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ollector Customs Adjudication Saima Shahzad has issued Order-inAppeal No 217/2018 by declaring seizure of noncustoms paid goods as legal. According to the details, the staff of ASO intercepted a Mazda truck bearing registration no: E-5221 at Babu Sabu
Inerchange, Shera Kot loaded with two front cabins. The persons on the driving seat identiOied himself as Sadi Gul son of Noor Akbar. On query he provided a bilty bearing no: 199 dated 18.12.2017 issued by M/s Brothers Goods Transport Company, Islamabad showing transportation loose auto parts from Islamabad to Kasur with sender name nil and recipient name as Haji Salamat. On demand the above said driver or any other persons could
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not produce any documentary evidence in support of lawful possession of the above mentioned foreign origin cloth. After their failure ASO team seized the goods and after registering a case forwarded the case to Customs Adjudication for further proceedings. During proceedings of the case owner of the goods failed to provide any relevant legal documents regarding possession and transportation of the goods.
Customs ASO seizes Indian-origin tamarind near Kohala Road
Customs values of EPE liner/PE foam sheet & seal wade revised
FTO hears tax refund complaint filed against RTO-II
Every technique of smugglers will be thwarted: Dr Iftikhar Ahmed
Quetta Customs foils bid to smuggle 65,000 liters Iranian diesel
ASO intercepted a truck carrying Indianoriginhundredsofkgofsmuggledtamarind | See pAge 02 |
DGValuation has revised the customs value of EPE liner/PE foam sheet/ seal wads | See pAge 03 |
FTO summoned the parties with in a case filedbyproprietorofM/sR&AInternational | See pAge 04 |
Dr Iftikhar Ahmed has said that smuggling is not one-time but a continuous crime | See pAge 11 |
Customs foiled an attempt to smuggle 65,000 liters of smuggled Iranian diesel | See pAge 16 |
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FBR directs ďŹ eld formations to achieve 1Q revenue collection target Friday, September 28, 2018
Islamabad
RAWALPINDI: The custom oďŹƒcials took 21 luxury vehicles into their custody after a raid on a compound which is owned by former National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chief Saif-ur-Rehman on Monday night in Rawalpindi. According to the details, the vehicles were recovered from a compound of Redco Textile Mills located in Kallar Syedan area of Rawalpindi on the orders of Director General (DG) Customs Intelligence Shaukat Ali. At least 40 vehicles were present in the compound out of which 20 were shifted before the operation, media reported.
customs ASo seizes indian-origin tamarind near kohala road
readjustment of gST on raw material giving benefits to local industry ISLAMABAD
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he Senate Committee on Finance was briefed by Finance Minister Asad Umar that intention behind readjustment of customs and general sales tax (GST) on raw materials is to give benefits to the local industry. Senate Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue, and Economic Affairs in its meeting discussed the amendments in Customs Act 1969, Sales Tax Act 1990, Income Tax Ordinance 2001, as part of the Finance Supplementary (Amendment) Bill, 2018. The meeting was chaired by Senator Farooq Hamid Naek at the Parliament House on Monday and was attended among others by Senators Mohsin Aziz, Khanzada Khan, Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, Haroon Akhtar Khan, Musadiq Malik, Mushahidullah Khan, Muhammad Ateeq Sheikh and Talha Mehmood. The Senate Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue, and Economic Affairs was given briefing by Federal Board of Revenue regarding the amendments proposed in the finance bill. The committee members expressed concerns on proposing removal of bar on buying property and vehicles on non-filers.
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ustoms Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) on Monday intercepted a truck carrying Indian-origin hundreds of kilograms of smuggled tamarind (imli) which was being smuggled from Kashmir
to Rawalpindi. The worth of seized tamarind along with offending vehicle estimated at Rs3 million while a person was also arrested. Sources of Anti-Smuggling Organization told Customs Today that Collector ZulOiqar Ali Chaudhary, after receiving information of smuggling attempt, directed ASO staff to enhance vigilance. The ASO team made picket on Kohala Road. The
ASO team intercepted a vehicle bearing registration no: LR-3765 and recovered 6900 kilogram Indian-origin fresh tamarind. Sources said that after seizing 200 sacks of tamarind, the ASO staff asked the possessor/driver to provide the GDs or any other document which can establish that seized goods are not smuggled but the possessor failed to provide any proof against the
seized tamarind. After that the ASO seized the smuggled tamarind and brought it to State Warehouse for further action. Sources said that an FIR has been chronicle against the smuggler of tamarind and owner of the offending vehicle while one person has been arrested under Customs Act 1969. The case has been forwarded for further action to Investigation and Prosecution (I&P) department.
govt considering proposal to establish economics intelligence unit
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ISLAMABAD
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ederal government is reviewing a proposal to establish a Directorate General of Economics Intelligence Unit (EIU) in order to curb tax evasion and induct new people in tax net, it is learnt here. Official sources told Customs Today that establishment of Directorate General of EIU is a part of
the plan of restructuring Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). It is also under discussion to convert Directorate General of Broadening of Tax Base (BTB) into Directorate General of EIU which will be a special unit to directly report to chairman FBR, sources added. According to sources, the EIU will be headed by a Grade-21 officer while in first phase, four offices from Punjab, Sindh, KP and Balochistan provinces will be established where two directors, ad-
ditional directors, deputy directors and assistant directors will also be posted. However, other staff will be gradually posted in these offices, sources added. Sources further added that for increasing the tax net, reforms in service structure, digitalization of economy and integration of different departments are need of the hour and for this purpose, the government is planning to establish this special unit of Economics Intelligence Unit.
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M/s Agha Trade moves SHC against levy of additional tax on coal import KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to the customs department and deputy attorney general on a petition filed by M/s Agha Trade Private Limited against imposition of 3% additional tax on import of coal. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, heard the case. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner argued that petitioner is a regular importer of coal and always fulfills all the legal formalities and never involved in any criminal or tax evasion matter.
customs preventive seizes smuggled betel nuts worth rs16m
Friday September 28, 2018
Karachi
customs values of epe liner/pe foam sheet & seal wade revised
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ollectorate of Customs Preventive ASO crackdown against smuggling of contraband items specially the betel nuts gets momentum. According to the details, the staff of the Collectorate has busted another huge quantity of smuggled betel nuts consignment worth million or rupees. DC Customs Headquarters Muhammad Faisal reacting over the secret information regarding the smuggling of the contraband items, constituted a team to conduct a raid at the City railway station. Supervising the team of the Customs Preventive ASO, DC Customs Headquarters Muhammad Faisal directed to conduct a complete search of a luggage train at Karachi city station.
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court directs to arrest culprits involved in betel nuts smuggling KARACHI
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he Customs Court directed investigation officer of Customs Collectorate Preventive to arrest culprits who are booked in a case of attempting to smuggle nonduty-paid betel nuts, cigarettes and others contraband goods. Investigation Officer Iftikhar Hassan Khan submitted a new first information report (FIR) and informed that an actionable information was received to effect that a huge quantity of smuggled/non-duty paid foreign-origin cigarettes, gutka and betel nuts loaded in a railway wagon arrived from Multan for delivery through M/s Feroz Cargo Service & Goods Transport Company, Railway Dry Port, Berth, Karachi and likely to be removed from that wagon at any time for onward transportation.
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The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of EPE liner/PE foam sheet/ seal wads vide Valuation Ruling No 1327/2018 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969. According to the details, it was brought to the notice of this Directorate General that values of EPE liner/ seal wads are being declared to Customs at much lower values than the current international values. Verification by Directorate General Customs Valuation re-affirmed this stance. A reference was also received from Board’s vide letter C. No. 3(26)Tar-1/2017 dated 28-052018, regarding determination of customs values of EPE liner/ seal wads. Keeping in view the prevailing prices of the subject items, Directorate General Customs Valuation initiated an exercise for determination of the Customs values of EPE liner/ seal wads in terms of Section 25-A of the Customs Act, Stakeholders including importers and representatives from field formations on 31-07-2018 and 06-09-2018 to discussed the prices of the subject goods. The importers / stakeholders had been requested to submit invoices of imports during last three months showing customs value.
Websites, names and e-mail addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the item in question through which the actual current value can be ascertained. Copies of contracts made / LCs opened during the last three months showing the value of item in question. Copies of sales tax invoices issued during last four months showing the difference in price (excluding duty and taxes) to sub-
Directorate general customs Valuation initiated an exercise for determination of the customs values of epe liner/ seal wads in terms of Section 25-A of the customs Act.
Sindh govt recovers rs12.27b tax in three months
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rovincial Minister for Excise and Taxation & Narcotics Control Mukesh Kumar Chawla has said that Rs 12273.857 million have been recovered in terms of various taxes in the last three months. Presiding over a meeting in his ofOice, the minister informed that total Rs 12273.857 were recovered in Oirst three months of Oiscal year that in-
cluded 1178.313 as Motor Vehicle Tax, Rs 9409.767 million and Infrastructure Cess Tax. Besides, he added that Rs 106.455 million were recovered in professional tax, Rs 745.532 million were recovered in head of property tax, Rs 16 millions in Entertainment Duty while remaining amount was recovered in other taxes. Chawla reminded that in the same period during last Oinancial year Rs 10385.752 million were recovered hence more Rs 1888.105 were recovered than last year. BrieOing the meet-
ing, the minister told that he was satisOied over tax recovery position, however, he asked the ofOicers to pay more concentration over tax recovery. Chawla stressed that recovery target of the department should be met this time around also by ensuring more than 100 per cent target as the ministry did previous year. In the meeting Secretary Excise and Taxation & Narcotics Aijaz Ahmed Mahessar, Director Generals Shabbir Ahmed Shaikh, Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui and other ofOicers also attended the meeting.
stantiate their contentions. During the meetings the stakeholders agreed that some unscrupulous elements are declaring the unit value below the value of raw materials and contended that the customs values may be determined in the light of price trend in the international markets. The view point of all participants was heard in detail and considered to arrive at customs value of the subject goods.
pak rupee closes firm against dollar he Pakistani currency remained firm against the US dollar in interbank. As per the local money market, the dollar lost five paisas for buying at Rs125.20 and added 20 paisas for selling at Rs125.70 in open market. The dollar remained unchanged for buying at Rs 124.10 and for selling at Rs124.30 with no change against the rupee.
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Govt yet to release Rs1200 million funds for NAB Friday September 28, 2018
Lahore
ISLAMABAD: The government has yet to release Rs1200 million funds for the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). According to sources, the funds were capped during the previous government of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz since 2013. The performance of NAB is badly affecting due to stoppage of Recovery and Reward (R&R) fund of the NAB and also hardship allowance of NAB employees which have been capped in 2013 with effect from 2008 by former finance minister Ishaq Dar and his successor Miftah Ismail.
piAf-founders Alliance wins all seats of Lcci Associate class LAHORE
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he PIAF-Founders Alliance made clean sweep by winning all the 8 seats of LCCI Associate Class for year 2018-19. Total 4188 votes were polled out of 9783 while 94 votes were rejected due to technical reasons. PIAF-Founder Alliance got 2053 panel votes while the Businessmen Front got 1174 panel votes. Mian Muzaffar Ali, Sohail Lashari and Haroon Shafiq Chaudhry performed as elections commissioners. The final results will be announced on September 29 in scheduled Annual General Meeting while new office-bearers will assume their office from Oc-
Sc dismisses petition against transfer of Sharifs cases he Supreme Court dismissed a petition filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) challenging the Islamabad High Court’s order of transferring two corruption references against former premier Nawaz Sharif and members of his family to accountability court judge Mohammad Arshad Malik. A bench of the apex court dismissed the petition when a NAB lawyer informed it that the Bureau wanted to withdraw it. In the petition, the anti-graft watchdog has pleaded the apex court to set aside the IHC decision of transferring the pending corruption cases against the Sharif family from accountability court judge Muhammad Bashir to other court. Judge Muhammad Bashir had awarded 10-year imprisonment to Sharif, seven to his daughter Maryam Nawaz and one year to her spouse Safdar in the Avenfield case, one of the three references filed against the Sharif family by the bureau. –CB Report
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tober 01. Mian Zahid got 2545, Irfan Iqbal Sheikh 2625, Naseem ul Ghani 2534, Shahzad Aslam 2627, Haris Ateeq 2507, Atif Ikram 2533, Nisar Ahmed 2422, Muhammad Arshad Khan 2379, Muhammad Amjad Chaudhry 1617, Mian Javed Ali 1494, Raja Hassan Akhter 1499, Sh. Fazal Elahi 1521, Riaz Shahid 1486, Naveed Sadiq 1425, Syed Zahid Bukhari 1440, Muhammad Akram got 1365 votes. Meanwhile, The PIAFFounders Alliance made a clean sweep by winning all 7 seats of LCCI Corporate Class for year 2018-19. According to the results, 1423 votes were polled out of total 3114 votes while 15 votes were rejected due to technical reasons. PIAF-Founder Alliance got 822 panel votes while the Businessmen Front got 302 panel votes.
fTo hears tax refund complaint filed against rTo-ii LAHORE
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he Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) summoned the parties with evidences in a case Oiled by proprietor of M/s R&A International against the Regional Tax OfOice-II (RTO-II) Lahore on the next hearing. On 19.5.2018 FTO Advisor Muhammad Zahiruddin heard the case in which the counsel for the appellant argued that the CRTO has not released the refund to the appellant since last three years. He said the RTO-II has collected excessive tax from the company for the last three years. The company approached the ofOice concerned many times for release of refunds but the department did not pay it even after the passage of a reasonable time. Finally, the appellant decided to approach the FTO seeking
customs preventive recovers 725 nDp mobile phones from Hall road
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ollectorate of Customs Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) team detained 727 mobile phones from a car near Hall Road. Sources told Customs Today that on 24.9.2018, Additional Deputy Collector Tayyaba Kayani received credible information about smuggling of mobile phones. She immediately constituted anti-smuggling squad under supervision of Deputy Collector Muhammad Moazzam Raza and comprising Superintendent Agha Qadeer Haider, Inspectors Waheed Bhatti,
Nasir Saeed and Saleem Shahid. The ASO team started checking of vehicles and intercepted a car bearing registration no: ZS-957 ICT near Hall Road. During checking of vehicle, the ASO team recovered 725 non-duty paid mobile phones of assorted brands. The market value of seized mobile phones is Rs2 million while value of vehicle is around Rs2.5 million. Sources told that Customs Preventive ASO team registered a case while further investigations are still under process till the Oiling of this report. –CB Report
intervention in this case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to direct the RTO-II to clear the refund claims as early as possible. The counsel further said that the delay in release of refund puts the burden on the taxpayer, adding that the RTO should make audit of the case and release the extra amount collected by it from the taxpayer. On the other hand, counsel for the RTO argued that the appellant
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has not submitted all the record in the ofOice on which basis it is claiming for refund. If appellant provides the accurate record the RTO will release the refund amount, if any, after a proper assessment, he added. After hearing the arguments from both sides, the FTO adjourned the case until next date for further hearing and directed the parties to appear on the said date to present arguments in the case.
fiA arrests Shoaib in Axact fake degree case he Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested Chief Executive OfOicer (CEO) Axact Shoaib Sheikh, ofOicials. The sources said that Sheikh was arrested in connection with Axact fake degree mill case. He will be produced before a local court on Wednesday, they added. A senior ofOicial of the FIA also conOirmed Sheikh’s arrest. In July this year, Sheikh and 22 others were sentenced by a district and sessions court to 20 years in prison in total and Oined Rs1.3 million each in the case. Sheikh and others were sen-
tenced to three years each under sections 419 and 420 of Pakistan Penal Code, and Oined Rs0.3 million each. They were also sentenced to 7 years each under sections 468 and 471, and Oined Rs1 million each. All penalties will be applied together under section 382 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The court also acquitted three accused – Aisha Shoaib Sheikh, Col (R) Jamil Ahmed and Lt Col (R) Muhammad Younas – giving them beneOit of doubt. Failure to pay Oines under sections 419, 420 and 468 will lead to extension of six months in their jail term on each count.
LHc directs Anf to submit ephedrine quota report
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division bench of the Lahore High Court has directed the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) to submit a detailed report on the ephedrine quota case within two weeks. A two-member bench, comprising Justice Ibadur Rehman
Lodhi and Justice Shahid Jamil Khan, also attached Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader Hanif Abbasi’s appeal for the release on health basis with a case against the Anti-Narcotics Court verdict against him in the ephedrine quota case. The division bench also suspended the ANF new challan in this regard. Following the Anti-Narcotics Court decision, Hanif Abbasi had
challenged the court verdict against him in the Lahore High Court. In the application, Abbasi’s lawyer took a stance that the ANF police had registered a case against his client and others on July 21, 2012. The case was registered under the Narcotics Act. In the Oirst information report (FIR), the police had nominated Razia Zahid Bakhtawar, an associate of Hanif Abbasi, a former mem-
ber of the National Assembly. However, Razia was included in the list of witnesses and her name was removed from the FIR. The police, therefore, registered a case against seven persons, included Hanif Abbasi. Following the situation, Hanif Abbasi approached the court and conOirmed his bail before the arrest in the case and later appeared before an investigation team.
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hipping line Maersk, its subsidiary in Pakistan, M/S Maersk Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd and Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT) are blackmailing genuine importers through illegal holding & blocking of their imported goods for the sake of demanding additional demurrage and detention charges in violation of relevant customs laws. Importers have Oiled application to lodge FIR against this shipping line, its subsidiary and QICT under PPC 34, 407, 409, 420, 427, 506 and others so that these fraudsters are stopped to blackmail genuine importers by demanding ‘illegal’ additional charges. As per details, “importers, through their shipper/agents in China, handed the goods to Maersk shipping line as trust to be delivered and released here at QICT, Karachi. The Maersk shipping line nominated M/S Maersk Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd as their agents at Karachi for delivery of goods. Importers also long back paid in full to the shipping lines the ocean freight charges as agreed between the parties. But despite repeated reminders and visiting ofOice of M/S Maersk Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd and QICT, they did not release the goods yet”. Importers said Maersk shipping line and its subsidiary in Pakistan, M/S Maersk Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd are deliberately holding the containers for minting illegal money and robbing the importers. Importers told Customs Today, “they are suffering heavily daily due to non-availability of their goods, along with reputation loss & loss of cus-
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tomers, etc. and also the goods quality is deteriorating daily which leads to total loss very soon if the goods are not disposed in the markets”. Law under SRO 1220(I)/ 2015 explains that shipping companies cannot charge any demurrage and detention where speciOically it is not agreed and also speciOically not mentioned on the B/L (Bill of lading). Another section 14A of the Customs Act, 1969 says the importer cannot be forced to pay any demurrage or detention charges if Customs gives a certiOicate to importer called the ‘delay and detention certiOicate’. But despite this certiOicate, importers’ goods are held illegally to demand heavy amounts as demurrage. Soren Skou Importers said, “The actions of Maersk shipping line and its subsidiary in Pakistan, M/S Maersk Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd through its owners, management and staff including but not limited to Soren Skou, Claus V. Hammingsen, Soren Toft, Vincent Clercp, Morten H. Engelstoft, Arslan Khan, Gazanfar Khan, Raheem Saleem, Maqsoodul Hassan Khan, Fawad Khan, Hassan Faraz, Shakeel Masih, Umer Khan, Ali Jawad Alvi, Zafar Iqbal, Ayesha Chaudhry, Zahid Hussain, Salman Ahmad, Amir Ali, Amees Aziz Khan, Muhammad Naeem, Farheen Mahmood, Mubashir Iqbal, Yasmeen Fasih, Afaq Syed, Syed Muhammad Abbas Jafri, Muhammad Tanveer Sharif, Salman Attique, Hamza Haqq, Zyad Mahmood, Amir Ibrahim, Yasir Saeed Khan, Amal Sadiq Dawood, Captain M. A. Rahman, Iffat Mahmood, Maria Arooj, Zain Warsi, Yumna Nadeem, Mahreen ZulOiqar, Awais Saleem, Zafar Iqbal, Syed Usman Iqbal Zaidi, Anam Yaqoob, Fahad Ali, Ubaid Iqbal, Zahid Hussain,
Muhammad Ali Qureshi, Danish Qureshi, Amir Arif, Arshad Ayub, Syed Mudassir Ali, Syed Hammad Hussain, Ayesha Qadri, Sheikh Samiullah, Tanveer Hassan, others and of QICT through its owners, management and staff including but not limited to Sultan Ahmad Bin Suleman, Yuvraj Narayan, Deepak Parekh, Robert Woods, Abdulla Gobash, Mark Russel, Mohammad Saif Al Sowaidi, Nadia Abdulla Kamaili, Mohammad Al Moallem, Sohail Al Banna, Rizwan Somar, Rashid Abdullah, Mohammad Al Hashimy, Junaid Zameer and others, individually and jointly, tantamount to conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, mischief to cause losses, threatening, etc. which attract penal sections under PPC 34, 407, 409, 420, 427, 506, besides others.” Sultan Ahmad Bin Suleman Importers said they gave goods as trust (amaanat) to Maersk shipping line, M/S Maersk Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd and QICT. but their goods are held illegally to blackmail them to pay heavy amounts of charges and thus the Maersk shipping line, M/S Maersk Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd and QICT make good wealth through criminal means.
Arslan Khan, MD Maersk Pakistan Importers conOirmed that they have Oinally lodged application against Maersk shipping line, M/S Maersk Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd and QICT, and they are following up with the Bin Qasim police station on daily basis. The police ofOicials assured the applicants that soon they will lodge the FIR according to law and take necessary legal action against all the accused persons involved in the mega scandal.
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one step forward, two steps back
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rime Minister (PM) Imran Khan in his first speech after the July 25, 2018 elections had sent out a positive message to India regarding normalisation of relations through a resumption of the dialogue between the two countries that has been stalled since December 2015. He had said if India takes one step forward in this regard, Pakistan would take two. Perhaps in his zeal to see Pakistan and India engaging with each other, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi subsequently misread Indian PM Narendra Modi’s congratulatory message to Imran Khan as agreeing to reopen the dialogue. This was then refuted by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). In reply to Mr Modi’s message, PM Imran Khan wrote a letter to his Indian counterpart suggesting a meeting between the foreign ministers of both countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session and welcomed the possibility of PM Modi visiting Pakistan to attend the SAARC summit in Islamabad. What followed was clear but tinged with the colours of a comedy of errors. On the SAARC summit in Islamabad India unequivocally rejected the notion per se. On the foreign ministers’ meeting in New York, the MEA initially only felt it necessary to clarify that it was just a meeting, not a dialogue, and then backed out from it citing “unclean intentions” on Pakistan’s part. Indian media has reported that the post-haste cancellation of the New York meeting came in the wake of charges that pro-Pakistan elements were responsible for the killing of Indian security forces personnel and charged Pakistan with “glorifying terrorists”, a reference to the commemorative postage stamps carrying slain Kashmiri leader Burhanuddin Wani and others’ likenesses. In response to this flip-flop on India’s part, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had to respond to media questions by stating that Pakistan wanted a dignified dialogue and would be reluctant to follow up its offers of talks unless the other side signalled its willingness to come to the negotiations table. Pakistan-India relations resemble less a waltz and more a forwardbackward minuet. In response to PM Imran Khan’s generous offer of two steps for one, India has instead opted for one step forward, two steps back.
How human is the development? D LAHORE
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emocracy is by the people and for the people. People have a variety of needs. Governments have to fulOil all of them ideally, but practically economics is based on the dilemma of multiple ends and limited resources. The success of any nation, any government or any governing body is based on how judiciously and optimally these resources are used to achieve the many goals and objectives a government has the responsibility to undertake for the people of a country. While governments and economic managers struggle with allocating resources on many de-
velopment areas there is a clear distinction of how development is interpreted and approached in the developed versus underdeveloped world. The latest UNDP HDI report on the ranking of the countries on the human development index makes an interesting study. The top six countries in the list are all European: Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Germany, and Iceland. The countries with lowest HDI are all African Niger, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Chad, and Burundi. This list of the countries with high human development are countries that are in the developed world consistently and those with the lowest are countries where development is still just a wish list. This listing clearly speci-
Oies that those countries that are spending on their people are the most likely to be prosperous, peaceful and powerful. Germany in Europe has been leading the EU in terms of being a role model of economic health. Norway has been leading Europe in terms of providing welfare for their people. Sudan, Niger, Chad, etc., are countries that have not spent on human development and thus are far from prosperous and peaceful. The 2018 Human Development Index Report published yearly by UNDP ranks Pakistan 150th out of 187 countries in 2017 which means that Pakistan has slipped 3 ranks below its 147th ranking in 2016. This slippage is not only versus its own ranking but in regional ranking too. Pakistan has the lowest HDI ranking
in South Asia barring Afghanistan. The gap between values of HDI for India and Pakistan has increased to 0.078, while the gap between the HDI values for Pakistan and Bangladesh has increased to 0.046. The HDI value for the South Asian region stands at 0.638, which is 0.076 points above Pakistan’s HDI value of 0.562. The composite values of Human Development Index (HDI) integrate three basic dimensions of human development, which include life expectancy at birth reOlecting the ability to lead a long and healthy life, mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling reOlecting the ability to acquire knowledge, Gross National Income (GNI) per capita reOlecting the ability to achieve a decent standard of living.
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Customs Court sends suspected betel nuts smugglers to jail KARACHI: The Customs Court sent suspects namely Malook son of Khero, Muhammad Naeem son of Habibullah, Khan Bismillah Khan son of Muhammad Naeem Khan, Hayatullah son of Abdul Ghafar, Zainuddin son of Badin Khan and Saeed son of Gul Hassan, who were booked in a case of attempting to smuggle foreign origin betel nuts, cigarettes, cloths and gutka, to central jail on judicial remand. On September 26, 2018, Investigation Officer Manzoor Ahmed Mahar of Customs Preventive Sukkur produced the above-mentioned suspects before the court and informed that on an actionable information strict instructions of MCC Hyderabad issued to the department and in view of the closed coordination and joint operation with other law enforcement agencies on September 11, the team of ASO, Sukkur intercepted 6 trucks bearing registration nos: TKM-096, LOT-5682, TKF-617, TKJ-739, E7845 and TKD-954 loaded with smuggled foreign origin betel nuts, cigarettes, cloths and gutka.
SHc seeks reply on petition filed by M/s Zargham Haider construction (pvt) KARACHI
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he Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to the customs officials and deputy attorney general on a petition filed by M/s Zargham Haider Construction Private Limited for the release of its consignment of used road finisher (paver) 1704 in dismantled condition. While the hearing of petition, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi also directed them to file their para wise comments on next date of hearing. Order came on September 22, 2018, according to which, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is engaged in the lawful business of construction and engineering works and imported used road finisher (paver) 1704 in dismantled condition and filed Goods
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National
ASo foils another bid to smuggle betel nuts worth rs50m from city railway Station C
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ollectorate of Customs Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) gears up crackdown against smuggling of contraband items specially the betel nuts at rail routes. According to the details, authentic information was received by Collector Preventive Dr Iftikhar Ahmed regarding the smuggling of huge quantity of betel nuts worth millions of rupees through rail route. Deputy Collector Customs Headquarters Muhammad Faisal reacting over the secret information regarding the smuggling of the contraband items constituted a team and conducted two separate raids at the City Railway Station. The source informed Customs Today that on the arrival of a luggage train, the staff of the Customs Preventive’s ASO carried out thorough search and found a bogey full of betel nuts sacs. The source also informed that the recovered betel nuts were weighted to sixteen hundred kilograms along with six sacs of Indianorigin gutka and foreign cigarettes
worth millions of rupees were also recovered. The seized smuggled betel nuts, Indian gutka and foreignorigin cigarettes are worth Rs50 million approximately as per the market value in two separate raids in the wee hours at Karachi City railway station. During the initial in-
vestigation, it has also been revealed that the luggage train Bolan departed for Karachi from Lahore and the culprits were using rail route to avoid seizure, the source added. It is worth mentioning here that last week, the team of Customs Preventive’s ASO under the supervision
of Deputy Collector Customs Headquarters Muhammad Faisal reacted over different information received by the Collector Preventive Dr Iftikhar Ahmed and after the successful raids recovered huge quantity of smuggled betel nuts consignment from a train route.
court approves interim pre-arrest bail of MnA Aslam khan KARACHI
Declaration (GD) according with law. Counsel argued that when he was approached for release of its consignment, he was informed by customs officials that his consignment was seized due to violation of import policy and was issued a show-cause notice. Citing Secretary Revenue Division, Collector of Customs Collectorate Appraisement East and others as respondents, he pleaded the court to declare that act of the respondents as illegal, mala fide and restrain them from taking any adverse action against the petitioner. He also pleaded the court to release his consignment.
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he Customs Court granted interim pre-arrest bail to MNA Aslam Khan allies Aslam Singapuri, who was declared as proclaimed offender in a case of mis-declaration and evading the duty and taxes of Rs28.57 million to the national exchequer. On September 26, 2018, elected member national assembly Muhammad Aslam Khan appeared before the court along with his counsel who moved pre-arrest bail petition and argued that no information had been given by the customs ofOicials to his client regarding this case and he came to know through media reports, therefore, he is ready to face trail and appeared before the court for surrender and court may grant
him bail till Oinal order in this case. After the hearing, court granted him bail against the surety of Rs500,000 and directed him to appear before the court on next date of hearing. It needs to be pertained here that in general election 2018,
Aslam Khan elected from NA 254 Karachi known Azizabad (Nine Zero Area) on Pakistan Tehreek-Insaf ticket. According to the chargesheet, customs court framed charge on accused Muhammad Azam and Hameeddin on December 14, 1997
that “you along with absconding accused Muhammad Aslam Khan alias Aslam Singapuri, Muhammad Saleem Khan, Ch. Sajjad, Asif and Akhlaq Ahmed, in the year 1997 smuggled into Pakistan electronic goods worth Rs28.57 million in association with Pakistan Air Force personnel and under the garb of defence stores of Pakistan Air Force and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 156 (1) (8) (9) (89) and 14 read with Section 178 of the Customs Act, 1969 and within the Section 178 of the Customs Act, 1969.” Documents further revealed that on August 3, 2004 court announced judgment in this case and acquitted the abovementioned two suspects giving beneOit of doubt; however, the court issued non-bailable warrants for absconding suspects and Oiled was moved to ofOice.
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Four Customs officers retire Friday September 28, 2018
National ASo foils bid to smuggle huge quantity of betel nuts
ISLAMABAD: Four Pakistan Customs Service officers of BS 16-17 are going to retire or have retired from the government service on attaining the age of superannuation. Mirza Farhat Ali Baig, posted as Principal Appraiser (BS-17) at Model Customs Collectorate of Preventive, Lahore stood retired from Government Service with effect from September 17.
SHc bars customs dept from en-cashing bank security paid by karachi corp
KARACHI
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akistan Customs has geared up the campaign against the smugglers and the mafia involved in the heinous crime of smuggling of betel nuts and other contraband items. According to the details, Collector Customs Gadani Muhammad Yaqoob Mako received authentic information regarding the smuggling of the contraband items in huge quantity through the land route after which a team was constituted to nab the culprits. On the directives of Collector Gadani Muhammad Yaqoob Mako, the staff of Pakistan Customs beefed up the search and the surveillance was also raised to apprehend the culprits carrying the contraband items. During the surveillance, the staffs of Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) intercepted two trucks loaded with fruits and were on way to Karachi.
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imtiaz Ahmad assumes charge as commissioner-ir mtiaz Ahmad, a BS-20 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has assumed charge as Commissioner-IR (Zone-IV). The officer, in pursuance of Board’s Notification No. 1710-IR-I/2018, dated 17.09.2018, relinquished the charge of the post of Commissioner-IR (WHT), Regional Tax Office, Multan with effect from September 18, 2018 and took the charge of the post of Commissioner-IR (Zone-IV), Large Taxpayers Unit, Lahore on September 19. Meanwhile, Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmad, a BS-20 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has taken the charge as Chief (International Taxes). The officer, pursuing the Board’s Notification No. 1710-IR-I/2018, dated 17.09.2018, relinquished the charge of the post of Commissioner-IR (IP/TFD/HRM), Large Taxpayers Unit.
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he Sindh High Court (SHC) continued interim order and restrained customs ofOicials from encashment of amount of bank guarantee on a petition Oiled by M/s Karachi Corporation seeking release order of the bank securities. While the hearing of petition, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, directed customs ofOicials to Oile their parawise comments on next date of hearing. On September 25, 2018, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is lawful engaged in import of assorted petroleum products and always fulOills all the legal formalities and he imported Oive consignments of mix hydrocarbon at
the international value of $390.MT, however, they assessed the value at the rate of $450 MT. He submitted that due to disputed valuation, petitioner ap-
proached this court and consignments were released on court’s order after payment of bank guarantee. He argued that now he approached the customs ofOicials for
return of securities amount which was paid by the petitioner on import stage, however, they denied to release the same. Counsel further argued that now he has come to know that ofOicials of the customs department are going to en-cash the said amount without lawful authorities. Citing Secretary Revenue Division, chairman Federal Board of Revenue, collector of Customs Collectorate Preventive, Assistant Collector of Customs Oil Section and others as respondents, he pleaded the court to declare that act of the respondents as illegal, mala Oide and arbitrary. Importer also pleaded the court to restrain them from en-cashment the same amount and restrain them from taking any coercive action against the petitioner till Oinal order in this petition.
gwadar customs seizes iranian juices, brake oil worth rs7.88 million C
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ustoms Collectorate team seized boxes of Iranian juices, brake oil, different kinds of jam and vehicle being used for smuggling worth Rs 7.88 million. Sources told Customs Today that on 24-9.2018, Deputy Collector Junaid Mehmood received secret information that some smugglers were trying to smuggle non-duty paid boxes of Iranian juices, different kinds of jam and Iranian brake oil from Gwadar to Karachi. After receiving this information, he constituted a raiding team under the supervision of Customs Preventive Inspector Ghulam Mehmood and others. The team, during a search operation on Main Highway, intercepted a truck bearing registration no QN826. During search, the team re-
covered more than 200 cartons of Iranian juices, 150 cartons of jam and 200 boxes of Iranian brake oil canes worth Rs 7.88 million in-
cluding truck being used for smuggling. The team seized all smuggled items and arrested truck driver, who were later identiOied
as Aslam Khan. Sources said that customs ofOicial started investigations from accused person after registering a case against him.
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10 Inland Revenue officers of BS-20 transferred 10 Inland Revenue officers of BS-20 transferredISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Saturday transferred and posted of 10 Inland Revenue Service (IRS) officers of BS-20 with immediate effect and until further orders. Shahid Iqbal Baloch on return from NMC has been posted as Commissioner Inland Revenue Inland Revenue (Appeals-V), Karachi Mehmood Hussain Jafari has been transferred and posted as Director-II, Directorate of Law, Lahore from the post of Commissioner, (IP/TFD) Corporate Regional Tax Office, Lahore. Shahid ul Hassan Chattha has been transferred and posted to the post of Commissioner Inland Revenue Inland Revenue (Appeals-III), Lahore from the post of Commissioner, (Bahawalpur Zone).
fTo hears appeal filed by M/s Marjan Trading company against rTo-ii LAHORE
SAJiD nAwAZ
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ederal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) on Wednesday heard implementation appeal filed by M/s Marjan Trading Company against the Regional Tax Office (RTO-II) Lahore and adjourned it until the next date of hearing. During the proceedings of case, the counsel for the appellant argued that the RTO-II had failed to release the sales tax refund to the appellant since last two years. He said the RTO-II collected excessive tax from the company during the last two years. The petitioner approached the officials concerned several times for the release of refunds, but the RTO officials failed to clear refunds after the passage of a reasonable time. Finally, the appellant decided to approach the FTO seeking intervention in this case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to di-
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rect the RTO-II to clear the refund claims. The counsel further said that delay in release of refunds put burden on taxpayers, adding that the RTO-II should make audit of the case and release the extra amount collected by it from the taxpayer. On the other hand, counsel for RTO-II argued that the appellant has not submitted all record to the office for claiming refunds. If appellant provides the accurate record, the RTO-II will release refunds after a proper assessment, he added. After hearing the arguments from both sides, advisor for FTO Muhammad Zaheeruddin postponed hearing of the case until next date for hearing and directed the parties to appear before him on said date to conclude arguments in the case complaint will be decided after completion of arguments.
National
every technique of smugglers will be thwarted: Dr iftikhar Ahmed
Senate body okays 20% import duty on vehicles ISLAMABAD
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enate Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs in its meeting further discussed the amendments in Customs Act 1969, Sales Tax Act 1990, Income Tax Ordinance 2001, Federal Excise Tax 2005 as part of the Finance Supplementary (Amendment) Bill, 2018. The meeting was chaired by Senator Farooq Hamid Naek here at the Parliament House on Tuesday and was attended among others by Senators Mohsin Aziz, Khanzada Khan, Haroon Akhtar Khan, Dr. Musadiq Malik, Muhammad Ateeq Sheikh, Muhammad Akram, Minister of State for Revenue and officers from FBR and customs. The Committee approved the amendments relating to the tobacco industry, import duty on vehicles more than 1800cc engine power, tax deduction exemption for non-filers while doing transaction to the Dam-Fund, bringing the percentage of tax deduction for non-filers on bank transactions to 0.6%. The amendment regarding revised tax rates on salaried and non-salaried incomes was passed with amendment in the last slabs of both categories.
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ollector Customs Preventive Dr Iftikhar Ahmed has said that smuggling is not one-time but a continuous crime and the staff is prepared to unearth any possible ways adopted by smugglers. Collector Dr Iftikhar Ahmed said this while addressing a press conference at the Pakistan Customs building. He highlighted the remarkable performance of the AntiSmuggling Organization (ASO). He said that the Customs has been working day and night to avoid every move of the smugglers not only from the Green, Yellow and Red Channels, but also the staff has successfully restricted the smuggling maOia from road and rail routes as well. The Collector Preventive said that ASO has busted huge quantity of contraband items worth millions of rupees during different successful raids in one week. He informed that the smugglers are choosing different ways to smuggle their contraband items but the ofOicers and the staff of Customs Preventive ASO have been nightmare for them. Dr Iftikhar Ahmed, while brief-
Friday September 28, 2018
ing the media persons, informed that after shutting down the road routes, the smugglers are now using rail routes to smuggle betel nuts along with other contraband items. The Collector Customs Preventive also said that the smuggling is a continuous crime which smugglers commit through different ways which Customs has apprehended successfully. During one week, Oive seizures took place at city station in which huge quantity of betel nuts, Indian-origin gutka and foreign cigarettes worth nearly sixty millions of rupees were busted, said the Collector. During the press conference, Deputy Collector
Customs Preventive Muhammad Faisal said that the raids were conducted on two places of the City Railway Station and without the involvement of the ofOicers it was not possible for the smugglers to transport such huge quantity of smuggled goods. ”We are also investigating to search out the concern ofOicers involved in the heinous crime,” he added. Hailing the efforts of the Deputy Collector Customs Preventive Muhammad Faisal and Additional Collector Customs Preventive Aamir Theim, Collector Dr Iftekhar Ahmed said that smugglers will choose new ways of smuggling and Customs will restrict them.
court grants bail to owners of M/s M.i. Traders
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KARACHI
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he Customs Court granted interim pre-arrest bail to owners/partners of M/s M.I Traders, Muhammad Saleem son of Muhammad Hussain, Noor Ahmed son of Muhammad Hussain, importer/partner of the Oirm, who were booked in a tax evasion case. On September 26, counsels for the accused/applicants moved bail applications and argued that their clients are innocents and were falsely implicated in this case; however, they are ready to face trial. However, they have apprehension
of arrest, therefore, court may grant them bail till Oinal order in this case. After the hearing, court granted their interim pre-arrest bail against the surety of Rs300,000 each and di-
rected them to appear before the court on next date of hearing. According to the Oirst information report (FIR), the above-mentioned importers declared their consignment of 78,387.75 kg
hazelnut spread (nutella) worth Rs11,080,195 and paid Rs8,849,272 as duty and taxes. However, during the preliminary inquiry, it was revealed that actual prices of the said goods are Rs28,264,229 and importers had to pay Rs22,434,974. Investigation ofOicer has submitted that during the investigation, it was revealed that the above-mentioned and other associates have deliberately committed Oiscal fraud as deOined under Section 32-A of the Customs Act, 1969, further they have deliberately mis-declared C&F value of the impugned goods in their goods declaration and evaded precious government revenue to the tune of Rs13,585,702.
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World Customs
Iran’s Trade With Japan Surpasses $400m
Tehran:Iran traded 343,170 tons of non-oil commodities worth $408.18 million with Japan during the first five months of the current fiscal year (March 21-Aug. 22). This registers a 42.34% and 12.73% decline in tonnage and value respectively compared with last year’s corresponding period, latest data released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration show. Iran’s exports to Japan stood at 290,056 tons worth $155.19 million, down 46.08% and 30.25% in tonnage and value respectively year-on-year. Japan was Iran’s 14th major export destination during the period.
Friday September 28, 2018
improved information sharing needed to combat illegal export
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Turkish gains Authorized economic operator status urkish Cargo has obtain an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certificate, issued by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which enables companies to engage more rapidly and reliably in international trade. Turkish Cargo is the first air cargo carrier to take advantage of the AEO certificate across Turkey. The AEO certificate was issued after extensive consultations between Turkey’s Ministry of Trade and the WCO. A spokesman for the airline’s cargo division said: “The Authorized Economic Operator Certificate is highly important to ensure rapid and reliable deliveries in the global trade chain. “The entities, entitled to obtain the certificate, fulfills many requirements, prescribed under the applicable customs regulations, by means of the simplified methods. –CB Report
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n investigative arm for the insurance industry says an improved system for sharing information is needed to combat the illegal exportation of luxury vehicles to China. In the past, the National Insurance Crime Bureau worked with local police and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to catch people illegally moving luxury autos out of the United States. But the 9-11 attacks changed that, with Customs creating a new export tracking system that the NICB was not allowed to access. That, in turn, cut off important data from the federal government that the insurance industry could use to compare with its own records on stolen vehicles. “We believe it’s ultimately the consumers that are hurt by the fact
SouQ launches Amazon global Store in Saudi Arabia
that this data check, or this database check, is not being done,” said Jim Schweitzer, president of the NICB. US Customs said in a statement it believes the insurance industry “should not be
granted authorization” to receive bulk data from the federal agency. But it added it’s working on a new information-sharing system that, when completed, the NICB can participate in.
Traders wary of delays as russia toughens grain export control
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ussia’s food safety watchdog has beefed up quality controls on grain exports due to complaints from major buyers and the lower quality of the crop, it said, adding that the more stringent checks were not aimed at limiting grain exports. Traders have been watching for any changes to regulations because they were used in the past to place informal curbs on exports. Some traders said the new controls were excessive and could cause
delivery disruptions on signed contracts. “I knew it was going to be bad, I didn’t know it was going to be bad so soon,” said an exporter whose cargo has already missed a scheduled date of leaving a Russian port as it is yet to obtain a phytosanitary certiOicate due to the tougher checks. Traders had previously said Russia could consider restricting exports once they reach 30 million tonnes of grain this season which started on July 1. –CB Report
audi Arabia:According to the Saudi Gazette, SOUQ, a leading online retail and marketplace website in the Arab region, on Tuesday announced the launch of ‘Amazon Global Store’, which offers customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) the ability to shop for over one million products from Amazon in the United States. On Amazon Global Store, customers can now enjoy a wide selection from categories such as apparel, handbags, shoes, watches, kitchen, home goods, and many more from popular loved brands. The dedicated Amazon Global storefront is available on both SOUQ website and mobile app. “We are excited about making over one million popular products from Amazon available on SOUQ.com to customers. This brings global selection closer to our customers in the region, and we will continue to grow this further,” said
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Saleem Hammad, General Manager KSA, SOUQ.com. “We share the same vision as Amazon and focus on providing our customers with best-inclass selection, great prices, and a convenient shopping experience.” Amazon Global Store on SOUQ offers a completely localized and effortless experience for customers in the KSA: Customers can shop in Arabic or English and pay in SAR using their local credit cards or cash on delivery (COD). Customers will see prices in Saudi riyal inclusive of import fee deposits at checkout (where applicable) – without any unexpected fees added later. With Amazon Global Store’s hassle-free customs clearance, purchases are delivered right to customers’ doorsteps. SOUQ offers two convenient delivery options for Amazon Global Store, from click to delivery: priority (2-5 business days) and standard (6-10 business days). In addition, customers can speak directly with SOUQ’s customer service team.
iran confirms S. korea’s halt of oil imports ran’s Ministry of Petroleum has conOirmed that South Korea has halted oil imports from the Islamic republic. “It it for three successive months that South Korea has not imported oil from Iran,” public relations of the ministry said Xinhua news agency reported. “South Korea was the Oirst country to halt Iran’s oil imports following the US sanction threats against the country,” Kasra Nouri, the public relation manager of the ministry said. Prior to the US sanctions threat, Seoul imported 180,000 barrels per day of Iran’s crude oil, according to the report. Despite global
outcry, the White House re-imposed sanctions on Iran last month which had been lifted under the Iran nuclear deal. The Oirst batch of sanctions targeted Tehran’s purchase of US banknotes, trade in gold and other precious metals, as well as the use of graphite, aluminium, steel, coal, and software used in industrial processes. Another round of sanctions, to be reinstalled on November 5, will be on Iran’s port, energy, shipping and shipbuilding sectors, petroleum-related transactions, and business deals by foreign Oinancial institutions with the Central Bank of Iran. –CB Report
idlib assault on hold as russia, Turkey agree on buffer zone
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he leaders of Russia and Turkey have agreed to establish a de-militarised zone in Syria’s Idlib province, in a move that ostensibly puts on hold a threatened all-out assault by government forces on Syria’s last rebel bastion.
The announcement was made on Monday during a press conference in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, where Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Speaking alongside Erdogan, Putin said the 15-20km-wide zone would be established by October 15. This would entail a “withdrawal of all radical Oighters” from Idlib, in-
cluding the al-Nusra Front, Putin said, referring to Hay’et Tahrir alSham (HTS), which is dominated by a rebel faction previously known as al-Nusra Front before renouncing its ties to al-Qaeda. Putin added that heavy weapons would be withdrawn from all opposition forces by October 10 – an approach supported by the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
By the end of 2018, transportation routes linking Syria’s key port of Latakia with major cities Aleppo and Hama must also be restored, added the Russian president, a major Assad ally. Describing the agreement as a “serious result”, Putin said that “Russia and Turkey have confirmed their determination to counter terrorism in Syria in all its forms”.
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Port of Hull lands a big catch for the UK fishing trade UK:Associated British Ports has announced that new fishing trade has docked at the Port of Hull to supply 300 fish and chip shops across the country. Humber-based company, UK Fisheries, has recently docked at the port with its first catch of around 700 tonnes of cod and haddock from the North Atlantic waters. The new, multi-million pound Kirkella fishing vessel will bring frozen palletised fish every four to six weeks and it will then be transported to a cold store in Grimsby, before being distributed locally and beyond.
uAe-Saudi non-oil trade surges to $196bn by end H1 he total non-oil intra-trade between the UAE and Saudi Arabia amounted to Dh720 billion ($196 billion) since the establishment of the GCC Customs Union in 2003 until the end of the first half (H1) of 2018, marking a growth of 1,230 per cent, a media report said. UAE imports from the Kingdom reached Dh244.2 billion ($67 billion) during the monitored period and exports to Dh144.8 billion ($39.7), reported Emirates news agency Wam, citing statistics of the UAE Federal Customs Authority (FCA). UAE re-exports totalled Dh330.9 billion ($90.6 billion) during the same period. “Saudi Arabia is a strategic partner of the UAE which in the same time constitutes a major trade gateway for the Kingdom, a country that continues to be among the key partners of the UAE across the Arab world and Middle East region,” said Ali bin Sobeih Al Kaabi, chairman
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of the FCA. “Bilateral relations have been so buoyant and steadily growing over the years, leveraged by the robust historical relations binding that two sisterly countries, whose partnerships across various domains have fructified into tremendous achievements in areas of sustainable development, economic growth and economic diversification,” he added. He hailed the optimum level of coordination between the two countries with regards to streamlining trade and addressing customs-related risks, including smuggling counterfeited commodities. The UAE-KSA Joint Determination of last year contributed to streamlining and increasing the flow of intra-trade through Al Bath’a and Al Ghoweifat border crossings and to facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two countries. –CB Report
Ports & Shipping
ports Australia signs up to the world ports Sustainability program P
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orts Australia has accepted the invitation to join the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP). The WPSP is an initiative by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH). Guided by the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the Program aims to enhance and coordinate future sustainability efforts of ports worldwide, foster international cooperation with partners in the supply chain. Ports Australia represents some 80 Australian Ports, which includes all of the country’s metro Ports. It also has six Marine Authority members, including several State-level Departments for Transport and Infrastructure. “Ports Australia is delighted to join a group of organisations that are working together to enhance and coordinate future sustainability efforts of communities worldwide that incorporate ports. Australian Ports operate in a diverse range on environments and communities and each one is faced with its own unique
challenges. There has been a deeprooted understanding and respect in Australia for our unique environments and the communities that rely on our Ports. This has driven port operators to constantly explore innovative ways of running their terminals. From solar power, to marine rehabilitation, eliminating toxic OireOighting foam and building a resilient and diverse workforce, Australian Ports have much to be proud of and we want to share our experiences with the wider global port commu-
nity,” Mike Gallacher, Ports Australia’s Chief Executive said. With the agreement signed, both signatories are expected to commence work in the near future in the Oields of governance, the optimization of vessel calls, environmental landside management and LNG bunkering. “Our Ports are actively seeking better ways to operate and we are looking forward to engaging with the WPSP to learn and share our knowledge and experience with the world,” Mike Gallacher concluded.
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uS ports fear they will be big losers in trade war merica’s ports are fearful that they will be big losers as the escalating trade fight between Washington and Beijing bites into business. The anxiety is that tit-for-tat tariffs between the two economic superpowers will crimp shipments, denting port revenues. Mr Kurt Nagle, head of the American Association of Port Authorities, called the state of play “concerning”, following the latest back-and-forth last week between the United States and China. The various trade wars thus far have had a mixed effect, with some ports seeing sharp declines in some products, even as others report a surge in activity intended to beat the new levies. The mammoth US economy is sustained by about 100 ports around the country that manage the flow of goods inward and outbound at points of embarkation along the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes. In the first six months of this year, the port of New Orleans saw a drop of about 350,000 tonnes of steel compared with the same period a year ago, a big hit for a flagship product that is used in a petroleum-focused region. –CB Report
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uS, china hike tariffs as trade row intensifies BEIJING
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hina and the United States imposed new tariff hikes on each other’s goods Monday and Beijing accused Washington of bullying, giving no sign of compromise in an intensifying battle over technology that is weighing on global economic growth. US regulators went ahead with a planned 10 percent tax on a $200 billion list of 5,745 Chinese imports including bicycles and furniture. China’s customs agency said it responded at noon by beginning to collect taxes of 5 or 10 percent on a $60 billion list of 5,207 American goods, from honey to industrial chemicals. conOlict stems from U.S. President Donald Trump’s complaints Beijing steals or pressures foreign companies to hand over
technology. American ofOicials say Chinese plans for state-led development of global competitors in robotics and other technologies violate its market-opening obligations and might erode US industrial leadership. China’s leaders offered to narrow their politically sensitive, multibillion-dollar trade surplus with the United States by purchasing more natural gas and other American exports. But they have rejected pressure to change industry plans the communist leadership sees as a path to prosperity and global inOluence. Monday’s tariff hike follows a report by The Wall Street Journal that Chinese ofOicials pulled out of a meeting to discuss possible talks proposed by Washington. The Chinese government had given no public indication whether it would accept the invitation. Envoys last met Aug. 22 in Wash-
ington but reported no progress. With no settlement in sight, forecasters say the conOlict between the two biggest economies could trim global growth through 2020. The ratings agency Fitch cut its forecasts for next year’s Chinese and global economic growth by 0.1 percentage points to 6.1 percent and 3.1 percent, respectively. “The trade war is now a reality,” said Fitch’s chief economist, Brian Coulton, in a report. “The downside risks to our global growth forecasts have also increased.” Earlier, the two sides imposed 25 percent penalties on $34 billion of each other’s goods in July and another $16 billion in August. Business groups say American companies also report Chinese regulators are starting to disrupt their operations through slower customs clearance and more environmental and other inspections. The Oirst Ameri-
can tariffs targeted goods Washington said beneOit from improper Chinese industrial policies. American regulators tried to limit the public impact by focusing on industrial machinery and components, but the latest $200 billion list includes bicycles, wooden furniture and other consumer goods. Chinese regulators have tried to cushion the blow on their own economy by targeting American goods such as soybeans, natural gas, fruit, whisky and automobiles that are available from Europe, Latin America and other Asian countries. Trump threatened last week to add $267 billion in Chinese imports to the target list if Beijing retaliated for the latest U.S. taxes. That would cover nearly everything China sells to the United States. On Monday, the Chinese government accused the Trump administration in a report of “trade bullyism” and of preaching “economic hegemony.”
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Opening of concerned bank for receipts/duties/taxes on 29th & 30th Sep LAHORE: It has been decided that authorized branches of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) as well as field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation (SBP-BSC) shall remain open on 29th and 30th September 2018 (i.e. Saturday and Sunday) to facilitate the collection of government receipts / duties / taxes. Authorized branches of NBP as well as field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation (SBP-BSC) will accept banking instruments and cash at their counters up to 06:00pm on September 29, 2018 (Saturday) for which a special clearing will be arranged by the NIFT at 04:00 pm.
Friday September 14, 2018
Business
ex-pM gillani gets exemption in nAB reference Addressing media personnel outside the court, he said: “This is not the Oirst time I am appearing before a court and I have previously served a Oive-year prison sentence.” “Four former prime ministers are being summoned in courts. There are cases ongoing against Nawaz Sharif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf,” he said. The court adjourned the hearing of the case till October 22 after allowing an exemption to Gilani. Earlier this month, the Rawalpindi chapter of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had Oiled a reference against former premier Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani and others in a case of alleged misuse of authority in a publicity campaign of USF, which had caused a loss of Rs 128 million to the national exchequer.
ISLAMABAD
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n accountability court gave temporary exemption to former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in Universal Services Fund (USF) Corruption case. Judge Muhammad Arshad Malik ordered Gillani to submit a security bond of Rs1 million. Gillani pleaded with the court to grant him exemption from appearance as he has to appear in Karachi too in the case. Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gillani appeared before an accountability court with respect to a reference Oiled against him over misuse of authority.
Stock market turns bearish again KARACHI
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nepra approves rs1.16 increase in power price
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akistan Stock Exchange failed to gain momentum in yesterday’s session despite of the indication of better Pak-US ties after informal meeting between Foreign Minister of Pakistan and US President Trump. Prevailing economic uncertainty and dwindling reserves continued to weigh down on investors sentiments, resulting in sidelined participation. This led market to shed 126 points in the session, closing at 40,910 points.
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he National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Wednesday allowed tariff increase of Rs1.16 per unit for exWAPDA distribution companies on account of fuel price adjustment for the month of August. The decision was taken by NEPRA in a public hearing on the petition Oiled by the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) and will have a cumulative burden of around
Rs16 billion on consumers. This increase has been made as in month of August the cost of fuel was high while the power consumers were supplied electricity at low rates, so this adjustment/increase has been made to recover that amount. EX-WAPDA Discos would charge this Rs1.16 per unit increase in electricity bills of next month. The tariff increase will not be charged to lifeline consumers using up to 50 units per month and KElectric consumers. All other consumers of all categories including industrial sector and agriculture
tube wells would have to pay the increase. The CPPA, in its petition, said power generation cost was high in August, while the consumers were charged with low rates and sought Re1.4931 per unit increase in tariff for August. In its petition, the CPPA told NEPRA that actual cost of electricity generation stood at Rs6.24 per unit against the reference fuel price of Rs4.755, registering an increase of Rs1.4931 per unit. The CCPA said that total electricity generated in August was 14,017.4 GWh, amounting to Rs77.80 billion.
ADB paints bleak picture of pak economy ISLAMABAD
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he Asian Development Bank (ADB) has painted bleak picture of Pakistan’s economy as inflation will increase, GDP growth will decline and budget and current account deficits will widen during current fiscal year (FY19). The ADB has noted Pakistan’s GDP growth at 4.8 percent in FY2019, down by one percent from last year. Similarly, water shortages in some areas are likely to restrain agricultural production. Growth in manufacturing and services will likely be affected by fiscal and monetary tightening. The Bank has also hinted for power tariff increase. “The new government has to undertake tariff reforms to contain rapidly rising and potentially disruptive intercompany arrears in the energy sector—so called “circular debt” that exceeds Rs1.4 trillion, or 5% of GDP,” ADB noted in its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) Update 2018. Gas prices were already raised by as much as 143 percent in September. The inflation is also projected to surge to 6.5 percent in FY2019 because of currency depreciation and elevated international oil prices. Inflation accelerated sharply for both food and other purchases in the first two months (July and August) of FY2019, to 5.8 percent from 3.2 percent a year earlier.
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‘nAB recovers rs297b looted money from corrupt elements’ KARACHI
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AB Chairman Justice (R) Javed Iqbal has said that the Bureau is absolutely committed to eradicate corruption with iron hands, and the eradication of corruption is the top most priority of NAB. ”NAB has devised comprehensive National Anti Corruption Strategy which has been acknowl-
edged by national and international organizations like PILDAT, Transparency International and World Economic Forum in their reports. Due to its continued efforts, NAB has recovered Rs297 billion looted money from corrupt elements and deposit in national exchequer which is a record achievement,” said the NAB Chairman. He said that NAB is a role model not only for the country, but also for entire SAARC countries. Owing to outstand-
ing performance of NAB, Pakistan’s corruption perception Index (CPI) has been decreased from 175 position to 116. He said that Pakistan is the only country in Asia whose corruption perception index is persistently on declining trend. The performance of NAB has been lauded by SAARC countries including India. NAB had been unanimously elected as chairman of SAARC Anti Corruption Forum which is the great achievement of Pakistan due to NAB’s efforts. He said that Pakistan
and China have inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work jointly for ensuring transparency in China Pakistan economic coordination (CPEC) project. He said that NAB is playing vital role in recovering looted money from culprit elements. NAB from Oct 2017 to September 2018 has recovered billions of rupees from corrupt elements. The recovery made possible to return to hundreds of effectees of Housing Societies, Cooperative Housing Societies/modarba
scams, frauds and looted money of some government departments. The Chairman NAB said that a grading system has been started to review annual performance of NAB’s ofOicers/ofOicials. Under grading system, the performance of NAB Headquarters and NAB’s regional bureaus is scrutinized on monthly, quarterly; midterm and annual basis and all regional bureaus are informed about their merits and demerits to overcome their shortcomings.
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Rising Gwadar attracts more overseas investors for business ISLAMABAD - Once was a small backward fishing town off the Arabian Sea in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, Gwadar now is rising fast at the economic landscape of the country and is attracting more businessmen for emerging business opportunities. The deep-water port has become fully functional since late 2016 under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and embraced its first liner in March 2018. According to the port's operator, China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC), some 20 companies in different businesses have already joined the Gwadar free zone with direct investment of around 460 million U.S. dollars.
fTo assures to resolve tax complaints of business community
Friday September 28, 2018
Chambers
Trc’s proposals to be implemented in letter and spirit within a month: Asad
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dvisor, Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Tariq Ahad Nawaz visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry, addressed the business community and assured them to resolve their tax complaints to provide them relief. He said FTO Institutional Reforms Act 2013 was enacted to provide speedy and expeditious relief to the citizens by redressing their grievances and to promote good governance. He stressed that business community should take benefit of the services of FTO for redressing of their tax grievances. Giving a presentation on FTO performance, he said that in 2017 (up to 30th June 2017) FTO received 1022 complaints out of which
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892 were disposed. Similarly, in 2018 (up to 30th June 2018), 901 complaints were received out of which 772 were disposed. He said out of 583 complaints, 457 were decided in favor while only 126 against. It showed the useful role of FTO in addressing the genuine grievances of tax complainants. Tariq Ahad Nawaz said that FTO has developed a very simple complaint filing procedure as any aggrieved person could file complaint personally or through courier service, email, online and fax. He said all the complaints were promptly acknowledged by the FTO HQs or its Regional Offices online, email, by courier service or by hand, as the case might be. He asked business community to give their suggestions to further streamline the complaint redress system of FTO. Speaking at the occasion, Sheikh Amir Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that for improving tax revenue, development of an easy and simple taxation system was the need of the hour.
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ederal Minister for Finance, Revenue & Economic Affairs Asad Umer, during a meeting with a high-level delegation of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in Islamabad, principally agreed to restore the Final Tax Regime (FTR) for the commercial importers in the larger interest of trade and Industry. The commercial importers were treated under Oinal tax regime and allowed audit exemption on the payment of six percent withholding tax but in the federal budget 2018-19, this regime was replaced with minimum tax which will be restored back to the same position as it was before the budget 2018-19, he added. KCCI’s delegation, which was led by Chairman BMG and Former President KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli comprised of Vice Chairmen BMG & Former Presidents KCCI Haroon Farooki and Anjum Nisar, President KCCI Muffasar Atta Malik, KCCI’s upcoming President Junaid Esmail Makda and Former Senior Vice President
KCCI Muhammad Ibrahim Kasumbi who briefed the Finance Minister about the issues being faced by the business and industrial community due to poor taxation policies. Asad Umer further assured KCCI’s delegation that recommendations given by Tax Reforms Commission will be implemented in letter and spirit within a month. He further stated that in future, the Regulatory Duty will not be imposed as a revenue generation
measure but will only be considered to protect and safeguard the interest of local industry on the speciOic recommendations by the Ministries of Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Investments. While referring to wide criticism over government’s decision to allow purchase of new vehicles and property by non-Oilers of tax returns, Asad Umer said that the government would certainly look forward to extending more incentives to Oiler and
rcci organizes first pak uS business summit RAWALPINDI
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he Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) organized 1st Pak US business summit at a local hotel in Islamabad here on Monday. Speaker national assembly Asad Qaisar was the key note speaker. Addressing the summit speaker assembly said government of Pakistan will ensure all possible assistance to overseas Pakistanis and will take business community on board for devising economic policy. Appreciating the RCCI’s efforts for organizing the event Asad Qaisar said that business community is the key stake holder. While commenting on Pak US relations he said that Pakistan de-
sire to have strong trade relations based on mutual interest and mutual inter-dependency. The trade volume is low between the two countries and expressed hope those in coming years this will increase. He invited overseas Pakistanis to invest in different sectors. CPEC is an important project and we would like to have private sector in it, this will help our SME sector. The investors should be free of fear in investing in CPEC. Earlier Minister for Interior Shahryar Afridi in his address said that the key goal of his office to change the mis-perception of Pakistan. We are fighting against terrorism and assured the audience that security and sovereignty of country will not be compromise at any cost. He appreciated the role of overseas community and assured
his full support for providing peace and security in Pakistan. President RCCI Zahid Latif Khan in his address said that the major purpose of the summit was to provide an opportunity to exchange the views and identify the hurdles in trade ties between the two business communities. Also, enhance cooperation with key organizations in both countries to ensure cohesive and coordinated strategies in promoting U.S. private sector interests in Pakistan, he added. President Pakistan American business Forum (PBAF) Waqar Khan in his address highlighted the key objective of the forum with respect to Pakistan and US trade relations. Later a memorandum of understanding was signed between RCCI and Pakistan American business Forum (PBAF).
discourage non-Oilers therefore, this issue was being addressed by devising some kind of special measures to accommodate and facilitate non-residents/ overseas Pakistanis only. He appreciated the proposals of Karachi Chamber to allow the non-residents/ overseas Pakistanis to purchase vehicles and properties being non-Oilers only on the basis of foreign exchange remittances received through proper banking channels.
no extension in date for filing tax returns SLAMABAD : No decision has been taken so far to extend the date for filing income tax returns therefore taxpayers must not delay filing their income tax returns, an FBR official said Wednesday. The last date for filing returns is 30th September and those who cannot file returns till due date should pay estimated tax to get an extension, said Chief Commissioner, Inland Revenue, Regional Tax Office Rawalpindi Dr Hamid Atiq Sarwar. He said that the taxpayers who failed to file returns but deposited some tax will get a chance to adjust it later and they would an extension of fifteen days as the Income Tax Ordinance has provided these powers to the Chief Commissioners.
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Faisalabad I&I impounds non-duty paid Toyota Vitz car FAISALABAD: Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation team impounded a used Toyota Vitz car during a special road checking Sources told Customs Today, that Deputy Director Rana Irfan Shouqat after receiving information regarding non-duty paid vehicles constituted a party comprising Superintendent, Muhammad Tahir Iqbal Intelligence Officer Mansoor Nasir, Muhammad Saleem, Muhammad Sikander Haider Ali conducted operation.
Friday, September 28, 2018
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Quetta customs foils bid to smuggle 65,000 liters iranian diesel QUETTA TAriQ DerYA
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ollectorate of Customs foiled an attempt to smuggle 65,000 liters of smuggled Iranian diesel through 22 wheeler trailer. Collector Ashraf Ali told Customs Today, that as per the directions of FTO, Collectorate continues crackdown over illegal Iranian diesel and adopted a comprehensive strategy to curb sale of non-customs paid Iranian diesel. Collector Ashraf Ali said that he received credible information about smuggling of non-duty paid Iranian diesel. After receiving the tip-off he immediately constituted a team under the supervision of Additional Deputy Collector Zubair Shah, Maqbool Baloch which also comprises Superintendents Maqsood Durrani and Aslam Khan and Kulpur check post In-charge Ghulam Hussain Khoso, Asghar Khan and Salahuddin Khoso. The squad of Kuplur check post intercepted a 22 wheeler trailer who was coming from Karachi, the squad asked the driver of the trailer to produce any documents who can prove that the diesel is imported by legal manner
but the driver of the vehicle failed to show any proof which can prove that import of diesel is legal. Ashraf Ali said that the Customs staff intercepted the vehicle which was
carrying 65000 liters of smuggled Iranian diesel and brought it to the Collectorate premises where the staff registered a FIR against the smuggled Iranian diesel along with
the offending vehicle while case forwarded to Investigation and Prosecution department for further investigations. Collector told that he made an appreciation call
to all the Customs staff who took part in the above said seizer the value of seized diesel along with vehicle is estimated in worth of 2.5 million.
weBoc service declared mandatory at ghulam khan Border PESHAWAR
irfAn BAHADur
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he mutual trade with Afghanistan through Ghulam Khan border once again halted due to imposition of WeBOC service. Assistant Collector Kohat Customs Station Tahir Iqbal informed Customs Today that for mutual trade the importers must have to Oill EIF form without which no pas-
sage will be given to import and export vehicles loaded with goods. Customs department has termed it necessary to clear goods through WeBOC service and no import & export will be done without computerized feeding of data. Assistant Collector Tahir said that main export to Afghanistan through Pakistan via Ghulam Khan border are cement, cooking oil, iron rods along with other goods. According to importers, after customs authority made it necessary to clear goods through WeBOC service, trade between two neighboring countries has been reduced
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as only one-sided trade is still underway. The importers further said that trade through Ghulam Khan border started after four years of closure but all of a sudden the customs authorities applied clearance of goods through WeBOC service which complicated the process of import & export. The importers threatened to launch protest against Customs authorities if the manual system of clearance was not imposed. The importers demanded of the FBR high-ups to consider their demands as it will be very difOicult for them to sustain trade with Afghanistan.