilet soaps from various countries around the world. However petitioner is seriously aggrieved and prejudiced by the illegal and mala Side action of the Director of Valuation and Directorate General of Valuation Department who enhanced

the valuing on toilet soap in respect of the impugned Valuation Ruling No: 863/2016 dated 02/06/2016 which is a complete ignorance of the factual and legal narrations. Citing to Sectary Revenue Divi-

sion, Collector of Customs Appraisement East, Collector of Customs Appraisement West, Directorate of Valuation and Directorate General of Valuation as respondents, he pleaded with the court to

kindly declare the act of the customs officials as illegal, mala fide and arbitrary. The counsel for the petitioner also pleaded with the court to kindly set aside the impugned valuation ruling.

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Faiz Ali assumes charge as Additional Collector in Peshawar Wednesday September 13, 2017

National Shalra Khan takes charge as Additional Director of PCA

ISLAMABAD: Faiz Ali, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-19, has assumed charge as Additional Collector. The officer, pursing the Board’s Notification No.2242-C-I/2017 dated 18.08.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate, Sialkot with effect from August 22 and took charge of the post of Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate, Peshawar on August 28.

Saima assumes charge as Addl Director of Abbottabad Internal Audit-IR

ISLAMABAD

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ISLAMABAD

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halra Khan, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-19, has taken charge as Additional Director, Directorate General of Post Clearance Audit, Islamabad. Shalra Khan, pursing the Board’s Notification No.2242-C-I/2017 dated 18.08.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate, Islamabad with effect from August 25 and assumed charge of the post of Additional Director, Directorate General of Post Clearance Audit, Islamabad on the same date. Meanwhile, Muhammad Ismail, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-19, has relinquished the charge as Additional Collector. The officer, in pursuance of Board’s Notification No.2242-C-I/2017 dated 18.08.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Additional Collector at Model Customs Collectorate, Multan with effect from August 25.

Member (HRM) Nasir Masroor to retire on Sept 23 asir Masroor Ahmad Pakistan Customs Service officer BS-22, is going to retire from the government service on attaining the age of superannuation. Nasir Masroor, presently posted as Member (HRM) at Federal Board of Revenue (HQ), Islamabad, will stand retired from the government service with effect from September 23, 2017 He took charge as Member (HRM) on July 31, 2017 after relinquishing the charge of the post of Member (SPR&S), FBR (HQ), Islamabad on the same date. He was made Member (SPR&S) on Feb 24, 2017 when he was doing job as Member (Customs). He was promoted to BS-22 with effect from February 20, 2017. –CB Report

aima Ijaz, an Inland Revenue Service officer, has assumed the charge as Additional Director, Additional Directorate of Internal Audit, Abbottabad on her promotion to BS-19. The officer, in pursuance of Board’s Notification No. 2459-IRI/2017, dated 31.08.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Deputy Commissioner-IR (BS-18), Regional Tax Office, Abbottabad with effect from August 31. Meanwhile, Performance allowance in respect of Agha Saeed Ahmed, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-19, has been restored. The performance allowance

(equivalent to 100 per cent of basic pay) in respect of Agha Saeed Ahmed, the then Secretary, Federal

Board of Revenue (HQ), Islamabad, presently posted as Additional Collector, Model Customs

Collectorate (Appraisement-West), Karachi, has been restored with effect from July 10, 2017.

Customs Preventive foils bid to smuggle 2kg gold from Lahore Airport T

LAHORE

M HAYAT

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he Collectorate of Customs Preventive has foiled a bid to smuggle gold worth Rs 40 million at Allama Iqbal International Airport. As per details, the customs authorities searched a passenger who was coming from Manchester to Lahore. The sources said that the customs authorities searched the passenger identiSied as Imran and recovered two kilograms of gold from him. The customs authorities arrested the suspect after impounding the gold worth Rs 40 million. It was said that searched operation was carried out under the supervision of deputy collector Customs Preventive. The customs authorities told that an FIR has been lodged and the arrested accused will be produced before the

court on Monday (today). It is necessary to mention here that Customs Preventive teams which are performing their re-

sponsibilities at airport enhanced their monitoring process to foil any attempt of smuggling. Sources told due to strict meas-

ures adopted by Customs Preventive there is marginable decrease is being witnessed in smuggling attempts.

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Govt facilitating exporters to enhance exports ISLAMABAD: The government has taken concrete measures to facilitate the exporters to enhance exports. A spokesperson of the commerce ministry said the export package of Rs.180 billion for business community to increase exports is applicable till June 30 next year, Radio Pakistan reported. He said under the package, incentives for current ﬁscal year would be available to those exporters who would achieve 10 percent increase in annual exports. He said the Rs.107.5 billion out of annual allocation have also been made for textile sector. The spokesman said Rs.12.5 billion have been allocated for duty drawbacks on non-textiles exports.

ADB recognises 2 Pakistani banks among 20 others in TFP awards HYDERABAD

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he Asian Development Bank (ADB) recognized two Pakistani banks among 20 others in its third annual Trade Finance Programme (TFP) Awards, said a statement issued by the ADB. The TFP Awards recognised Pakistani Bank “Bank Al Habib Limited” among 17 other leading partner banks from 17 countries. In addition, TFP introduced new award categories, including Trade Deal of the Year, Best SME Trade Deal, Most Progressive Bank on Gender Strategy, and Supply Chain Finance Partner of the Year. The Best SME Trade Deal award was given to another Pakistani bank “Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited”. “Without our partner banks, ADB’s Trade Finance Pro-

gramme would not close over $3 billion a year in trade finance market gaps,” said Steven Beck, Head of Trade Finance at ADB. “These awards are a great opportunity to recognise and thank our partners for the work they do to provide finance to companies, which helps create growth and jobs”. The TFP Awards and Partners Dinner was held on the first day of the Global Trade Review’s annual conference in Singapore – GTR Asia Trade and Treasury Week 2017 – considered one of the most attended trade finance conferences in Asia. During the, ADB launched its 2017 Trade Finance Gaps, Growth, and Jobs study, which quantifies global market gaps for trade finance and their impact on growth and jobs. TFP provides guarantees and loans to over 200 partner banks to support trade. Backed by ADB’s AAA credit rating, the programme works with over 200 partner banks to provide companies with the financial support they need to engage in import and export activities.

National

Jacobabad ASO confiscates 5,150 sacks of smuggled power cables for CPUs

MOL starts ‘Gravity Sruvey’ in NWA, produces Rs 380b oil, gas from KPK ISLAMABAD

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he MOL Pakistan has started ‘Gravity Survey’ to assess hydrocarbon deposits in Tal block of North Waziristan Agency (NWA) of Federally Administered Tribal Areas. “Besides it is planning to conduct drilling in the Biland Khel area under the same block,” oﬃcial sources said. They said the company had produced around 735,048 mmscf natural gas, 30,305,796 stb crude oil, 223,340 mt LPG from its different operational fields of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) amounting to around Rs 380 billion during the past 11 years. The company has produced 511,087 mmscf (millions of standard cubic feet) gas, 22,337,261 stb (a barrel volume of a fluid at standard (stock tank conditions) crude/condensate and 161,430 mt (metric ton) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from the Karak district of KPK from year 2005 to 2015, the sources added. From the Kohat district, it tapped 110,681 mmscf gas, 4,298,705 crude oil and 34,416 mt LPG, whereas the Hangu district’s production stood at 113,280 mmscf gas, 3,669,830 crude oil and 27,494 mt LPG during the same period.

HYDERABAD

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he Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO), Larkana-Jacobabad checkpost, has seized nonduty-paid 5,150 sacks of smuggled power cables for CPUs. The market value of the item is Rs630000 involving customs duties and taxes of Rs292320 in an action. Following the directions of Model Customs Collectorate Collector Akhlaq Ahmad Khattaq, the ASO team is executing various operations in the region to foil smuggling attempts. Sources told Customs Today that Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO), Larkana Customs Preventive, received a tip-off regarding the smuggling bids. The ASO authorities constituted a raiding team, comprising In-Charge chekpost Aziz Katpar, Inspectors Agha Nazeer, Ray Abro, Nasrualha Gilal, sepoys and a driver, to carry out operations against the smugglings. The party intercepted a vehicle of a transport company near Jacobabad and recovered said power cable for CPU. Prior to the recovery of the abovementioned item, the raiding team asked the driver to pro-

Wednesday September 13, 2017

duce the legal documents of the import of above said article, but he failed to do so. A case was registered and an investigation also started. The ASO deposited the impounded item into Sukkur-Larkana division State Warehouse. Talking with Customs Today, cus-

toms ofSicers said the Hyderabad Customs showed brilliant performances regarding the anti-smugglings during said period. OfSicials said all possible steps are being taken to prevent the smugglings in the region as vigilance has also been enhanced.

‘Govt working on new initiatives to boost exports’

KARACHI

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ederal Secretary for Commerce Muhammad Younas Dagha on Wednesday assured exporters that the government was working on various new initiatives for promoting exports that include to extend maximum facilities and incentives to them. The Ministry of Commerce was also pursuing for the payment of refunds to exporters, he said. Commerce Secretary was speaking at an interactive session with representatives of textile exporters associations here at Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Ex-

porters Association (PHMA) House here. Prominent exporters were Chairman, Council of Pakistan Textile Associations, Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, Chairman, Pakistan Apparel Forum, Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Chairman, Pakistan Knitwear Association, RaSiq Godel and a leading exporter Junaid Makda. Muhammad Younas Dagha informed that Ministry of Commerce had planned to launch “Brand Pakistan” programme throughout the world before the mega event of “ Expo Pakistan” schedule to be held in Karachi in November 2017. He urged the private sector to focus on research and development

along with enhancing the production capacity of industrial workers. This would make the private sector competitive in the regional and international markets. He maintained that high cost of doing business in the country was one of the reasons for low exports. “We are much behind in innovations and rate of value-addition is very low. Our workers are not educated and properly trained to give better production for cutting the per unit cost. High tariffs and duties cannot be held sole responsible for low exports,” the Secretary asserted. He acknowledged that textile industry had major share in the country’s ex-

ports and that more efforts were needed to strengthen this potential sector. He said 11 billion rupees combined efSluent treatment plant, to be set up in Karachi, had been approved by Planning and Development Commission. To a query, he said the government was considering to review its policy on wheat and sugar to ensure the balance in the food security of the country and the scale of exports. The exporters’ representatives briefed the Secretary on the issues in trade, especially the exports. They assured their full support towards all positive government steps for promoting trade and industry in the country.

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World Customs

Bangladesh looking for rice imports from Myanmar

DHAKA: Bangladesh is looking to import rice from Myanmar to tide over an impending food crisis caused by devastation of croplands by ﬂoods. A Bangladesh diplomat in Yangon told Mizzima that his country was looking at importing anything between 100,000 to 300,000 Metric tonnes of rice from Myanmar. “Depending on what Myanmar is capable of selling us, we would like to expedite these imports,” said Hasan Khaled Foisal, Commercial Counsellor of Bangladesh embassy in Yangon. He told Mizzima that the recent devastating ﬂoods in Bangladesh, that has killed nearly 60 people in 13 districts, has caused huge damage to croplands.

Wednesday September 13, 2017

Singapore seizes smuggled cigarettes from Malaysian truck

UK oil and gas deals approach $6b in 2017 LONDON

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SINGAPORE

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he Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) seized 3,000 cartons of dutyunpaid cigarettes at the Woodlands checkpoint from a Malaysia-registered truck early Thursday. The ICA said in a statement that during the course of checks, the cigarettes were found concealed among the consignment declared to contain assorted biscuits. The driver, a 33-year-old Malaysian man, the cigarettes and truck were handed over to Singapore Customs for investigation, it said. The vehicle used in the commission of such offences is liable to be forfeited. The total duty and Goods and Services Tax evaded amounted to about S$232,800 (RM733,3420) and S$17,250 (RM54,337) respectively, the ICA said. Meanwhile, Singapore energy, resources and health care

Two Bangladeshi banks win ADB’s TFP award wo Bangladeshi banks-DutchBangla Bank Limited and BRAC Bank Limited-are among the winners of the third annual Trade Finance Program (TFP) Awards announced by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The ADB announced the winners of its third annual TFP Awards at a dinner held on Tuesday in Singapore where more than 150 guests from banks and other financial institutions around the world attended the event, according to a media release. The TFP Awards recognized 18 leading partner banks from 17 countries. Dutch-Bangla Bank Limited has been recognized as Leading Partner Bank in Bangladesh. In addition, TFP introduced new award categories, including Trade Deal of the Year, Best SME Trade Deal, Most Progressive Bank on Gender Strategy, and Supply Chain Finance Partner of the Year. –CB Report

company New Silkroutes Group 2017 Siscal full-year net loss narrowed to $2.0 million compared with $3.3 million a year ago thanks to revenue from its oil-trading division, it said in an exchange Siling Tuesday. Consolidated revenue for the full year ended Jun. 30 was $433.0 million compared with $54.3 million, it said. The company’s wholly owned International Energy Group contributed $1.6 million toward net

proSit and $432.3 million toward total revenue, the statement said. In the year-ago period International Energy contributed $100,000 to net proSit and $49.6 million to revenue. “We will step up efforts to develop our private wealth-management business and investment practice group focusing on products and solutions for the energy and health care sectors,” Chief Executive Goh Jin Hian said in the statement.

UAE crude exports to Japan hit 21.642 million barrels

apan imported 21.642 million barrels of crude oil from the UAE in July 2017, statistics released by the Agency of Energy and Natural Resources in Tokyo, revealed. This accounts for 20.8 percent of Japan’s total crude imports for the same month, said a Wam news agency report citing the agency, an affiliate of the Japanese Ministry of Economy,Trade and Industry. Meanwhile, The UAE Food Bank

is set to extend its presence in two more locations in Dubai by October, having donated well over 52 tonnes of food through its first branch in the Emirate, Gulf News has learnt. The two new branches will open in Satwa and Muhaisnah by October, confirmed Khalid Mohammad Sherif Al Awadi, Dubai Municipality’s Assistant Director General for Health, Safety and Environment. –CB Report

round US$6 billion in M&A activity involving UK oil and gas companies has taken place during the Sirst half of 2017 – with more activity predicted for the remainder of the year and into 2018. Total’s acquisition of Maersk Oil & Gas A/S heads the list of deals involving North Sea assets, according to data supplied by analysts at Evaluate Energy in London. Assets changing hands and the increasing diversity in their ownership suggests that the UK Continental Shelf may start to beneSit from a badly needed investment boost, according to the Sindings of an annual economic report authored by Oil & Gas UK. “There are still serious issues facing our industry which has suffered heavy job losses since the oil price slump,” said Deirdre Michie,

CEO of Oil & Gas UK. “But we are hopeful that the tide is turning and expect employment levels to stabilise if activity picks up.” Meanwhile, UK house prices firmed last month amid constrained supply, according to the latest figures from Halifax. House price inflation as measured by Halifax´s House Price Index rose by 1.1% in August versus the 0.7% increase registered in July. The stronger monthly performance means the annual rate of house price growth increased to 2.6% in August versus 2.1% in the prior month. It takes the average UK house price to a record £222,293, just above the previous peak of £222,190 reached in December 2016. While UK interest rates remain at record lows, estate agents are also grappling with a lack of stock. Recent data from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) showed new instructions for home sales fell for the 17th consecutive month in July.

Hong Kong PMI falls to 49.7 in Aug

he Nikkei Hong Kong Purchasing Managers’ Index, or PMI, for August fell to 49.7 from July’s 51.3, showing a worsening business conditions for the Sirst time since March. A reading above 50 indicates economic expansion, while a reading below 50 points toward contraction. “Hong Kong’s private sector lost some momentum amid a slowing in Chinese demand for its goods and services,” said Bernard Aw, a principal economist at IHS Markit, which compiles the PMI survey. “Anecdotal evidence suggested that limited output linked to

China’s environmental protection laws may have affected supply chains,” Aw added. Meanwhile, The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has asked banks in the city for details of their loans to HNA Group and Dalian Wanda, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. Lenders were required to submit a survey to the city’s de facto central bank providing information such as total credit extended and outstanding loans to the two companies, said the people. Checks on lending to Chinese conglomerates were stepped up in recent weeks, one of the people said. –CB Report

US import surge in July belies fall slowdown forecast

WASHINGTON

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n unexpected surge in imports in July will take some of the steam out of peak-season volumes this autumn, although 2017 will still be a record year for US imports, according to the Global Port Tracker published by the National

Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates. “Consumers are buying more, and retailers are scrambling to import more merchandise to keep up with the demand,” said Jonathan Gold, vice president for supply chain and customs policy at the NRF. Weekly changes in the spot rate in the eastbound PaciSic conSirm that July was a busy month for imports from Asia. The cost to ship

a 40-foot container from Shanghai to the East Coast peaked in late July at $2,685. The West Coast rate peaked at $1,687 per FEU, according to the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index published under the Market Data Hub on JOC.com. Spot rates then edged lower each week for the past Sive weeks, to $2,231 per FEU to the East Coast and $1,473 to the West Coast this week.

This indicates that import volumes were not enough to Sill up the vessels leaving Asia and give carriers the leverage they needed to increase their rates. Also, although some carriers in the eastbound PaciSic announced their intention to implement general rate increases on August 1 and September 1, those increases “failed miserably,” according to Alphaliner.

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Shipping activity at Port Qasim KARACHI: Four ships M.V Ru Yi Yong, M.T MR Oresrles, M.T Thomson Gas and M.T M YM Miranda carrying project cargo, palm oil, LPG and chemicals took berths at Multi Purpose Terminal, Liquid Cargo Terminal, SSGC Terminal and Engro Vopak Terminal respectively on Wednesday. Meanwhile two more ships, gas carrier Maran Gas Asclepius and Bulk cargo carrier Tzou-Maz also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. Berth occupancy was observed at the port at 65% on Wednesday where a total of eleven ships namely, ALP Miami, Express Makalu, C.V Narmada, Porthos, Ru Yi Song, Sky Globe, Iris-II YM Miranda, Thomson Gas, MR Oresrles and Karachi were occupied at PQA berths to load/oﬄoad containers, general cargo, coal, soya bean seeds, chemicals, LPG, palm oil and furnace oil respectively during last 24 hours.

Five ships take berth at Port Qasim ive ships C.V CMA CGM Maupassand, M,T King Craft, M.T Khor Gas, M.T Maran Gas Asclepius and M.T Athina carrying containers, LPG, LNG and Furnace oil were arranged berthing at Qasim International Container Terminal, SSGC Terminal, Engro Vopak Terminal, Engro Elengy Terminal and FOTCO Oil Terminal respectively during last 24 hours, said a report issued by Port Qasim Authority (PQA) here on Friday. Meanwhile two more ships, RORO carrier Alliance Narfolk and Container Vessel Tucapel also arrive at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. Berth occupancy was observed at the port at 70% on Thursday where a total of thirteen ships namely, CMA CGM Maupassand, CMG CGM Narmada, APL Miami, Porthos, Ru Yi Song, Sky Globe, Iris-II, King Craft, M.T Khor Gas, Tomson Gas, M.T Maran Gas Asclepius, MR Orestes and Athina

were occupied at PQA berths to load/oﬄoad Containers, General Cargo, Coal, Soya Bean Seeds, Chemicals, LPG, Palm oil and Furnace oil respectively. Cargo throughput during last 24 hours stood at 160,948 tonnes, comprising 132,562 tonnes import cargo and 28,386 tonnes export cargo inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 2,286 containers (TEUs), 792 TEUs imports and 1,494 TEUs exports was handled at the port. Gas carrier Khor Gas and Edible oil carrier MR Orestes are expected to sail on Friday in the afternoon. Two Container Vessels Tucapel and Maersk Izmir are expected to take berths at berth # 5 and 9 of Container Terminal respectively on Friday, while three more ships APL Japan, APL Hawall and Jonathan Swift are due to arrive at PQ. –CB Report

Ports & Shipping

Port Aransas mayor announces system to get back into city

Port of Galveston closes as Harvey Strengthens to Hurricane arvey has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane, forcing mandatory evacuations in parts of Texas and the closure of the Port of Galveston. Gale force winds are expected to reach Galveston within 24 hours, and the port remains closed to all vessel traffic and commercial activities, a port representative tells Travel Agent. According to the latest forecast from Accuweather, Harvey has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane with 80 mph winds. Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for parts of Texas, including Rockport, Calhoun County, Port Aransas, and San Patricio County. The storm could become a Category 3 hurricane by the time it makes landfall, and it is forecast to bring dangerous flooding to southern and eastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana from Friday into early next week, with up to two feet of rain possible at the local level. –CB Report

PORT ARANSAS

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here is major structural damage and downed utilities across the barrier-island city of Port Aransas, which is preventing the free Slow of people in and out of the area, its mayor said. “This is a major catastrophe,” said Mayor Charles Bujan. During a news brieSing Sunday, Aug. 27, the mayor reported rescuers responded to some people with minor injuries, some more serious than others. There is no known loss of life, he added. In the coming hours and days, city ofSicials will establish a system to allow residents to check their property. A checkpoint system is being considered, where people with a Port Aransas drivers license or homestead exemption can enter. No one under the age of 18 will be allowed into the city. People can check in as early as 9 a.m. but must check out by 6 p.m. Most buildings suffered some sort of major dam-

Wednesday September 13, 2017

age, with many losing their roofs. Several mobile homes and RV vehicles Slipped as well. The city has no power, sewer nor electrical service, Bujan said. Meanwhile, The Port of Galveston has been closed to all marine trafSic until further notice due to conditions from Harvey. The port is expected to remain closed until weather permits access and a port assessment has been completed. This is expected to happen no sooner than Tuesday, and possibly

later. Both Carnival Freedom and Carnival Valor made a stop in New Orleans Saturday to replenish supplies and provide guests the option to disembark the ships. Carnival Breeze departed Cozumel Saturday afternoon after an extra night in port and will make a brief stop in New Orleans Monday to replenish supplies. Guests will also be given the option to terminate their cruise and disembark at that point.

Nigeria targets compliance to port facilities code ABUJA

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he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Monday says it is targeting a 100 per cent compliance to the international port facilities standard. Dr Dakuku Peterside, NIMASA Director-General, stated this at the opening of a Sive-day training programme organised by NIMASA and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in Lagos. He said that NIMASA has also provided safe and secured ports for the conduct of maritime and economic activities as part of efforts to achieve the feat. Peterside, who was represented by the Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Service, Mr Gambo Ahmed, said that the training would acquaint participants on best practices in the maritime sector administration.

“The Agency has steadily increased its compliance level among International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code applicable facilities. “Our officers have also been able to guide compliance and boost awareness levels in the maritime security environment. “We do not wish to rest on our laurels as the zeal to acquire 100 per cent compliance in all port facilities can only be achieved if the officers are technically equipped and updated on international standards required for ISPS Code implementation,’’ Peterside said. He said that the giant strides achieved in ISPS Code implementation in Nigeria and the support of the IMO had played an integral role in achieving this feat. In his address, the NIMASA Executive Director of Operations, Mr Rotimi Fashakin, said that the training was a direct outcome of the IMO Need Assessment conducted in Jan-

uary 2016. Fashakin said that between that time and now, a high standard of implementation of ISPS code was observed and commenced by the agency. He said that NIMASA has already achieved 90 per cent compliance levels among ISPS applicable port facilities in Nigeria. ”When consideration is taken, we speak here of 123 port facilities and one may begin to appreciate our achievement under very tight budgetary condition. “To sustain the positive trajectory of the process, the IMO recommends additional training for key NIMASA personnel and stakeholders in the implementation of the provisions of the code. “As experts in the ISPS Code, most of us are undoubtedly aware that the philosophy of the code is not merely the establishment of common security standard for ships and port facilities around the world. “The entertainment of a

system that is self-sustaining and self-examined is part of it. “This is the idea behind the regular drill and exercise that are mandatory for ships and ports facilities with a view to testing the integrity of the system,’’ Fashakin said. The Lead Consultant of IMO, Mr Brian Cranmer, commended NIMASA for its great achievements of ISPS compliance, saying that there was no country under IMO that was 100 per cent compliant. He therefore advised Nigeria not to relent in the implementation of ISPS code. “The aim of the workshop is to equip participants with the necessary skill and knowledge in planning and execution of maritime security drill and exercise. “Threats and terrorism are part of the risk faced by the transport and shipping Industry. “ISPS Code is a sound sense and a good business approach to reduce terrorism,’’ Cranmer said.

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IRSA releases 237,900 cusecs water MULTAN: Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture (MNSUA) arranged a seminar on the importance of tax culture in society and filing of tax returns. Teachers, university employees and students attended the event in large numbers. Deputy Treasurer Muhammad Asif Nawaz delivered a lecture on the importance of paying taxes and benefits of filing tax returns. The participants were educated about online filing of returns. Dean Faculty of Agriculture Professor Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed Rajwana, Registrar Jamia Rafique Ahmed Farooqi, Director External Linkage Prof Dr Shafqat Saeed, Dr Ammar Matloob, Ms Robina Ahmed and others also attended the seminar.

Wednesday September 13, 2017

Business

Malik lauds IPO-Pakistan’s performance ISLAMABAD

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ederal Minister for Commerce, Muhammad Pervaiz Malik has lauded the role of Intellectual Property Organization (IPO-Pakistan) in protecting the intellectual property rights and adopting pro-active approach. He appreciated the IPO role for putting Pakistan on the intellectual property map of the world as a compliant and responsible country. The minister expressed these views during his maiden visit to the IPO-Pakistan headquarters on Monday. The minister was welcomed by Chairman IPO-Pakistan, Shahid

Gold import jumps 65 percent FAISALABAD

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Rashid and Director General, Muhammad Irfan Tarar. While addressing the ofSicers, the minister expressed pleasure over the element that IPO-Pakistan had expert and highly trained team which was

Mamnoon Hussain invites Bosnian investors to Pakistan

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he import of gold into the country surged by 65.43 percent during the month of July 2017 compared to the same month of the last year. Pakistan imported gold worth $2.096 million in July 2017 compared to the imports of $1.267 million in July 2016, showing growth of 65.43 percent, according to latest trade data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). On monthon-month basis, the import of yellow metal increased by 177.98 percent in July 2017.

materializing the goal of an IP based Nation into reality with their combined efforts. Commenting on the upcoming ECO meeting in Pakistan, the Minister assured that the government would extend every kind of support to

IPO-Pakistan for its successful commencement, adding that it would not only improve IPO-Pakistan’s image abroad but also develop the soft image of being an IP abiding nation among other countries. Pervaiz Malik directed to focus on the training of the staff for their capacity building and said that there is a need to create more awareness among masses about IPO and its functioning. The Minister lauded the IPO-Pakistan for being selfgenerating department which was not only meeting its own expenditures but contributing to the national kitty as well. Earlier, Chairman IPO-Pakistan,Shahid Rashid apprised the Minister about the working mechanism of the organization and said that due to absence of service rules and dearth of ofSicers the work of IPO-Pakistan was being effected.

ASTANA

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resident Mamnoon Hussain on Sunday invited the businessmen and investors from Bosnia and Herzegovina to invest their capital in Pakistan as both the countries agreed to launch joint economic projects. During a meeting between President Mamnoon and Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bakir Izetbegovic, on the sidelines of the first

summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Science and Technology here in Kazakh capital, both the countries agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in multiple spheres. Bakir Izetbegovic expressed his pleasure over the formation of a parliamentary friendship group for Bosnia in Senate of Pakistan. The two sides agreed to enhance the bilateral trade and withdrawal of double taxation system. It was agreed that the experts from both sides would finalise the proposals to launch

joint projects. The president offered that Pakistan could impart training to the Bosnian people in banking and education. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture and technology. President Mamnoon said Pakistan kept its Bosnian ties at high esteem and in return Izetbegovic said Bosnian people love Pakistan. Both the leaders unanimously hoped that the ties between Pakistan and Bosnia would continue for generations to come.

Saba refutes news about her house getting sealed LAHORE

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akistani star Saba Qamar, who is currently playing the lead role in Qandeel Baloch’s biopic Baaghi, took to Instagram to put rumours to rest. Rumour has it that actors Saba and Noor’s houses have been sealed in Lahore due to non-payment of taxes. However, Saba recently took to social media to respond to the news and put all rumours to rest. The Baaghi star wrote, “Well, I’m not in trouble. Recently, the news about my house being sealed has been circulating so let me take this opportunity to clear all these rumours based on nothing but lies. My house has not been sealed, neither has my bank account.” She further added, “I’m a tax filer. It is very disappointing that channels are circulating such news without finding out the truth. These channels have no credibility as they have been spreading such rumours. “Moreover, all these channels have been publicizing my home address without my permission and it is just disgusting how a person’s privacy can be disrespected like this. All I can understand at this moment is that one is not even safe in their own house.

NAB removes objections, submits references against Sharifs ISLAMABAD

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he National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Monday submitted the references against ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his sons, Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz, to the Islamabad’s Accountability Court after removing the objections raised by the court’s registrar ofSice on Septem-

ber 8. NAB has also Siled additional documents pertaining to London Slats along with the reference Siled under Section 18-G of the NAB Ordinance 1999. The NAB has based the references on the report of the six-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT), which probed the Panama Papers case on the order of the Supreme Court. Earlier, the registrar ofSice had raised objections over the references, stating that the references were incomplete. It had

returned the references and asked the NAB prosecution team to re-Sile the documents. On Thursday, the NAB’s executive board had given the approval to Sile the references. Meanwhile, a private TV channel reported that the registrar’s ofSice, where the process of scrutiny of the references against the Sharif family continues, has found errors in references pertaining to the Sharif family’s AvenSield apartments and Azizia Steel Mills.

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Russian earnings from oil jump 35% MOSCOW: The ﬁrst seven months of the year saw a 35 percent surge in Russian oil revenues compared to the same period last year, as prices remain stable, says data from the Russian customs. Through July, earnings reached over $53 billion. At the same time, revenues from oil exports to non-CIS countries grew to $50.23 billion, marking a 37.5 percent growth. Overall, crude exports amounted to 149.05 million tons, of which 138 million tons were shipped to non-CIS countries. Though Russia exported slightly less petroleum and other oil products, the country gained in monetary terms, selling over $34 billion worth of products, a 40.6 percent increase. Oil prices in the United States dipped slightly on Thursday over fears Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean could interrupt crude shipments in America.

Govt approves financial assistance for SMEs FAISALABAD

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Wednesday September 13, 2017

Chambers

US keen to cooperate with Pakistan in energy sector

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overnment of Pakistan has approved Certification Incentive Program (CIP) with an estimated cost of Rs75 million. Under this project financial assistance will be given to the SME sector to get certification for export purposes during the next 3 years. This was disclosed by Chaudhary Muhammad Ashraf Additional Secretary Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). He was addressing an awareness session on CIP in All Pakistan Bed sheets and Upholstery Association (APBUMA). The function was also addressed by Engineer Bilal Jameel Senior Vice Chairman (SVC), Taj-ud-Din Mansha Secretary General, Saheen Raja Project Manager, Imran Mehmood, Arif Ehsan

Malik, Farooq Khan, Muhammad Amaar Saeed, Mian Azhar Majeed and Zafar Iqbal Sarwar. Giving a detailed presentation on CIP, Saleem Raja Project Manager told that there are more than 2.3 million SME’s. These units have potential to contribute their role in national export but due to financial constraints they are handicapped to get costly certification which is a mandatory requirement of all developed importing countries. He said that under this project MoST will provide financial assistance from Rs. 1 to 4 lacs and for this purpose they have to just fill a form. Regarding PCSIR, he told that it is one of the biggest and most credible R&D organizations of Pakistan. Its ultimate objectives are to facilitate local industrial sector to resolve their technological problems.

ISLAMABAD

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illiam “Chip” Laitinen, Counselor for Economic Affairs at the US Embassy visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry along with his team and addressing the business community said that his country was keen to cooperate with Pakistan in energy sector. He said many US companies were interested to explore Pakistan for export of LNG and added that Pakistan could overcome its energy problem by developing close collaboration with USA. He said USA was one of the largest export destinations for Pakistan and bilateral trade between the two countries was improving. He said USAID was working in Pakistan to contribute for improving its economy and added that Pakistan has taken most advantages of US’s GSP scheme as its exports to USA were improving. He said US wanted continuous engagement with Pakistan for economic beneSit of both countries and added that people to people contacts were important to

realize these objectives. Speaking at the occasion, Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that Pakistan and USA have a broad and multi-faceted partnership in areas ranging from education to energy to trade and investment. However, bilateral trade between the two countries was still not up to their real potential. He stressed that private sectors of both countries should be given enhanced

role to improve trade relations. He said GSP scheme of US should be further extended for Pakistan. He said more Pakistani products should be given easy market access in USA so that Pakistan could improve its exports. He said Pakistan was an agricultural country and US should cooperate with it in upgrading its agriculture sector on modern lines. He said CPEC has created many new business prospects in Pakistan and US investors should explore possi-

Dubai DED, Ajman Chamber sign MoU DUBAI

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he Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI, and the Department of Economic Development in Dubai, DED Dubai, have reportedly signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster the cooperation and exchange of experiences on mobile payment solutions. The MoU was signed by Salem Al Suwaidi, director-general, ACCI, and Ali Ibrahim, acting director-general, DED Dubai, at the Chamber’s headquarters. According to a report by WAM, the two sides seek to adopt the mobile payment solution, EmPay. The solution also gives choice of distributed ledger technology (blockchain) in money transfers and settlement inside the ecosystem apart from its

regular merchant settlement offering. This helps to save a large part of the fees comparing to other payment methods. Al Suwaidi said, “Ajman Chamber is keen to cooperate with various government and private bodies to provide services meeting aspirations of its members and the business community in an efSicient work environment that translates guidance of the prudent leadership.” Ibrahim from Dubai DED, said, “Empay will set a benchmark in the region for mobile payment solutions. The product, which has been developed by mapping the common lifestyles and habits of people in the UAE, will make you experience the next level of reliability, convenience, security and speed in this era of cashless transactions.” Meanwhile, Dubai-based Noor Bank has laid off several dozen employees, banking sources told

Reuters, the latest lender to adjust to more subdued growth levels in the local Sinancial services sector. Although the number of jobs cut in the past few weeks was in the high double-digits, sources said the Sinal Sigure for the planned redundancies could be more than 200. The Islamic bank’s total workforce before the redundancies was around 1,200 to 1,500, the sources said. “The Bank has seen signiSicant growth over the past few years and following a robust evaluation, believes that now is the time to streamline its functions and align to a new operating model,” Noor said in a statement to Reuters in response to a request for comment on the redundancies. One of the sources said the redundancies were across the board, while another said “the corporate and investment banking units would not be affected”.

bilities of joint ventures and investment in this mega project. He said Pakistan was a potential market for pharmaceutical industry and emphasized that US should cooperate with Pakistan in establishing modern pharma research labs in our country. Khalid Malik, Senior Vice President, ICCI said that Pakistan and USA have good potential to enhance cooperation in many Sields and both countries should facilitate private sectors in trade promotion efforts.

5 members of WCCI executive committee elected unopposed he five members of executive committee of Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) were elected unopposed in the polls 2017-18 held here. Acting Election Commission and Chairperson WCCI Barkhana Liaquat through a notification issued here Wednesday said that Nasira Nomani and Rabilla Riyaz of Corporate Group were elected unopposed on two seats of corporate while Nuzhat Rauf, Salwah Yousafzai and Nasreen Aftab were also elected unopposed as associate members. The notification said that the election for the seats of President and Vice President of WCCI would be held on September 25 while the names of newly elected candidates would be announced in general body meeting to be held on September 28. –CB Report

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ASO confiscates 1020-Kg of foreign origin sofa cloths FAISALABAD: The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Sargodha has seized the foreign origin sofa cloths of diﬀerent colors worth Rs1.3million involving duties and taxes amounting to the tune of Rs323998. Deputy Collector Usman Tariq received a tip-oﬀ that smuggling items were being supplied from Lahore to Bannu via Sargodha on which he formed a team. The ASO reached the place pointed out by the informer and intercepted a Bedford truck with registration No: LES-17-3445 and found 1020-Kg of sofa cloths in rolls.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

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Hyderabad ASO confiscates 2,000 packs of various brands’ cigarettes KARACHI WAQAR AHMED ANSARI www.customsbulletin.com

he Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO), Customs Preventive Hyderabad, has seized the foreign origin 2,000 packs of different cigarettes worth Rs800000 during an action at Matari Tando Adam Road Hyderabad 16 days ago of August 2017-18. Following direction of Model Customs House Hyderabad Collector Akhlaq Ahmad Khattaq, the ASO team is carrying out various operations in the region to frustrate the smuggling attempts. Sources told Customs Today that Collector Hyderabad Akhlaq Ahmad Khattak received a tip-off regarding the smuggling attempt. He formed an ASO team comprising Superintendent Ghulam Ahmad Shabbir Phulpoto, Inspector Abdul Majeed Barich, Inspector Muhammad Iqbal Mughal, Inspector Muhammad Abid, Inspector Mushtaque Ali Lakho, Sepoys Siddiqui Ali Khaskheli, Nenomal, Ghulam Sarwar and, Driver and other staff. The ASO team intercepted a vehicle and conSiscated smuggling foreign origin cigarettes which also involved duties and taxes amounting to Rs1.2million.

ANF seizes Rs36m drugs, chemicals in 18 countrywide operations ISLAMABAD

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The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has recovered 17.22 kilograms of drugs and 700 kilograms of prohibited chemical worth Rs36 million in international market, while arrested 21 drug peddlers and seized six vehicles in 18 counternarcotics operations conducted across the country.

The arrested offenders also include seven drug suppliers involved in supply of drugs among the students of academic institutions as ANF’s special drive focusing on apprehension of elements involved in supplying drugs to educational institutions, a press release said. The recovered drugs comprised 14.5kg hashish, 1.7kg heroin, 700gram opium, 100gram Amphetamine and 20gram cocaine, while prohibited chemical includes 350kg acetic anhydride and 350kg suspected chemical. According to details, ANF Rawalpindi intercepted a Honda

Accord car near Monal Down Town, Murree Road, Saddar, Rawalpindi and recovered 400gram hashish from possession of an accused, Muhammad Adil Sohail, resident of Rawalpindi. As per preliminary reports, he was also involved in supply of drugs to the students of academic institutions. In another operation, ANF Rawalpindi intercepted a Honda car near Bahria Town, Islamabad and recovered 3.6kg hashish and 100gram Amphetamine during search of the car. A person on board identiSied as Syed Amir Ali Shah resident of Pe-

shawar was arrested on the spot. Yet in another operation, ANF Rawalpindi arrested Taimur Arslan resident of Rawalpindi along with 300gram hashish and 20gram Cocaine. He was arrested near Tehzeeb Bakers, Commercial Market. In fourth operation, ANF Rawalpindi intercepted a Toyota Corolla car near Sajnwali Bridge, Sanjwali, Attock and recovered 1.6kg hashish and700gram Opium during search of the vehicle. Two persons on board identiSied as Aamir Khan and Umer Hayat residents of Attock were arrested on the spot. ANF Lahore arrested Abdul Razaq, Qasim

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).

and Muhammad Baqir who were reportedly involved in distribution of drugs among the students of the educational institutions, recovering 500gram hashish which was found in their possession. They were arrested near Nawaz Sharif University, old Shujabad Road, Multan. In another operation, ANF Lahore recovered 200gram heroin by arresting a local drug peddler namely Imran Mehmood. He was arrested from Chak No 30 JB, Aminpur Bangla Road, Faisalabad. Yet in another operation, ANF Lahore recovered 500gram hashish from Riasat Ali resident of Faisalabad.