Tue jan 14 mon jan 20, 2014 by Customs Today

Daily on www.customstoday.com

Find us on

paKIStan’S FIRSt InDepth newSpapeR On CUStOmS

Vol 1 Issue no. 48

Karachi, tue Jan 14 - mon Jan 20, 2014

weekly

Regd. no, mC-1381

Price Rs. 50.00

laUnChIng OF Ct Stall

In a splendid ceremony, MNA Pervaiz Malik has launched the stall of Customs Today at LCAA oﬃce in the presence of a large number of customs agents and importers | See page 09 |

In a passing-out ceremony for 170th PMA course, Kamran Michael announced to give Pakistan Marine Academy a university status | See page 02 | ReSUmIng InDO-paK talKS

— Exlusive Customs Today photo

UpgRaDIngmaRIneaCaDemy

ISLAMABAD

FaIZa ISRaR

www.customstoday.com

Commerce Secretary level talks between Pakistan and India would be started from January 15 in New Dehli to put trade ties back on track | See page 04 | CaRtOOnS SpeCIal

| See page 11 |

hief Collector Customs Nadir Khan Hoti said that the government should bring in new blood in the Customs Department especially customs intelligence and investigation to enhance its performance. No recruitment has been made in the department for last several years. In an exclusive interview with Customs Today, the Chief Collector said that last month our deputy superintendent and 2 other policemen were kidnapped by smugglers during the course of investigation but the high ofQicials including IG Police KPK and IG Police Islamabad extended their full support for recovery of our men. Chairman FBR Tariq Bajwa also remained constantly in contact with Interior Ministry ofQicials and made great efforts to get customs personnel freed from

smugglers. Our vigilant superintendent in-charge anti-smuggling Zargham Dil also played his role in this regard. Chief Collector Nadir Khan that bar on employment created problems and resulted in weak performance. Average age of our men is 50 years and they cannot use modern equipment to better cope with smugglers. Old and damaged vehicles also spoil the anti-smuggling operations. He said that although this year’s revenue collection target is quite ambitious but we are trying our level best to achieve this target but we should be well aware of the fact that business activities are continuously declining due to energy crisis and deteriorated law and order situation. He said, “We are facilitating importers and exports. Amnesty scheme on import of 5 years old cars was also generating immense revenue but the period has been reduced to 3 years this year which put negative impact on customs duty collection.” He said that corruption

Unnecessary SROs and those issued for the beneﬁt of a speciﬁc class or community should be repealed and rest of the SROs having positive impact should be maintained

in any organization is a universal phenomenon but an inbuilt mechanism for audit of such organizations proves to be very useful in eradicating corruption. We keep a proper check and balance on imported goods and follow effective mechanism for determining valuation of items. He said that sales tax has a direct effect on revenue collection as it is a domestic tax and we are generating huge revenues through sales tax. On the other hand, sales tax is not showing a remarkable growth

because of limited purchasing power of consumers. He said that revenue can be increased by lowering duties on necessary items like tea, cloth, tyres & tubes, etc. This will discourage the trend of tax evasion. He said that similarly we are collecting duty on imports only so there is a need to increase imports by decreasing the duty, adding that by doing so shortfall in revenue will be adjusted. Talking about issuance of SROs, the Chief Collector said that unnecessary SROs and those issued for the beneQit of a speciQic class or community should be repealed and rest of the SROs having positive impact should be maintained. The Chief Collector said that the international development partners are helping Pakistan to promote regional trade as they are working with the government on border with Afghanistan. They are also providing 200 vehicles to Pakistan to facilitate withdrawal of NATO cargo from Torkham and Chaman to Karachi.

www.customstoday.com

PORTS & SHIPPING

JANUARY 14 - JANUARY 20, 2014

man found in possession of huge foreign currency

KARACHI: The Customs Drugs Enforcement Cell has arrested a man with huge sum of foreign currency here at Jinnah Terminal Airport. As per details, Customs DEC officials recovered 31,000 Saudi Riyal and 87,000 UAE Dirham, equivalent to $32,000 or Rs3.4 million from socks and shoes a passenger. The man identified as Saeed Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Hyderabad, was going to board PIA’s Dubai flight PK-213. The DEC officials during frisking found the man in possession of the foreign currency.

NATO military cargo handling reduced at KPT arachi Port has experienced a reduced cargo handling activity for the last two years due to reduction in NATO and US military supplies. This was revealed by Karachi Port Trust officials before the National Assembly Standing Committee on Ports and Shipping. The committee met with Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah in the chair where briefing was given on the performance of the ministry and its attached departments. The KPT officials informed the committee that 37.88 million tonnes and 38.85 million tonnes of cargo was handled at the Karachi port during 2012 and 2013 respectively, against 41.42 million tonnes and 41.43 million tonnes during 2010 and 2011. The committee was informed that KPT had a total of 13,700 acres of industrial land of which about 95 percent had been leased out to over 3,600 persons and companies. However, MNA Nabeel Gabol raised objections to the process, saying that the land was being leased out to influential people who had fake registered companies in Dubai and other countries as the land could be leased only to foreign investors. He further said that all these allotments were cancelled in 2008, however due to some influence the order were not implemented. KPT officials told the committee that a process of cancellation of such plots had been started. The committee directed the officials to apprise the body in next meeting with details about the land allotment. Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) has claimed to be among the few institutions running in profit and registered Rs 1.99 billion profit in 2013 as compared to Rs 753.1 million during the same period of the corresponding year. The committee was further informed that Pakistan's maritime trade remained at 64.21 million tonnes of which PNSC contribution remained at 13.39 million tonnes which is 20.85 per cent in 2013 which is highest since 1979. —CT Report

ahmad Dildar posted as member legal FBR ederal Board of Revenue has announced transfer of senior oﬃcials in Pakistan Customs Service and Inland Revenue Service. According to the notification, Ahmad Dildar of Pakistan Customs Service (BS21) who was previously on repatriation to Federal Shariat Court, Islamabad has been designated as Member Legal, Federal Board of Revenue. Whereas Member Legal, Ch. Safdar Hussain of Inland Revenue Service (BS-21) has been transferred to Regional Tax Office II as Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, Lahore. Tauqeer Akbar of Inland Revenue Service (BS-21) who was previously Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, Regional Tax Office Faisalabad has been designated as Member Federal Board of Revenue. —CT Report

michael announces to upgrade marine academy to university KARACHI

CUStOmS tODay RepORt www.customstoday.com

ederal Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Michael has announced the up-gradation of Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA) to a university status. He said this while addressing media at Pakistan Marine Academy after a passing-out ceremony for 170th PMA course. Addressing the passing-out ceremony as chief guest, he said that the academy status will be upgraded to a university to stand out as the only university across the sub-continent region. Senator Kamran Michael congratulated the cadets for choosing a noble profession with a glorious history behind it. He expressed his belief that the world owed a tremendous amount of gratitude to the seafarers for their contribution. He reminded the cadets that they would be the sailing ambassadors of the country and advised them to maintain the excellent standards of dignity and self-respect, which they had attained at the Academy. He hailed PMA for its achievements. He pointed out that the Government of Pakistan attached great importance to marine training and that Pakistan Marine Academy was living proof of it. Michael distributed awards among the high achievers. The coveted president’s Gold Medal was won by Cadet Irfan Ali. The Chief of the Naval Staff Silver Medal was awarded to Cadet Zaighum Hassan. The Anees Medal, instituted by Cowasjee Foundation, was given to Cadet H. M. Waleed Zafar. The PNSC Dagger was won by cadet Muhammad Bilal Afridi. The ProQiciency Banner was won by Liaquat Division. On the occasion he expressed hope

that the Kashghar-Gwadar transit trade route is to become operational during the current year. He said, “Gwadrar deep sea port has been completed up to 60 per cent by now.” He also said that a ministerial delegation will visit Sri Lanka shortly to sign an agreement with its counterpart ministry for utilization of Pakistani ships by Sri Lanka. “With the agreement, Pakistan will provide ships to Sri Lanka, which will increase the country’s revenue,” he added. In the next six months, he said, the government plans to increase the national oil tankers Qleet to Qive with buying two more carriers. He said that the shipping company has six bulk-cargo vessels in its Qleet. “It is unfortunate that the country has only two oil tankers to cater to its needs. We plan to increase the Qleet to at least 10,” he added. He informed that the anti-encroach-

Kashghargwadar transit trade route is to become operational during the current year

ment cell of Karachi Port Trust has just become functional and asserted the ministry will take indiscriminate action to evacuate the trust land. On the occasion Commandant PMA Commodore (retired) Muhammad Aslam Rana said “The Academy is recognized by the World Maritime University, and conducts Pre-Sea and Post-Sea IMO Specialized Courses and the mandatory STCW courses, besides the basic training for cadets and Gp’s. As a result, the Pakistan seafarers no longer have to spend valuable foreign exchange to go abroad for their Pre-sea and Post-sea training.” He said that the academy possesses the most modern, state of the art equipment for training and aids. He acknowledged the continued support of Pakistan Navy, KPT, PNSC, PQA and Karachi University in their intellectual guidance and material support.

MCC West retrieves examination space at KICT KARACHI

SOhaIl RaB Khan www.customstoday.com

odel Customs Collectorate (MCC) of Appraisement (West) has got back its allotted space of the examination area from the authorities of Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT). According to the details, the KICT administration had used the allotted space of the examination area of the MCC-Appraisement (West) at KICT for grounding and dumping the empty containers, since long. Collector MCC-Appraisement (West) Muhammad Saleem has already held several meetings with the authorities concerned of KICT in order to evacuate the space allotted to Pakistan Customs and has also been writing letters to Karachi Port Trust and terminal authorities in this regard. When contacted, Collector Muhammad Saleem said that the KICT administration after clear inti-

— Exlusive Customs Today photo

mations by the MCC-Appraisement (West) has evacuated the allotted space of Pakistan Customs at the terminal, which will deQinitely give an extra edge to the examination staff of the Collectorate. He said that around 200 containers would be grounded at a time for examination at the particular space evacuated by the terminal operator, adding that importers and other stakeholders will not face any impediments now in clearance of their containers. Muhammad Saleem conQirmed that there would be no difQiculties in the clearance process of the containers after retrieving the allotted space of the examination area, adding that additional duties of the Customs ofQicials from different terminals would be assigned on weekends in order to clear the consignments. To a query, Collector MCC-Appraisement (West) conQirmed that there remains no backlog at the terminal right now and all previous blocking due to transporters’ strike has been cleared.

FBR for clearance of filed gDs on same day BR has issued clear directives to all officials of the Collectorates of Pakistan Customs to clear the Goods Declarations (GDs) filed by the importers on the same day and also upload the same in the system by the end of the day. Sources in Customs House informed Customs Today that FBR is redressing the issues and problems of trade bodies and issued the office order to facilitate all stakeholders. When contacted, Collector of MCCAppraisement (West) Muhammad Saleem has confirmed that FBR had issued the order so as to facilitate the trade. “According to the office order, the examination officer is bound to clear the GDs on the same day of the opening, adding that an Additional Collector would be in charge of the examination hall to monitor the entire system”, he added. —CT Report

www.customstoday.com

NATIONAL 03

JANUARY 14 - JANUARY 20, 2014

FBR estimating cost of exemptions in Fy 2013-14

ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue is trying to find out the total cost of exemptions on income tax, sales tax and customs duty in the ongoing fiscal year for compilation of tax expenditure data for the Pakistan Economic Survey for Fiscal Year 2013-14. Sources said that Finance Division has directed Federal Board of Revenue to submit the details of the tax expenditure in the current fiscal year in a phase-wise manner. FBR will submit the information in two phases to ensure timely submission of data for publication in the Economic Survey (2013-14).

end to pak-Russia trade impasses to boost ties

Entire Gwadar MCC team reshuﬄed he entire team of Customs officials posted at Model Gwadar Customs Collectorate (MCC) including Collector and Additional Collector has been reshuffled and the posting of a new team has been notified. According to a notification of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Customs Directorate Reforms and Automation Director Syed Tanveer Ahmad has been transferred and posted as Collector MCC Gwadar in addition to his previous assignment; Gwdar MCC Chief Arslan Subuctageen was transferred to the FBR Headquarters Islamabad; Karachi Customs Directorate of Internal Audit Additional Director Ashir Azeem Gil transferred Gwadar MCC as Additional Collector; Additional Gwadar MCC Collector Muhammad Ashfaq transferred Directorate of Training & Research (Customs), Islamabad; Directorate of Post Clearance Audit (Karachi) Deputy Director Honnak Baloch transferred to Gwadar MCC and Assistant Collector Hamid Hussain has been transferred from Gwadar MCC and posted to MCC Gilgit-Baltistan. Reportedly, the transferred customs officials headed by Collector Dr Arslan Subuctageen made a record collection and seizures of smuggled goods and narcotics during their tenure. The MCC Gwadar has made record tax collection of Rs8.4 billion during first half (July-December) 2013-14 against assigned target of Rs3.5 billion. From July 1 to December 31, the MCC Gwadar was able to collect 236.47 percent higher than its overall consolidated target of all taxes together by collecting Rs8486.58 million against the target of Rs3588.83 million. —CT Report

lawmakers to get ntns by 31st, says Ishaq Dar ISLAMABAD

CUStOmS tODay RepORt www.customstoday.com

ederal minister for Finance Senator Ishaq Dar vehemently dispelled the impression that the parliamentarians did not pay taxes, saying that Federal Board of Revenue had been directed to ensure issuance of National Tax Numbers (NTNs) to parliamentarians by January 31. Speaking in Senate, Ishaq Dar declared income tax was regularly being deducted from the salaries of all parliamentarians be that members of Senate, National Assembly or the Provincial Assemblies. The minister pointed that the last date for Qiling tax returns for the lawmakers was December 16, 2013 and now after issuance of NTN numbers, tax details of all MPs would be made public by February 15, 2014. He stressed that the FBR had already briefed to the PAC on the issue and to remove misperception the FBR had also set up desks in parliament to facilitate MPs, adding that despite this step some 12 percent members of the parliament could not get NTNs. The minister also informed the House that in the Qirst phase, tax details of parliamentarians would be made public and in the next, details of all taxpayers would be published within two months. On the occasion, Leader of Opposition in Senate Aitzaz Ahsan thanked the minister and said the step taken by Dar was commend-

able. Meanwhile, the Federal Minister for Finance stressed the need for solution to 15-year-old trade disputes with Russia, hoping that removal of the impasse will boost trade relations between the two countries. He was chairing a meeting of the committee set up by the Prime Minister to resolve the long standing trade issues between Russia. On the occasion, Senator Ishaq Dar asserted that resolution of prolong issues would create a conducive environment for both the countries to go forward to strengthen bilateral rela-

In the ﬁrst phase, tax details of parliamentarians would be made public and in the next, details of all taxpayers would be published within two months

tions. Such uncalled-for barriers on mutual trade have held bilateral trade relations between the two countries hostage for the past one and half decade, he added. The minister reiterated that end to the 15-year-old Qinancial disputes between Pakistan and Russia would disseminate a positive signal to Russian investors to bring their capital to Pakistan. To expedite the process for solution to the disputes, the Finance Minister also formed a sub-committee under the chairmanship of the Commerce Secretary.

www.customstoday.com

04 NATIONAL

JANUARY 14 - JANUARY 20, 2014

tanners concerned over stuck-up refunds

LAHORE: Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) Chairman Sheikh Saqib has said that huge amounts of duty drawback and sales tax refund claims of the exporters are stuck up with the collectorates and have not been cleared despite numerous reminders issued to the FBR. PTA chairman said that the association member exporters feel it hard to continue their business smoothly in the wake of a host of challenges marked by power and gas crisis, law and order concerns, rising prices of petroleum products, etc.

hief Collector Appraisement (south) Nasir Masroor Ahmed held a series of meetings with Collectors of all three collectorates. Sources told Customs Today that the Chief Collector recently held the meeting with the MCC-Appraisement (West) Collector Muhammad Saleem, MCCAppraisement (East) Collector Abdul Rashid Shaikh and MCC-Port Qasim Collector Dr Agha Owais Jawwad. Sources further informed that the Chief Collector-Appraisement (South) Nasir Masroor Ahmed has emphasized on the shortfall in collection of customs duty during first and second quarters of the current fiscal year. He also urged the Collectors of MCC-Appraisement (East) and MCC-Port Qasim to take effective steps in order to achieve the targets set by Federal Board of Revenue in terms of revenue collection in share of custom duty. It is pertinent to mention here that both the above mentioned collectorates have a shortfall in collection of custom duty during first and second quarters of FY 2013-14. MCC-Port Qasim has collected an amount of Rs 11,086 million in terms of custom duty against its target of Rs 17,218 million in the first quarter. Whereas by end of second quarter, it has a shortfall of Rs 5,846 million the set target for which was Rs 15,571 in terms of custom duty. On the other hand, MCCAppraisement (East) is marginally short of its collection target of custom duty in first quarter. MCC-Appraisement (East) has collected custom duty of Rs 11,355.69 million against the set target of Rs 12,532.33 million in the first quarter. Similarly, MCC-Appraisement (East) has collected a sum of Rs 11599.53 million in share of custom duty against the target of Rs 13,020.87 million by the end of second quarter of FY 2013-14. —CT Report

mCC-appraisement (west) lags behind the set target odel Customs Collectorate (MCC) of Appraisement (West) has collected Rs 45,611 millions in share of customs duty, sales tax, withholding tax and federal excise duty by the end of second quarter of ﬁscal year 2013-14 on December, 31 against the target of Rs 65,402 million. MCC-Appraisement (West) has collected a sum of Rs 17,468 million in share of customs duty against the target of Rs 26,469 million. The Collectorate has collected Rs 19,952 million in share of sales tax by the end of second quarters against the target of Rs 28,386 million. MCC-Appraisement (West) has a shortfall of Rs 2,339 million in terms of collection of withholding tax, as the collection under the head of withholding tax was Rs 7,859 million, while the target stood at Rs 10,198 million. —CT Report

Indo-pak Commerce Secretary level talks to start from Jan 15 During commerce secretary level talks, Pakistan will give commitment on facilitation of Indian goods at Wagha through enhancement of working hours, number of trucks and containerisation ISLAMABAD

CUStOmS tODay RepORt www.customstoday.com

ommerce secretary level talks between India and Pakistan would be held on January 15-16 in New Delhi to put trade ties back on track between the two countries. India has agreed on talks titled “meeting for review of previous round of setting of fresh timelines” without any precondition. "During commerce secretary level talks, Pakistan will give commitment on facilitation of Indian goods at Wagha through enhancement of working hours, number of trucks and containerisation," the sources added. Pakistani leaders expect that India will reciprocate by reducing Safta negative list by 30 percent at the end of two days Commerce Secretary level talks. However, India has refused to lessen Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs) on the plea that its laws are for all countries and not Pakistan speciQic. Elimination of bilateral negative list is not

on agenda for the time being and the commerce ministry is conveying to the horriQied sectors such as auto, agriculture and pharmaceutical that there will be no change in import policy on these items. Sources revealed that the commerce ministry has also requested Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is also Federal Minister for Commerce and Textile, to take into conQidence Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Food Security Research, Ministry of Industries and Production and Ministry of Foreign Affairs on trade relations with India. "We hope the Prime Minister will convene an inter-ministerial meeting on trade with India to remove concerns of other stakeholders especially Army," the sources maintained.

Commerce Ministry is of the view that the meeting is necessary in the context of the Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif's visit to New Delhi last month and Minister for State for Commerce and Textile, Engineer Khurram Dastgir's visit to New Delhi on 17-18 to attend 5th SAARC Business Conclave. Commerce Ministry is of the view that there is no harm in facilitation to Indian goods at Wagha border in lieu of 30 percent reduction in SAARC sensitive list. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has already agreed with IMF that trade relations with India will be normalised. A recent Letter of Intent (LoI) signed by both the Finance Minister and Governor State Bank of Pakistan says: "We remain committed to promoting trade with regional countries, especially under various regional trade arrangements."

— Exlusive Customs Today photo

Duty collection: MCC-Appraisement (South) for evolving eﬀective strategy

Import of Chinese arms, ammunition

MCCs follow new values for assessing duties ISLAMABAD

CUStOmS tODay RepORt www.customstoday.com

he Customs collectors at Model Customs Collectorates (MCCs) have adopted new customs value for accurate assessment of customs duty on the import of non-prohibited bore arms and ammunition from China, in light of the recommendations made by the Supreme Court commission. According to details, 9mm pistols from China are being assessed at the customs value of $120 per piece; 30 bore calibre (pistol) of Chinese origin $70 per piece and ammunition/cartridges for pistols 9mm and 30 bore are being evaluated at $0.058 per piece. It is to be noted that the Customs Collectors are following the valuation recently determined in exercise of the powers under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969 Customs values of Arms & Ammunition. The new value has been determined in light of the Qindings a probe conducted by a Supreme Court commission into smuggling of arms and ammunition. The commission observed that the imported arms and ammunition of Chinese origin is being assessed for customs duty and other taxes on the basis of values ascertained almost 15 years ago. In this backdrop, the Model Cus-

toms Collectorate Appraisement (East) and Model Customs Collectorate Appraisement (West) approached the Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi to determine new Customs values for Chinese origin 9mm and 30 bore pistols and their ammunition. The Federal Board of Revenue also directed the Directorate General to determine the Customs values of Chinese origin arms and ammunition. Accordingly, exercise to determine the Customs values of the aforesaid goods was conducted in terms of Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969. The valuation methods given in Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969 were followed. Transaction value method provided in Sub-Section (1) of Section 25 ibid was found inapplicable because the requisite information to determine the Customs values as per law was not available. Identical/similar goods value methods provided in Sub-Sections (5) & (6) of Section 25 ibid were also not found applicable due 10 unreliable values. Market enquiry as envisaged under Sub-Section (7) of Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969, was conducted and values so worked out were taken up for determination of customs value of the subject goods. Thus, deductive valuation method under Section 25(7) of the Customs Act, 1969, was applied to arrive at the customs values of arms and ammunition of Chinese origin consist-

ing of pistols of 9mm and 30 bore calibres and their ammunition. Similarly, all stakeholders including the representatives of Pakistan Arms & Ammunition Merchants & Manufacturer Association were also taken on board besides getting output from functionaries of clearance collectorates concerned in the process to determine a consensus new value. The one-man commission in its fact-Qinding report has pointed out that no exercise could be conducted over the years to ascertain actual value of arms and ammunition being imported through the work back method of assessment by comparing the market prices of the frequently imported weapons. Moreover, in cases where the Customs assessed values exceed the values allowed in the import authorisations of the Ministry of Commerce, the information is not being shared with either the L/C opening bank or the Ministry of Commerce to adjust/account for the excess values at the time of issuance of next authorisation. The commission also pointed at absence of punitive action against the importers/dealers exceeding authorised limits. As a result, importer opens the L/C for entire amount shown in the authorisation each year and succeeds in bringing quantities of his liking without any fear of punitive action or reduction of value quota for the next import.

FBR halts St exemption to export goods manufacturers he facility of zero-rating on gas supply extended to 52 companies, manufacturing export goods and registered with the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Karachi, has been halted FBR in an order issued here, suspended the facility available to the companies on ‘charges’ of misusing the facility and not filing sales tax returns on a monthly basis. It is to be noted that through an SRO on June 9, 2007, zerorated sales tax facility on supplies was provided to five export sectors including leather, textiles, carpets, sports and surgical goods. Similarly, the FBR through STGO 16/2007 on September 13, 2007, also allowed exemption from sales tax charged on supply of natural gas to these companies. But it imposed conditions for availing of the facility including the connection should be in the name of a registered person and the bill issued by Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) should carry the name and sales tax registration number of such a person. The facility was exclusively available for goods manufactured for export purposes. It has been learnt that the FBR, acting on a request from the RTOs, suspended the facility. —CT Report

www.customstoday.com

NATIONAL

JANUARY 14 - JANUARY 20, 2014

FBR tightens the noose around under-reported real estate businesses

KARACHI: FBR is considering forced acquisition of properties where under-reporting against fair market value is detected and exchequer has been deprived of due share of revenue, official sources have said. The officials said that huge discrepancy was detected in the sale and purchase of properties across the country where immense undeclared money was invested and declared on collector rates, which are much lower than the open market rates. The FBR may purchase open plots/properties with 10 to 20 percent additional value.

he importers and Customs agents are facing immense hardships in hearing of their cases, due to shortage of Pakistan Customs officers at Additional Collectors (ADCs) and Deputy Collector (DCs) level. Importers and other stakeholders were of the view that they have to stand in long queues outside the offices of ADCs and DCs for hours, but no one entertained them in order to conduct their hearing till late evening. One of the importers, on condition of anonymity told Customs Today that many of the importers and Customs agents have to stand in queue from 9.00am in morning to 9.00pm but they get free from hearing process after suffering a mental and physical agony of almost 12 hours. It is pertinent to mention here that a delegation of Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA) comprising its President Ifthikar Shaikh and other officebearers met with the Collector MCC-Appraisement (West), Muhammad Saleem, in which the KCAA delegation had raised its concern on prolonged hearing of their cases. When contacted, Collector MCCAppraisement (West) Muhammad Saleem said that the Customs officials were working efficiently in limited resources and manpower. Collector Muhammad Saleem confirmed that the Pakistan Customs was facing shortage of officials, adding that two officials at ADC and DC level have been transferred from Customs House Karachi while the officials will take charge on their posts soon. He further said that the Customs officers were also sitting in their offices for long hours to complete hearing of the cases of importers and Customs agents. —CT Report

Existing taxpayers can also avail amnesty scheme: Shahid asad LAHORE

CUStOmS tODay RepORt www.customstoday.com

nland Revenue Member of FBR Shaid Hussain Asad has said that the department is ready to extend Amnesty and Immunity Scheme to the existing taxpayers. He said this while addressing a large gathering at the seminar Amnesty and Immunity Scheme organized by Lahore Tax bar association. He said that the existing taxpayers could also be able to avail Amnesty and Immunity Scheme adding that the industrial units which are already operational can get exemption under the Green Field Industrial Project. He elaborated, “Taxpayers who have Qiled their returns from 2008 to 2012 can avail the opportunity from the Prime Minister’s Incentive Package and Amnesty and Immunity Scheme for new investment. The industrial units which are old and want to expand their business are also liable to receive exemption on the investment in their old units’ expansion.” He also said that FBR was also considering the plan to impart and train the masses to pay taxes for uplift of living standards. He added that TV, brochures, radio and other ways of communication can help boost tax base. Shahid Hussain Asad, who is also ofQicial spokesperson of FBR, vowed to fulQil all the genuine demands of taxpayers and LTBA. On the occasion, Lahore Tax bar Association President Qari Habibur Rehman Zuberi urged the IR Member to introduce the two schemes among the Pakistanis

abroad through Pakistani ambassadors setting up a committee consisting of FBR and LTBA members. He asked FBR authorities to make the tax system easy in order to expand tax net taking all the stakeholders into conQidence. If the stakeholders are not taken on board no audit will be completed like the past, he warned. He said, “We have been working in line with FBR and in future LTBA will also be there to help FBR in larger national interests of the country.” He demanded from FBR to set up Tax Advisory Company and Tax Think Tank giving tax bar associations a proportionate representation. Others including LTU Chief Commissioner Mustafa Ashraf, RTO Inland II Chief Commissioner Shafaqat Mehmood and LTBA ofQice bearers including Amir Younus, Ali Ahsan Rana, Shahbaz Sidique, Abdul Waheed and a large number of lawyers were also present on the occasion.

— Exlusive Customs Today photos

Importers, customs agents facing hardships in hearing of their cases

FBR yet to implement FtO recommendation ISLAMABAD

CUStOmS tODay RepORt www.customstoday.com

ederal Tax Ombudsman’s (FTO) recommendation regarding the data disclosure of a complainant is awaiting implementation by the Federal Board of Revenue. It was held that any person who, in contravention of section 216 of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 discloses any particulars of taxpayer's assessment record is guilty of an offence, which is punishable, on conviction, with fine and/or imprisonment. Sources said that under the newly introduced Federal Ombudsmen Institutional Reforms Act, 2013, FBR is legally obliged to implement the recommendations issued by FTO after lapse of 60 days. In this regard, a letter has been issued by the Adviser (I&M) FTO to the Secretary Revenue Division, Islamabad. As per recommendations issued in a unique case decided by FTO Abdur Rauf Chaudhry, an astonishing case of data theft will be investigated by Cyber Crimes Wing of Federal Investigation Agency and FBR, involving tax officers,

— Exlusive Customs Today photo

who illegally accessed confidential taxpayers' assessment record. It was a unique case where complainant's assessment record has been accessed by certain FBR officials when they were not charged with conducting any enquiry involving assessment of his income. Sources said that the provisions of Section 216 of the Income Tax Ordinance, cast a statutory responsibility on FBR to ensure the integrity of a taxpayers assessment record. Maintaining confidentiality of all information contained in the assessment record of taxpayers is responsibility of the concerned office of FBR where the data is stored/maintained. In this landmark investigation by the FTO office, leakage of sensitive information from the complainant's assessment record is evident from the fact that direct references have been made to information borne on the complainant's income tax returns and wealth statements. This shows that the department has not been able to ensure the integrity of complainant's assessment record and this lapse not only tantamount to maladministration as defined in Section 2(3) of the FTO Ordinance but illegal access to complainant's assessment record also constitutes data theft under Section 216 of the Ordinance. Data theft in shape of picking tax record of individuals or act of

stealing computer-based information is a severe criminal offence also falls under the category of Cyber Crimes. In order to curb the mal-practice copy of the recommendations issued by the FTO has been forwarded to the National Response Centre for Cyber Crimes (NR3C) wing of FIA for initiating criminal investigation into the matter, as per law. Sources further stated that the FBR has decided to place new safeguards in the database of taxpayers to ensure security of sensitive, confidential and classified data by enhancing existing security features in the electronic systems maintained by FBR. The FTO issued recommendations to the FBR to conduct enquiry to determine how and why complainant's assessment record came to be accessed by a number of FBR officials when they were not charged with conducting any enquiry involving him in any manner nor were they involved in the assessment of his income for any Tax Period, devise a foolproof SOP in consultation with the National Response Centre for Cyber Crimes (NR3C) wing of the FIA to protect the confidential data of taxpayers and enforce strict confidentiality of passwords assigned to field officers for purposes of accessing taxpayer's electronic record, the FTO order added.

SPECIAL REPORT

www.customstoday.com JANUARY 14 - JANUARY 20, 2014

ar Prem Nag not let the unless our l il w e “W g, ss - Addin rt become a succe nctional to the local in Po de fu to a ry w D m lo is b a rt ry po dealing mother d al.” had been ister uently ti q n lo te e o at PR Min ked d p y. th ja e d m th e A v dustr e h li g C e , ic b tr joyin tion Ch Amjad was also being To a ques they had been en toms SaeeD t aad a s ould not t S c Q u a LAHORE F C o th ja a h a h re d w S o w a re h n ts a h Ia om e decla ith L teres . K m ha.cyusatotm/mstod despite th lations w vested in operative ay.c cordial re who were very co directed by the hal Port flourish at a prime www ls ug be ted top officia ff should r- see M at the port was loca the Ring r v ic e a t However, lower sta rters in goods clea to e th s r t a c e in fa n a s tr a ng impo th a n d e ffe c tive location as it w f fre igh t ill help Punjab ti a o the status it h d il c e c n m fa u h e la had assu arts of the en for to e n s u re s m o o added. Port w e h b ic ry h s D a w r h d u Mughalp revenue which it o o d s in a n c e ue Roa ateway to other p ons,” he g g had no iss y ss operati earn heft to c le a ra n c e o f e goods busine borated that they cluding the of a ce. s h o we in la th in u v e ll d e ls ro a H p t g ia s ic in o s ff r, chairman a r in g o lm lo e s a v A rt e y m A o tl w C p to n o C s e e L H u . th urr c le The with top C tor and collectors ura Dry Karachi. C are being cleared in te r s a n d halp d im p o r raise, saying that Collec g f u re e ie M h t C a s containers in Asctor on r tra ith p uty colle ng Agents ed prope agents w ed due appreciati s city. ms Cleari an Muham- dep should be provid ed. s rv e to e s s in u e s C d u b y re e g Laho Port n- th Chairm en doin hief urg o c e e ) c s b A A re d re A A a a a C th C if h C y C lt e d y L u (L e th as the e of m sociation d C h a u d h r y s h a re te r v ie w ing” th s of the view that issues in the fac d re te o la a h ja in a w re L m e e sH in stom mad A xc lu s iv arious cu s well and ious problems. lishment r in g a n e fronting v a Iqbal Airport a the estab A g e n ts t v ie ws d u ms Today. u re s o y b e a a b g w llam Ra il a ls o r in g Talkin t a with Custo d s tre s s e d th a t visit the at the A ro b le m s s h o u ld n d ia C le a p a k is ta n -I h A m ja d s a id th a be P e f s o e t. s C h A m ja Rafique should th ie n rl e C ld a k , e u e ta k o n e a o d w th a st ti d Ah c ia the tion d at Saa Minister d sit together with ting the dresse imed that the LCCA u th o r it ie s A s s o ng of the associa r on a a n b o rd e ues n ti la n a c o e e e e e v rt th t H m o ju p h in re o it ry w -p s d te th is s n o ro ra e s e n e ru u u z t b s t o u li o t is ri e b n d ls se an cuss va h e ld a is d een holders to f the government c ke over u p th e ed at different leve to tw is e s b trade thly ba “I ready to ta e n ti ty concern out of it so far. u t mon ing to facilitating untries. dry port. o re b a a e w , n e le ort g co ertain q u e s ti o the dry p it in to a p ro fi ta b dd huge ing cam a n o th e r chief p A Chief ighbourin a e LCCAA im- both the ne noted that LCCA d a s To th , rt o a n d tu r n e days which will the LCP e r Dry of the ,” re It is to b s a ls o b e e n e le c te g Mughalpu t the Port was one try but within th the national kitty in ha h n a C u th o d c d to ja dia Clear e e e m rr revenu rts of th ictim to the A ident Pakistan-In r ave . o d te P e is y im r in la D M c t v pres . CAA chief e d th a t Ra ilways o re v i- portan ately it had fallen sociation e, Agents As akistan-India trad H e a rg u d Ra fi q u e wa s m than unfortun rests. e th is P t t fr c a u o te o ti a o P e e S in b A g th K h awa ja alified and energ in is te r vested P re m N a g a r D r y have made enhancin M u he e stressed b e twe e n th e wh o “T h s n u g w sionary, q In d ia n Ra ilways p ro s to l tra d e g er a d tra n ort on th hild of th e fo r m d Ya d av, wh o h to a suc- brainc to privatize the p s Clearing fi c ia o u n tr ie s , a rg u in c a ts m s in f p o s o to ra y m s P a e e tw u g tt w C n a rail L a lu e ir ve n ect excha e but the ss-making away pric s o c ia ti o n fo il e d th Ch Am- that dir tween the two formed lo ture. t h ig e e . s fr b d A s n se ut cessful ve g to a q u e r y a b o govern- A g e n ts critically expres ains were good ie s wo u ld re he o tr u n tr ,” o c tw re t Re p ly in he said that the tu a rt of doth o the cost ra Dry P omotives es, inted out train issu repaired many loc passen- jad po come to Mughalpu iners were duce u s in e s s . “T h e y b ta ould ment had aged them to carr ys could used to ago and 140 con sis, adding in g g rnment sh ade a rs a n e a e b w v e il o d y y a g a il R h ix a s t t d a tr n ry bu th o d n io g n e d e a in y le th d e rg at an go , ad hand ger trains me a profit-earnin ic e wa s being re is no train now n s p ira c ie s keep o e s n o t a ll ow N A C v d o o e r t nd RT e c that th igh t s e ever bec to set a e Indian goods tha i c ti n g th DRY PVO BE IT nsation unless itstofrthe e capacity. n R r t, re fl e e vested interests th ta o E p is k a P E la e N g L IF ctional d by th eed for can dama cluded. made fun mphasis on the n usiness- hatche gar Dry Port . TIONAA E d setting industry,” he con in D e a b h FUNCN N e id n b m la ia M d ic e re H P T d In ce of a oned log OW IS OT kistani an ade which He questi port in the presen port? IVE NE lowing Pa ertake bilateral tr the govA F R O E ry ry d d P w d ble O TENUR men to un only benefit both u e b u t up a ne ipped and profita qu ve n IN THEWAJA SAAD not -e re ll e ld f u w o o e w p in s h a KHA ER WHOSE ling which e r n m e n ts discourage smugg UND TITUENCY o ls a would NS

S IT FALL

JANUARY 14 - JANUARY 20, 2014

SPECIAL REPORT 07

— Exlusive Customs Today photos

www.customstoday.com

08 EDITORIAL

JANUARY 14 - JANUARY 20, 2014

Founder & Chairman Zulﬁqar ali Executive Editor Rahil yasin editor@customstoday.com.pk For advertising & subscription marketing@customstoday.com.pk +92-322-3370002 www.customstoday.com Phones: 042-35781643-4, Fax: 042-35781645 Address: 627, Siddiq Trade Centre, Gulberg, Lahore

eDItORIal

a welcome step

ederal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Ishaq Dar has taken a welcoming decision to allow the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for publishing tax directory of Parliamentarians. Under Pakistan’s tax laws, the federal government has granted permission to the FBR to publish such a tax directory of parliamentarians. Now this move will pave the way for convincing other influential segments of the society to come forward and voluntarily allow for disclosing their tax information. If this trend gets promoted in our country then fiscal problems can be resolved. In a country where less than one percent population is filing income tax returns out of total 180 million, the filing of returns and publishing of tax directory about the influential will pave the way for promoting this trend in our country. After publishing of tax report which disclosed massive discrepancies in the payment of taxes, parliamentarians also revealed startling facts that around 12 percent, out of total 1046 members of National Assembly, Senate and four provincial assemblies, are non-National Tax Number (NTN) holders. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a highlevel meeting in FBR last week in which the decision was taken that FBR would publish a tax directory of Parliamentarians by February 15, 2014. The government took stance that they would not defend any tax defaulters so all kind of facilitation would be provided to them to discharge their national duty by becoming filers and taxpayers. How the government could defend tax defaulters even among the top politicians of the country as foreign donors are justified in raising questions that why they should given money of their honest taxpayers to fill the needs of a country where rulers and politicians are tax defaulters. Now the FBR has been assigned to facilitate those non-NTN holders to get them registered into taxation system of the country and file their returns which would be published on the website of the FBR by mid of the next month. It is the basic right of the masses to get information about payment of taxes by those whom they have elected to represent them in the top constitutional forum of the country. Pakistan, unfortunately, falls among the list of those countries where tax-to-GDP ratio is dismally low and it is quite shameful. Now the time has come to break the status quo and ensure full payment of taxes otherwise standing in the comity of nations with integrity and pride will become difficult for the countrymen.

a daunting task ISLAMABAD

Sm haIDeR

www.customstoday.com

daunting task has been lying ahead for the tax collection machinery as FBR will have to collect Rs 1445 billion in second half (Jan-June) period to display the desired tax collection target of Rs 2475 on its board on June 30, 2014. In first six months (July-Dec) period of the current fiscal year, FBR had collected Rs 1030 billion, registering a growth of around 17 percent compared to the collection of the last year. FBR has collected Rs 1030 billion against the desired tax collection target of Rs 1100 billion envisaged for this period indicating a shortfall of Rs 70 billion in first six months. Although, FBR collection surpassed the projection made by IMF about the prospects of revenue collection but FBR fell short of the desired target of Rs 2475 billion for the whole financial year. IMF had projected that FBR’s collection would be standing at Rs 2345 billion in the current fiscal year.

On tax returns of the corporate sector side, FBR has received around 11,000 returns so far. According to revenue collection figures compiled by FBR, the Board collected Rs1030 billion taxes from July to December period of this financial year as against the target of Rs1100 billion. FBR paid Rs35 billion in refunds

the collection on account of customs duties stood at Rs112 billion, 10 billion less than even the conservative assessment by the ImF to the taxpayers in the first half of the fiscal year, according to FBR officials. However, as compared to the first half of the previous financial year the tax collection was 17 percent higher but yet far below the required growth rate of 28%. FBR collected Rs375 billion in income tax in the first half of the fiscal

year, which was only 37% of the total collection, underscoring increasing dependency on indirect taxation, which is regressive in nature. IMF had estimated that FBR will collect Rs380 billion in income tax. The sales tax collection in the first half stood at Rs462 billion as against the IMF’s expectation of Rs431 billion. An increase of 1% in the rate of general sales tax remained the main reason behind increase in collection but yet it was lower than the target as the government had increased its rate from 16 to 17 percent in the budget. The collection on account of customs duties stood at Rs112 billion, 10 billion less than even the conservative assessment by the IMF. The collection on account of federal excise duties remained at Rs70 billion as against the IMF’s expectation of Rs64 billion. Now FBR will have to put up whole hearted efforts to avoid revenue shortfall in second half of the current fiscal year, otherwise axe will fall on development expenditures in a major way to avoid fiscal slippages under the tight nose of the IMF program.

www.customstoday.com

PICTORIAL

JANUARY 14 - JANUARY 20, 2014

gwadar to be foundation of pakistan’s future development

ISLAMABAD: The newly developed port of Gwadar can serve as cornerstone of the country’s economic development and change plight of the people of Balochistan if its real potential is exploited to bolster trade in the region. This was stated by retired Colonel Maqbool Afridi, Chairman Standing Committee, Gwadar Promotion and Development of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He said, “Gwadar project has the potential to give boost to the present crippled economy of the country in a short span of time.

Customs Today stall launching at Mughal Pura dry port ML-N Lahore President and MNA Pervaiz Malik who is also special advisor to CM Punjab, has launched the stall of Customs Today in the office of Lahore Customs Agents Association at Mughal Pura Dry Port in a splendid ceremony. Customs Agents chairman Amjad Chaudhry, president Agha Iftikhar, Customs Today GM Monim Bukhari, Customs Today AGM Mian Shafqat and a large number of customs agents and importers were also present on the occasion. Customs agents presented their issues and problems related to Mughal Pura Dry Port before the honourable guest Pervaiz Malik. They also demanded completion of the incomplete road leading to the port. Pervaiz Malik on the spot called to the LDA chairman and directed him to complete the road. Customs Agents also requested to run freight trains. Mr Malik promised to take up the matter with Khawaja Saad Rafique. He also committed to arrange a meeting of customs agents with Khawaja Saad Rafique on the said issue. Amjad Ch. And Agha Iftikhar on the occasion said that supply of goods through freight trains will give a boost to revenue generation. —CT Report

— Exlusive Customs Today photos

www.customstoday.com

10 NATIONAL

JANUARY 14 - JANUARY 20, 2014

ptea pleas for refunds

FAISALABAD: Pakistan Textile Exporters Association has demanded the government intervention for the release of huge amounts of textile exporters, stuck up in refund regimes and also sought to allow zero rating on textile exports. PTEA Chairman Sheikh Ilyas Mahmood and Vice Chairman Adil Tahir termed the liquidity crunch as major hurdle in promotion of exports. The textile industry had been facing unprecedented crises since many years and consequently, a sizeable textile capacity had been severely impaired, they said.

MCC-Appraisement (East) tax collection well ahead of targets: Collector Rashid odel Customs Collectorate (MCC) of Appraisement-East is well ahead of its revenue targets set by Federal Board of Revenue in first and second quarter of the fiscal year 2013-14. According to details, MCC-Appraisement (East) under the supervision of Collector Abdul Rashid Shaikh has successfully collected the revenue more than the set targets in all heads except customs duty by the end of second quarter on December, 31. MCC-Appraisement (East) has collected a sum of Rs 25,942.19 million in share of sales tax against the target of Rs 16,565.82 million by the end of second quarter of the current fiscal year. In share of withholding tax, MCC-Appraisement (East) has collected a handsome amount of Rs 8,030.46 million against the set target of Rs 5,987.15 million by the end of second quarter of the current fiscal year. Continuing its efficient performance, MCC-Appraisement (East) has collected Rs 304.03 million against the set target of Rs 200.12 million. However, the Collectorate has fallen short marginally in order to collect the customs duty during second quarter of the FY 2013-14. It has collected Rs 11,599.53 million in share of customs duty while the target stood at Rs 13,020.87 million. Similarly, MCC-Appraisement (East) is far ahead of revenue collection against its targets set by FBR in the first quarter (July, 2013 to September, 2013) of FY 2013-14. The Collectorate had collected Rs 22,382.41 million in share of ST against the target Rs 15,860.40 million in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. It had collected a sum of Rs 8,052.43 million in share of WHT against the target of 6,025.25 million in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. The Collectorate had collected a handsome amount of Rs 432.67 million in share of FED while the target set by FBR was Rs 162.15 million. MCC-Appraisement (East) had fallen short in collection of customs duty during the first quarter of FY 2013-14; it had collected a sum of Rs 11,355.69 million against the target of Rs 12,532.33 million. —CT Report

wRIte tO US yOUR gRIeVanCeS: Through CUStOmS tODay platform help DeSK, now you have chance to DIReCtly write your problems to top govt. functionaries. If you have any grievances, queries, questions or suggestions, you can write in this section as it provides easiest access to you to approach Customs and Revenue authorities. whO can write in this section? Importers & Exporters, Customs Agents, Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations and Customs Oﬃcers tO whOm you can write? Honourable PM, Minister/Secretary for Finance & Revenue, Minister/Secretary for Ports and Shipping, FBR Chairman, Member Customs and Chairperson Senate/National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance & Revenue. Send your letters at: letters@customstoday.com.pk

Carrying forex: ntn likely to be made mandatory This provision ‘apparently’ encourages money laundering and outflow of foreign exchange which is detrimental to the economy. According to the law, income, generated in the country and converted into foreign exchange without paying taxes is a criminal act because such foreign exchange without explainable source was against the provisions of Anti Money Laundering Act, 2010. Therefore, the government is contemplating amendments to the relevant laws to allow carrying foreign exchange up to 10,000 dollars to a person having valid NTN and file return of income annually. This step is expected to reduce flight of forex and arrest of rapid currency depreciation.

LAHORE

CUStOmS tODay RepORt www.customstoday.com

he National Tax Number (NTN) is likely to be declared mandatory for carrying foreign exchange during foreign tours in a bid to discourage money laundering and flight of foreign exchange. It is to be noted that Section 4 of Protect of Economic Reforms Act, 1992 and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) rules allow all citizens to carry up to 10,000 dollars during foreign tours without any declaration at any stage irrespective of the fact that the money is white to this extent or not.

Commitment with ImF

Govt to phase out tax exemptions in 3 years he current government has made commitment with IMF for phasing out certain number of tax exemptions from next budget 2014-15. According to the IMF documents, Pakistani authorities have made written commitments with the Fund to abolish tax exemptions during next three years period. The IMF document states that eﬀorts towards eliminating tax exemptions and concessions are also underway. Since the start of the program, the authorities have issued a few SROs to address some implementation issues of already budgeted measures and address some legal concerns. The budgetary implications of these SROs were negligible and costs were covered through administrative measures. The authorities reaﬃrmed their commitment that in the future the SRO process granting tax exemptions and concessions will be eliminated. The Pakistani authorities, according to the IMF, aim at

finalizing plans to reduce concessions and exemptions, including those granted through SROs, by end-December 2013. The ultimate objective of the exercise will be to increase revenues by 1–1.5 percent of GDP over two years without increasing tax rates. The plan will include elimination of the first set of exemptions and concessions in the context of budget 2014/15. The consequent broadening of the tax base will generate much of the needed revenue, but it is also important to facilitate tax administration and to move towards a more equitable and competitive tax system. To ameliorate risks to the program, the IMF states that several contingent measures have been identified and will be implemented in case the expected fiscal adjustment falls short of objectives. These measures include reduced expenditure allocations in the first nine months of the year compared

the ultimate objective of the exercise will be to increase revenues by 1–1.5pc of gDp without increasing tax rates

to the budget to create a reserve against any shortfall, and use of reserves built into the capital expenditure budget if needed. These could yield savings amounting to 0.5 percent of GDP. Revenue from the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) has not yet entered the government coﬀers due to legal challenges, although it is being levied. The IMF had expected that this legal issue will be resolved by end-December 2013, but stand ready to take compensatory measures, including on the revenue side, to assure compliance with our ﬁscal target. We remain committed to our plan to broaden the tax net through the elimination of most tax exemptions and loopholes granted through Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs). Since the start of the program, we have issued a few SROs to address some implementation issues of already budgeted measures and address some legal concerns. —CT Report

appeal to revamp infrastructure at Railway Station To, The Federal Minister Railways, Khawaja Saad Ra"ique

for

Sir,

I want to draw your kind attention towards the poor infrastructure at Pak-India section at Lahore Railway Station as its dilapidated condition and rampant theft incidents are hitting hard the trade between the two countries. At a time when you are utilizing all your energies to improve both the image and performance of Railways, the deplorable condition of the T-10 (Railways Mall Godown) of the Lahore Railway Station is presenting a bleak picture.

The T-10 of the Lahore Railway Station that purely deals with PakIndia trade is fast losing business because of its shabby infrastructure as inadequate sitting arrangements, leaking roofs, bad roads and above all rampant incidents of theft are discouraging the Indian and Pakistani businessmen to use the facility. The infrastructure conditions at Wagha-Attari border are also equally bad therefore the Railways Minister should issue necessary directions for the improvement that would help strengthen trade relations between Pakistan and India. Yours Sincerely, Aftab Ahmad Vohra, Lahore

www.customstoday.com JANUARY 14 - JANUARY 20, 2014

pm appoints new BoI chairman

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has appointed Miftah Ismail as Chairman Board of Investment on an honorary basis. This was issued by the Cabinet Division in a notification. Miftah Ismail is a Karachi based businessman and belongs to the Candyland Group. He has his PhD in Public Finance and political economy from Wharton School of Business, in University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia. He is a visiting faculty member at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA).

CARTOONS SPECIAL

www.customstoday.com

JANUARY 14 - JANUARY 20, 2014

Published by M. F. Riaz, Oﬀ. 91, 3rd Flr, Gul Plaza, M.A. Rd., Karachi, for Customs Today and Printed at Dhoom Printing Press Masheer Mahal Building, Oﬀ: I. I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi