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ustoms Central Region has collected Rs 4332 million under the head of customs duty during the month of November Sinancial year 2016-17 registering 18 percent growth compared to target of Rs 36675 during the same period last Sinancial year of 2015-16.

As per details the Customs Appraisement Lahore collected Rs 2265 million during the month of November against the assigned target of Rs 2160 million during the month of November 2016-17.

Similarly, Customs Preventive collected Rs 740 million customs duty during the month against the collection target of month of Rs 778 million. The Collectorate of Multan collected Rs 1007 million during the period under

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review against the assigned target of Rs 593 million. In the same way, the Collectorate of Customs Faisalabad collected Rs 319 million during the month of the Sinancial against the target of Rs144 million during the month of November. Overall the Central Region collected total customs duty from all the four collectrate worth Rs4332 million customs duty against target of Rs 3675 million the during the same.

Hyderabad Customs earns Rs 3.71m through auction in Nov

Collector Arslan reviews performance of Customs Preventive

Pakistan to protest World Bank’s ‘incorrect map’

Customs Preventive seizes 40 gram gold jewelry

Customs improving on automation,antismuggling performance:Ahmad Reza

TheMCC,HyderabadcollectedRs3.7168m throughauctionofnon-dutypaidgoods | See pAge 02 |

CustomsCollectorDr.ArslanMondayhelda meetingwithpreventivefieldstafftoreview | See pAge 03 |

Pakistan has decided to lodge an official protestwiththeWBafterthelendingagency | See pAge 04 |

Customs Preventive authorities deputed at Lahore Airport have foiled bid to smuggle | See pAge 14 |

The MCC, Sialkot has taken special measures in automation, anti-smuggling | See pAge 16 |

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Sialkot Customs collects Rs 4.6m in November Thursday, December 15, 2016

National

SIALKOT: The Model Customs Collectorate, Sialkot, has collected Rs 4.60 million under the head of customs duty in November of current fiscal year 2016-17.

Sources told Customs Today that the department has surpassed the revenue collection target under the head of customs duty whereas it collected Rs2.86 million during the corresponding period of the last year. Sources told that the Sialkot region has collected Rs 4.60 million as customs duty during November 2016 which is Rs 1.74 million more than the assigned target while during the same period fiscal year 2015 Sialkot Customs collected Rs 1.33 million.

Hyderabad customs earns rs 3.71m through auction in nov

SIALKOT

HYDERABAD

SALeeM AwAn SHeikHu

ASLAM AnJuM QureSHi

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ustoms Intelligence and Investigation Department, Gujranwala, has confiscated Iranian dry dates worth Rs 80,000 during vehicle checking on Wazirabad Road.

Under the directions of Assistant Director Itrat Hussain, Superintendent Tariq Rafique constituted a team under the supervision of Inspector Saad Ullah to check vehicle under Iran Transit Trade to curb smuggling.

The inspector along with his team including constables Usama, Shafique, Mubashir etc started checking vehicles on Wazirabad Road. During the checking of vehicles the team intercepted a van which was coming from Rawalpindi and going to Narowal via Sialkot.

While the search of the vehicle the team recovered smuggled dry dates worth Rs80,000. The team asked the driver namely Habib Gull about booking papers of dry dates but he was failed to produce the same. He told that dry dates were loaded from Bus Stand Pir Wadhai of Rawalpindi and Bus Stand Manager knows better about booking papers. The team confiscated the dry dates and released driver with van whereas the team has challaned of driver.

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he Model Customs Collectorate, Hyderabad collected Rs 3.7168 million through auction of non-duty paid goods and vehicles during November 2016.

The auction was held at Hyderabad State Warehouse where different types of smuggled goods, including shampoo, 81 role of paper plastic, 407 tyres, Toyota Crown Salon and Toyota Hilux were put on auction. During the auctions, some vehicles and other miscellaneous items were successfully auctioned.

The auction was held through open bidding where everyone was given equal opportunity for bidding of conSiscated goods and vehicles.

Deputy Collector Shahid Ali Abbasi said that Hyderabad Customs was taking actions against the smuggling actively to save the national economy and local business community, adding that all items presented for auction were seized by the Anti Smuggling Organisation (ASO). Shahid Ali Abasi and Assistant Colletor Shahd Iqbal supervised the auction process to ensure transparency along with Superintendent Slaeem Husain Shah, Inspector Abdul Rauf Qureshi, Inspector Saleem Ajmeri, Inspector KK and Constable Muhammad Husain. The customs has deposited Rs 3.71 million to national exchequer earned through the

gujranwala customs intelligence seizes iranian dry dates

auction of smuggled items in November 2016. Meanwhile, a team of ASO following the instructions of Collector Agha Shahid Majeed conducted raid and conSiscated smuggled cigarettes of different brands worth Rs 135,000. The ASO team raided Pathan Colony, Hyderabad and seized foreign oaring cigarettes, which were allegedly being smuggled from Karachi to Hyderabad. After making seizure report, the ASO team deposited the conSiscated cigarettes to state warehouse. Under the supervision of Additional Collector Omer ShaSique, the ASO team

comprising Deputy Superintendent Sikander Akbar Phanwar, Deputy Superintendent Anwar Ahmed Siddiqui, Inspector Waqar Ahmed Baig, Inspector Syed Nazim Ali and others participated in the raid. Meanwhile, The Model Customs Collectorate’s Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) seized smuggled items worth Rs 35.095 million during different operations and registered 12 cases in November, 2016. The ASO team following the instruction of Hyderabad Customs Collector Agha Shahid Majeed conducted various raided in Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana to

conSiscate smuggled items under the supervision of headquarters Additional Collector Rehmatullah Vistro and ASO Additional Collector Umar ShaSique. According to details, the ASO seized smuggled goods including, 800 liters of Iranian diesel worth Rs 36,000, non-duty paid smuggled Toyota Land Cruiser V8 bearing Registration No BF-9776 worth Rs 4 million, 58 pieces of tyers and tubes worth Rs 147,000, foreign origin 970 watches valued at Rs 145,500, 19,449 cartons of smuggled pine and different brands cigarettes worth Rs 9.844 million.

cJ questions role of fBr, fiA, nAB in panama leaks case C

ISLAMABAD

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hief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali has remarked if FBR (Federal Board of Revenue), FIA (Federal Investigative Agency) and NAB (National Accountability Bureau) are unable to perform their duties, why not close them.

During the hearing of Panama Leaks case on today (Tuesday), Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali

said, “FBR,NAB ad FIA did not play their part and if state institutions fail to play their due role, they should rather be shut down.”

A Sive-member bench headed by the chief justice, resumed the hearing of Panama Case in packed Court Room No. 1. The CJ opined that all options are open, “if we come to the conclusion that a commission is needed for a just probe, we will constitute one.” PTI lawyer, Naeem Bukhari, continued his arguments against the Sharif Family contention

that they bought Slats in 2006.

The Sharif Family pleaded the court to hear the case on day-today basis as it is a matter of utmost importance.

The Supreme Court asked three questions from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer during hearing of the Panama Leaks case.

During his arguments, PM’s lawyer Salman Aslam Butt said there was a failure to provide evidence from the petitioners regarding the companies being formed il-

legally. This led to Justice Asif Saeed Khosa asking the following questions: How did the prime minister’s children form the companies? Explain the issue of dependency Were the prime minister’s speeches true or not? A Sive member bench headed by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali resumed hearing of the Panama Leaks case today (Tuesday) on petitions by Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf and other parties. The court adjourned the session till December 7 (tomorrow). During proceedings,

Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali said the court has kept its options open. “We will form a commission if we feel the need to.” The chief justice added that the FBR and FIA have not done their job. “If these institutions do not want to work, why not close them,” he said. Children of the Sharif family submitted a petition in the Supreme Court requesting for hearing on a daily basis. “The issue is very critical and the work of institutions is getting affected,” the petition stated.

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Currency dealers term FBR’s notices to forex companies ‘discouraging’ KARACHI: Foreign currency dealers have criticised the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) alleged intervention in their business. Exchange Companies Association President Malik Bostan, in a statement, said “When there is a financial monitoring unit and the regulator State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) the FBR’s action is surprising,” adding that the notices sent by the FBR to exchange companies will discourage the inflows of official channels. Last week, the FBR’s Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation-Inland Revenue issued several notices to foreign exchange companies, asking them to provide transaction details of foreign currencies, including the US dollar.

Transporters threaten strike in peshawar against enhanced tax

Thursday December 15, 2016

National

collector Arslan reviews performance of customs preventive

PESHAWAR

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he transporters have threatened to go on strike against surge in tax on Afghanistanbound vehicles at the toll plaza on Ring Road near Hayatabad. Addressing a news conference at Peshawar Press Club, All Mushtarka Transporter Trailers and Trucks Owner Association President Haji Mohammad Yousaf said that the toll tax was initially imposed on the Afghanistan-bound vehicles but Peshawar Development Authority had starred collecting it from local transport too. Besides, he said, tax was also collected from light vehicles that made life of local people miserable.

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Valuation ruling of networking equipment revised KARACHI

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he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of networking equipments Valuation Ruling No 987/2016 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. Customs values of networking equipments were determined under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969, vide Valuation Ruling No774/2015, dated 01-122015. The Valuation Ruling required revision in line with the prevailing prices in the international market.

Therefore, this directorate general initiated an exercise for determination of Customs values of networking equipments. Different meetings with stakeholders were held and a final meeting was held on 05-102016. Importers had been requested to furnish the following documents before the course of meeting.

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ISLAMABAD

TAriQ DerYA

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ustoms Collector Dr. Arslan Subuctageen Monday held a meeting with preventive Sield staff to review the performance of Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) and car cell of Sirst Sive months (July-November) of Sinancial year 2016-17.

Deputy Collector Shahid Jan told Customs Today that Arslan urged the preventive department to gear up anti-smuggling activities and made more and more seizures of smuggled goods and vehicles.

The collector also directed the car cell to launch crackdown on non-duty paid vehicles’ owners and tighten noose around the smugglers, Shahid Jan said, adding that the collector also showed satisfaction on the performance of the ASO and car cell. The ofSicials of car cell and ASO informed the collector about hurdles and issues faced by them during crackdown on smugglers, while the collector assured them that their problems will be solved on early basis, Jan added.

The collector told the preventive department that he will again call a meeting at the end of second quarter in order to review the performance of anti-smuggling squads. Meanwhile, Customs North Region Chief Collector Sarwat Tahir Habib also showed satisfaction on the performance of ASO and car cell during Sirst Sive months of Sinancial year 2016-17. Meanwhile,

Model Customs Collectorate Collector Dr. Arslan visited Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad to check measurements being taken to curb currency and gold smuggling.

The collector visited all areas of BBIA and inquired the deputed customs staff about their working. He also met with Airport Security Force (ASF) ofSicials, as both departments will work jointly to thwart the smuggling attempts. Collector Arslan directed the customs ofSicials to put special focus

The collector also directed the car cell to launch crackdown on non-duty paid vehicles’ owners and tighten noose around the smugglers, Shahid Jan said, adding that the collector also showed satisfaction on the performance of the ASo and car cell

raja Tahir issues notice in vehicle case

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ISLAMABAD

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www.customsbulletin.com ollector Customs Adjudication Raja Tahir issued a show cause notice to a suspect who is allegedly involved in smuggling of used Toyota Land Cruiser V- 8.

As per the details, acting upon information the customs intelligence team established check- post near MM Road, district Mianwali. They intercepted a Toyota Land Cruiser V-8 bearing registration no. BF-

7520. During the chase of the vehicle the driver escaped from the spot and the Customs Intelligence team impounded the vehicle. The ofSicials tried their best to trace the owner but they failed to Sind it.

Customs Intelligence authorities forwarded the case to Customs Adjudication Collector Raja Tahir Majeed. Collector Raja Tahir during hearing the case of non-duty paid vehicle had issued notice to unclaimed suspects. The culprits have been directed to Sile their replies in

their respective cases in next month.

The case of vehicle might be decided in the next hearing. The Customs Adjudication issued notices to accused person on the violation of Section 10-A. 89(1) and 156(1) of the Customs Act, 1969. However, the adjudication has directed to Sile their replies by given time, which is also last date of hearing. It is also necessary to mention here that Customs Adjudication authorities expedited their efforts to conclude hearing of pending cases on priority basis.

on Dubai-bound Slights because credible information has been received that currency and gold would be smuggled abroad through airlines. He also visited Rawal Lounge International Departure Side and met with vigilance staff, besides checking the working of scanners and body search area. The collector also directed the staff to enhance vigilance in all areas, including international departure hall, cafeteria to detect any suspicious activity being carried out.

customs recovers 8kg gold at airport he officials from Customs Department have seized eight-kilogramme gold worth Rs32.4 million at Bacha Khan Airport during body search of a passenger who had arrived from Dubai. According to Customs officials, the accused person, Nasir Hussain of Peshawar, had arrived from Dubai via PK-284. During body search the officials recovered 720 tola (eight-kilogramme gold).

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Iran agrees to negotiate on amendment to GSPA ISLAMABAD: Iran has agreed to negotiate on the amendment in the Gas Sale Purchase Agreement (GSPA) of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project.

As per the official sources in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, “Pakistan has requested Iran for amendment in the GSPA and Iran has agreed to negotiate.”

The official further said that the funds will be allocated for the project in the due course of time and the timeline for completion of the project will be decided mutually in the forthcoming meetings between Pakistan and Iran.

Thursday December 15, 2016

Business

pakistan to protest wB’s ‘incorrect map’ ISLAMABAD

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akistan has decided to lodge an ofSicial protest with the World Bank (WB) after the lending agency used a map of Pakistan without the territories of Giglit-Baltistan (G-B) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

In a politically explosive move, WB’s Lead Economist for African Region Vincent Palmade used the map in his presentation during the ofSicial ceremony of a book launch in Islamabad on Tuesday. Google Maps shows Azad Kashmir as Indian territory in latest gaffe The book titled ‘South Asia’s Turn: Policies to Boost

SBp governor calls on finance minister KARACHI

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overnor State Bank of Pakistan, Mr. Ashraf Mehmood Wathra called on the Federal Minister for Finance Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar today. Governor State Bank of Pakistan discussed recent measures taken by the State Bank of Pakistan on the crackdown against illegal money exchangers as directed by the Finance Minister before he left for Paris. He also informed the Minister on the latest foreign exchange reserve situation of the country.

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Competitiveness and Create the Next Export Powerhouse’ was launched during the annual general meeting and conference of the Pakistan Society of Development Economists. Ministry of Planning & Development and Pakistan Institute of

Development Economics (Pide) jointly organised the three-day conference. The WB has defended its decision to use the ‘incorrect’ map.

“The WB does not have any ofSicial map on Kashmir for India and Pakistan,” said Gabi George Afram, the

WB programme leader while responding to a question on excluding G-B and AJK territories.

Planning Commission’s Chief Economist Dr Nadeem Javeid, who chaired the session in which the WB ofSicial used the map, said: “After consulting with the Foreign OfSice, we have issued a disclaimer as the WB ofSicial has shown an incomplete and incorrect map of Pakistan.”

Pakistan, he said, would officially lodge a protest with the WB office in Pakistan on this negligence. Dr Javid said the government would make sure that no such map was printed in the book. It is not for the first time the WB has taken a stance that favours India. It has already refused to finance the Diamer-Bhasha Dam because it is located in a disputed territory.

for eight plots: cDA gets bids to the tune of rs 3.75 billion T

ISLAMABAD

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he cash strapped Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Tuesday received Rs3.75 billion in bids for eight commercial plots around Islamabad on the Sirst day of an auction.

However, participation from investors remained lacklustre and the civic body had to put off auctions for seven plots after reportedly receiving low bids. The two-day auction by the CDA commenced at the

Jinnah Convention Centre on Tuesday. The civic body had offered a total of 15 plots to investors. However, CDA only accepted bids for eight plots on Tuesday after getting good deals. Bidding on the remaining seven plots was deferred after they fetched low offers from investors.

A nine member committee of the civic body headed by member Finance, Fahad Aziz supervised the auction proceedings. Members and senior ofSicials of different wings and directorates of CDA also part of the committee including the director of Estate Management-II The

auction started on 11:35 am and ended at 5 pm. Participation from investors in the auction remained low with the last token number issued to potential investors was 39.

The CDA, however, in its ofSicial statement claimed that investors had enthusiastically participated in the auction. An investor, who did not wish to be named since it could impact qualiSication of his bid, told The Express Tribune there was a low turnout from potential buyers. They, however, termed the new property valuation method and enhanced tax rates by federal government.

cotton price steady amid slow trading KARACHI

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he cotton market turned lacklustre on Tuesday after remaining closed for two consecutive days including on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi. Brokers said the crisis-ridden textile industry was currently passing through a difficult period and the spinning sector was confused what to do under given circumstances to reach viability. The industry was facing a number of issues, they said, including a slack cotton yarn market where off-take was very slow, particularly of high-count yarn.

However, some opined that leading spinners have already stockpiled cotton which would be enough until June and therefore they are not seen in the trading ring at present. Cotton analyst Naseem Usman said leading spinners have already purchased around 1.2 million more bales over the corresponding period of last season and this resulted in slow demand for cotton. The ginners on their part were also demanding high prices for the limited stocks held but spinners were reluctant to oblige and this caused reduction in trade volume, they added. The world cotton markets, however, remained firm under the lead of New York cotton which closed modestly high for all the future contracts.

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Secp issues draft amendments to voluntary pension rules LAHORE

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ecurities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued draft amendments in the Voluntary Pension Systems Rules, 2005 and proposed that in case of death of a participant before the retirement age, all the units of the subfunds to his credit shall be redeemed at the net asset value

notiSied at close of the day of intimation of death and the amount due shall be transferred to his individual pension account in the lower volatility scheme offered by the Pension Fund Manager. The major amendments proposed are included: Substitution of Rule 2 (ja) stating that “exposure” includes facility and finance, subscription to or investment in equity securities, debt instruments or securities, units or certiSicates or shares of a collective

investment scheme Notified Entity, money market placements, and deposits, with Sinancial institutions, certiSicate of deposits, CFS, forward contracts, derivatives and credit cards, margin trading system or any mechanism that replaces it, but does not include: (i) obligations under letters of credit and letters of guarantee to the extent of cash margin held by an NBFC; (ii) a facility finance provided to Sinancial institutions through REPO transactions with underlying statu-

tory liquidity requirement eligible securities; (iii) deposits of less than ninety days in current and savings accounts other than term deposits;”; In clause (m) following new subclause shall be inserted, namely:“(xii) a commodity contract that is traded at the Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX) shall be valued at its last closing price on PMEX on the date as of which it is valued, or if PMEX is not open on such date, then at its last closing price on the next

preceding date on which PMEX was open.” In rule 7,- in clause (e), for the semi colon (;) at the end a full colon “:” shall be substituted and thereafter the following new proviso shall be inserted, namely: “Provided that the Pension Fund Manager may transmit or make available on its website the annual report of the pension fund for participants, provided it shall make the printed copy available to a participant free of cost as and when required.

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ISLAMABAD

M ArSHAD

www.customstoday.com he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected Rs 852.589 million as tax from 18 public sector industrial units which have been privatized so far. Total 98 public sector industrial units have been privatized so far including seven automobile units, 15 cement, 13 chemical, seven engineering, six fertilizer, 23 ghee, eight rice, 15 roti plants, and four textile units.

A well placed source at Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) told Customs Today that only 19 public sector industrial units out of total 98 privatized units were functional. Remaining 42 units have not paid single penny as tax while data pertaining to 38 other privatized units is not available with the FBR. An amount of Rs790.881 million was allocated to twenty three ongoing PSDP projects of Ministry of Industries and Production during FY 2015-16.

The source said that privatization since 1991 had been impressive and yields out of transactions completed in the last few years were used to underwrite the losses of these enterprises.

These privatized banks are now contributing substantial sums to the national exchequer as they have all become proSitable.

The source said that it was realized by the policy makers that stability would remain elusive and short lived if it was not accompanied by structural reforms to remove micro economic distortions and by bringing about improvement in economic governance.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Therefore, FBR embarked on the Siscal policy reforms and consolidation by raising tax revenues, reducing expenditures, cutting down subsidies of all kinds and containing the losses of public enterprises.

The source added that tax reforms were undertaken to widen tax base, remove direct contact between tax payers and tax collectors, introduce value-added tax as the major source of revenue, simplify tax administration and strengthen the capacity of the Central Board of Revenue. Although these reforms are still underway, yet the adoption of universal self assessment followed by random audit of selected tax returns, automation and reorganization of the tax machinery began to help improve tax collection� the source added saying tax to GDP ratio in Pakistan was lower in comparison to other developing countries and had to be raised in the next Sive years to reach the average level of comparator countries.

Meanwhile, The lower house of the parliament gave approval to Income Tax Amendment Bill 2016, which would whiten an estimated Rs7 trillion of black money invested in the sector. Earlier, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) opposed the bill during the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue. It is pertinent to mention here that the government had introduced amendments in the Income Tax Ordinance to collect taxes on property transactions. However, due to the resistance from the real estate sector, the government promulgated an ordinance with consensus of property dealers and introduced fair market value. A day earlier, President Mam-

noon Hussain also gave assent to the Income Tax Amendment Act 2016 to grant legal cover to an amnesty scheme that would allow property owners to whiten money parked in the real estate sector on payment of three per cent tax.

The president signed the third such scheme to be promulgated by the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz government since 2013. The source said that besides the brieSing about the different aspect of the said scheme, the questions asked by the participants of the session were also responded by the top FBR team to address their reservations.

were orms f e r x at ta move ded th ax base, re d a e c d ur iden t ers an y w a The so o p t x n ta d taken etwee value-adde under b t c a , uce cont venue introd direct e , r s r f o o t llec urce and tax co jor so a m e ration t h t s i s n a i tral tax e cen x adm h a t t f y o f i city simpl e capa h e t n e th evenu g r n f e o r t d s Boar

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Founder & Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Editor rahil Yasin editor@customsbulletin.com.pk For advertising & subscription marketing@customsbulletin.com.pk www.customsbulletin.com Phones: 042-35781643-4, Fax: 042-35781645 Address: 627, Siddiq Trade Centre, Gulberg, Lahore

eDiToriAL

economy in the dock

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he government ministers never feel a tinge of conscience when they lie to the nation about so-called economic development of the country. Since the present government came to power three years ago, exports started falling, industry began declining and debt burden is ever increasing. People are constantly being told that good days are ahead when electricity supply will be improved, per capita income will increase and Pakistan will become economic tiger.

However, the government has failed to fulfill any of its promises. The other day, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal expressed the government’sresolve to turn around the economy and turn Pakistan into a stable and progressive country. No one dared asking the minister how the government will be able to do it.A loan programme hardly finishes when negotiations start for another loan programme. The ground situation shows that utility of loans is zero as most of the money goes to unproductive sectors. The economy of the country has been enmeshed in vicious circle of loans and debt servicing. However, the government ministers are still busy in promising the nation a better future.

Talking about the 15 years Agenda for Sustainable Development, Iqbal depicted a rosy picture of the economy when load shedding is still haunting the domestic and industrial consumers.It is a mystery how the government will fulfill its commitment to build resilient and modern infrastructure and will improve the quality of life of the people by providing them better health and education facilities. Experts depict bleak picture of the economy in view of failed economic policies.The minister, who is also in charge of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, eulogized the government efforts to enhance transport and connectivity within various regions of the country. No doubt there are some goods works in the credit of this government, but most of the time things go out of its control due to lack of coordination within the official hierarchy.

Pakistan has the best geographical location and can act as the engine of growth for the countries in the region. As the population of this region is growing, fast track policies are required to be adopted and implemented.

Brain drain harmful for economy P

LAHORE

Dr AfTAB AfZAL

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akistan is one of the major manpower exporters in the world and earns around $20 billion a year remittances sent by Pakistani expatriates. According to estimates, around eight million Pakistanis work abroad and support not only their families back home, but also earn precious foreign exchange for the country. The manpower includes not only lowpaid labourers but highly qualiSied professionals working in public and private sectors in Middle East, Europe, Americas, Africa and Australia, making Pakistan as one of the top Sive emigration countries in the South Asian region.

According to a report of the Asian Development Bank, Pakistan is facing growing trade deSicit and can enhance its gross domestic product by exporting labour force to developed economies in Asia.

In its Asian Economic Integration Report 2016, the bank believes various economies in Asia and the PaciSic, which are the largest source of international migrants, can accept migrant workers from Pakistan. At least four percent of the population already working abroad and the country has the potential to cater to the needs of the developed nations of the world. At least 16 percent Pakistanis work in the United States, 49 percent in the Middle East and 29 percent in Europe. There is growing demand of workforce in

China, South Korea, Japan and Singapore.The export of labour would work both ways for the beneSit of Pakistan as well as the host countries.

Looking into the Sigures presented in the bank report, it seems Pakistanis could have vast chances, especially in Japan and South Korea, but fact is that Pakistan itself needs growing workforce for its business and industry.

Looking into the developed economies of the world, one should clearly understand that brain drain is a big loss for the country. The Pakistani government spends billions of rupees to produce doctors, engineers and professionals and soon they get their degrees and experiences, they Sly from the country. Pakistan

has brains and resources but mismanagement and administrative failures are the key areas where the government will have to concentrate. Pakistan drastically needs skilled labour and professionals to work in business, trade and industry. Instead of sending the brains abroad, the industrial nations such as Japan, Korea and China should be persuaded to set up their industries in Pakistan.

The investors of these countries should be provided all possible facilities and tax relief to set up small, medium and heavy industries in the country. China is going to shift its small scale industries to Bangladesh, whereas Pakistan is the best candidate if the government persuade the Chinese government on the issue.

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BMW Group sees sales increase in China BERLIN: German car producer BMW Group reported on Monday that sales of BMW and Mini cars have achieved a notable increase from January to November in China. A total of 472,705 units have been sold in the first eleven months in the Chinese mainland, the biggest market in Asia for the BMW Group, representing a year-on-year increase of 11.2 percent, according to a statement.

The Bavarian company also reported record sales for November, at 209,743 units, marking an increase of 6.2 percent year-on-year. As a result, a total of 2,152,393 units have been delivered worldwide in the first 11 months, up by 5.8 percent year on year from a year earlier.

“We have achieved another month of solid growth across all the BMW Group’s premium brands,” said Ian Robertson, member of the board of management for sales and marketing.

Lcci holds reference for Sheikh Saleem LAHORE

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enowned businessman Sheikh Saleem Ali was a tallest personality who has left a number of success stories behind. His services for the cause of business community and the humanity would be remembered always. As president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), he has achieved various milestones and hoisted the national flag at global level.

These tributes were presented at a condolence reference here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry held to acknowledge the services of its former president (late) Sheikh Saleem Ali. The LCCI President Abdul Basit, former LCCI President Tariq Hameed, Bashir A. Baksh, Muhammad Ali Mian, Mian Muzaffar Ali, Sohail Lashari, former Vice Presidents Aftab Ahmed Vohra, Nasir Saeed, Executive Committee Members

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Mian Zahid Javed, Chaudhry Khadim Hussain, Mian Muhammad Nawaz, Shahid Nazir and other Executive Committee Members spoke on the occasion.

The speakers recalled the services of Sheikh Saleem Ali and termed his death an irreparable loss. LCCI President Abdul Basit spoke about Sheikh Saleem Ali’s contribution to the trade and industry and recalled that he always preferred work over his health and always given priority to his commitment. He said that it was enormous support that helped lift the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry to its zenith. “A true, intelligent, honest and frank person, Sheikh Saleem Ali was a shining example success stories”, Abdul Basit added. Fateha was also offered for Sheikh Saleem Ali, and participants prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to members of the bereaved family.

Thursday December 15, 2016

Chambers

Argentinean textile sector offers opportunities to pakistani exporters A

KARACHI

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mbassador of Argentine, Ivan Ivanissevich has said that 60 percent of Argentina’s textile products were being imported and the remaining 40 percent were being produced locally whereas the textile clothing imports have also witnessed an upsurge of 27 percent in the Sirst quarter of 2016, which is an opportunity for Pakistani textile producers to beneSit from the situation. Speaking at a meeting during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), he added Pakistani businessmen and industrialists should focus on penetrating into the Argentinian market by efSiciently competing with their counterparts from India and China etc. President KCCI Shamim Ahmed Firpo, Senior Vice President KCCI Asif Nisar, Vice President KCCI Muhammad Younus Soomro, Former President KCCI Majyd Aziz and KCCI Managing Committee members were present at the meeting.

The Argentinean Ambassador said that although Pakistan has been exporting various products includ-

ing textile products, clothing, sports and leather goods etc. but the exporters have to look for more possibilities of enhancing their share in the Argentinean market and they must also focus on branding which was very essential in all the Sields.

Commenting on President KCCI’s comments about investment opportunities in Pakistan, he opined that there were opportunities for Argentinean farmers to invest and cooperate in the agriculture sector as Pakistan’s agriculture sector was not as developed when compared with Argentina. “We can share our

know-how on how to improve yield and also assist in improving the irrigation which would result in more yield and less water consumption”, he said, adding that the Embassy was also looking at the possibility of sending Pakistani farmers to Argentina so that they could learn from Argentinian expertise and improve their skills.

He stressed that the Argentinean Embassy and Karachi Chamber must maintain a working relationship in order to help identify different areas of cooperation which has to be done by keeping in mind the

Ahsan asks icci to partner with govt in cpec implementation

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ISLAMABAD

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ederal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Prof Ahsan Iqbal Monday called upon Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) to partner with government in implementation of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

Ahsan Iqbal said ICCI should set up a cell on CPEC to identify opportunities of joint ventures for private sector in CPEC. The minister said ICCI should also form a think tank to help government in making future development plans. He said CPEC would be more beneSicial to Pakistan than China as it would start a new era of energy and infrastructure development projects

in the country. He said CPEC would bring many backward areas of Pakistan into the mainstream of economy and would generate lot of jobs and business activities in such areas. He expressed these views while addressing business community here at ICCI. Ahsan Iqbal said 16000MW electricity was added to Pakistan in the last more than 60 years while energy projects under CPEC would generate 11000MW electricity in Pakistan which would be further enhanced up to 30,000MW by 2025 which would help business and industry to Slourish.

Minister said the next century was the century of Asia and Pakistan being at a strategic location would play more effective role in regional connectivity.

He said to include Pakistan into top 25 economies of the world, we have to increase our annual exports to US$

150 billion and added that private sector has to take the lead to achieve this target. He said share of textiles was just 4% while that of engineering goods was up to 38% in international trade and stressed that private sector should focus on value added products including engineering, IT and others to make Pakistan an export-led economy.

He said an Expo Center in Islamabad have been envisaged in the next ADP and assured that he would try to get a special package for local industry from the Prime Minister to enable it in modernization and value addition pursuits.

In his welcome address, President ICCI, Khalid Iqbal Malik urged that private sector should be provided maximum opportunities in CPEC project and government should provide same kind of incentives to local investors as were being given to the Chinese.

exact position in both countries.

Referring to the Sire incident in a local hotel in Karachi, the Argentinean Ambassador expressed deep sympathies with the families of deceased and also to those who were injured in this tragic incident.

President KCCI Shamim Ahmed Firpo, in his welcome address, pointed out that since establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Argentina, both countries have been enjoying friendly and cordial relationship and understanding each other on all the major global and regional issues.

Tax-related issues being settled amicably: fcci aisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) President Engineer Muhammad Saeed Sheikh has said tax related issues were being settled immediately and amicably with the local RTO office.

He visited the RTO office and had a meeting with Chief Commissioner Shad Muhammad and discussed various tax related issues. He appreciated the cooperation of the chief commissioner for his sympathetic attitude towards the tax payers. The president FCCI said the business community and RTO were enjoying good cordially relations as the business community was ready to pay its due liabilities without any hesitation.Later president FCCI also had a meeting with Roy Irshad, Commissioner Corporate Zone and invited him to visit Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.—CB Report

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Customs Valuation issues value of butyl rubber Thursday December 15, 2016

National SHc moved against order in Hamza Sugar Mills case KARACHI

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he Commissioner Inland Revenue Zone-III, Large Taxpayer Unit approached the Sindh High Court (SHC), challenging the impugned order of the learned appellate tribunal in a case of Rs 53.688 million tax evasion against M/s Hamza Sugar Mills Ltd. Counsel for the applicant stated that during the audit and investigation, it was revealed that respondent (M/S Hamza Sugar Mills Ltd) is involved in a huge tax evasion, therefore, a show cause notice was issued to the respondent on September 1, 2014 and directed it to pay Rs 53,688,068 along with default surcharge (to be calculated at the time of final payment) under section 34 and a penalty of Rs 1,610,642 was also imposed in terms of section 33 (19) of the sales tax act,1990. According to the applicant, being aggrieved, said respondent filed an appeal before the appellate tribunal which was allowed without considering facts.

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fiA puts 92 human traffickers on most wanted list he Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has added 92 alleged human smugglers and travel agents to its most wanted list. According to a senior official, the FIA’s Immigration Wing issued a fresh edition of the ‘Red Book’ of the most wanted human traffickers, proclaimed offenders and court absconders who have been involved in illegal immigration, human trafficking and human smuggling. Of these 92 human smugglers, 13 belong to Lahore, 20 from Gujranwala, and three each from Faisalabad and Multan. The Red Book also contains the names of 18 human smugglers who were declared proclaimed offenders, six of whom are from Islamabad and 12 from Karachi.—CB Report

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KARACHI: Directorate General of Customs Valuation has issued the reference values for butyl rubber (BK 1675N). This directorate general has initiated an exercise to develop database values for different items, wherein it has been observed that declarations are of wide range and do not correctly reflect values of the items as traded in the international market.

During the scrutiny of previous clearance data, it has been observed that butyl rubber (BK 1675N) falling under PCT headings 4002.3100 are being assessed at different values and certain transactions are on very low side.

gB customs collects rs 450.212m during november: Akbar Jan T

ISLAMABAD

TAriQ DerYA

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he Customs Collectorate Gilgit Baltistan (GB) collected revenue during month of November Sinancial year (FY) 2016-17 under head of all duty taxes amounting Rs.450.212 million against the given target for same month was amounting Rs.224.5 million while GB collected revenue under head of all duty taxes amounting of Rs.1826.26 million during Sirst Sive months of current FY2016-17. According to details told by Assistant Collector Gilgit Baltistan Akbar Jan during an exclusive interview to Customs Today hear, he said that GB will follow Strict and speedy examination and clearance during this Sinancial year 2016-17, the GB is following these

measures because it want to maintained the performance of 2nd quarter (October to December FY16-17) as it collected record revenue in the history of Sost dry port during 1st quarter (July to September) FY2016-17. He said that during

1st July to 30th November FY 201617 the Collectorate of GB collected revenue amounting Rs.752.622 million under head of Customs duty adding that the GB collected revenue amounting Rs.13.630 million under head of Customs duty during

month of November FY2016-17.

The Akbar told that during Sirst 5 months of FY16-17 the GB collected Rs.100.714 millions under head of regulatory duty (RD) as for as GB collected revenue under head of RD amounting Rs.27.697 million during month of November 16-17. Assistant Collector GB adding that during above said period the GB collected revenue under head of redemption Sine amounting Rs3.935 million as for as GB collected revenue under head of redemption Sine amounting Rs.1.290 million. He further told that during July to November 2016-17 the GB collected revenue under head of total CD amounting Rs.857.471 million as for as GB collected revenue under head of total duty amounting Rs.197.193 million during FY November 2016-17.

Multan ASo impounds 10 vehicles worth rs 14.9m T

MULTAN

iMrAn ALi

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has impounded ten different nonduty paid vehicles worth Rs 14.90 million in November 2016.

The ASO conducted several operations in the jurisdiction on the basis of received information against smuggled vehicles. It launched crackdown against the smuggled vehicles at extensive level to curtail the smuggling and impounded ten vehicles.

The department impounded different imported vehicles including Honda Civic, Toyota Axio, Toyota Probox, Toyota Corolla, Messy Tractor, Suzuki Lepco and others during the crackdowns in November. As many as 4 vehicles out of ten were found tempered with during examination and other six vehicles were found nontempered with, but proper chemical examination of these vehicles will be processed very soon to determine their status.

Several cases of impounded vehicles have been forwarded to the Customs Adjudication for their trial after the completion of investigation and remaining cases will also be sent to adjudication.

OfSicials said that the ASO has enhanced surveillance on clan-

destine routes in order to curb smuggling of vehicles, which were brought into the country without payment of leviable duty/taxes.

They added that some impounded vehicles have fake registration documents formed by vehicle smugglers to deceive the ofSicials.

They further said that the department has deputed special antismuggling squad in areas of Sakhi Sarwar and Sadiqabad known for smuggling of vehicles to prevent any attempt. The performance of the department was improving by enhancing monitoring, they said.

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Property tax notices issued to private housing societies in Islamabad ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority has also increased its efforts to collect more revenue and issued property tax notices to the inhabitants of private housing societies in the federal capital. The source said that in the past residents of the private housing societies were excluded from the property tax burden but the Mayor of Islamabad and CDA Chairman Shaikh Ansar Aziz has decided to extend the net of property tax to increase the CDA’s income.

However, the CDA has not issued property tax notices to the influential people who have built high rise buildings, shopping plazas and marquees on the prime land of E/11 Sector located along the Margalla Road. It is beyond comprehension that these commercial properties built on prime land have remained untaxed while residential houses.

iHc disposes of islamabad electric Supply company’s tax reference ISLAMABAD

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he Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday disposed of Islamabad Electric Supply Company’s tax reference challenging tax recovery claim announced by the field office of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). An IHC bench, comprising of Justice Aamer Farooq, heard the case and barred the Large Taxpayers’ Unit, Islamabad from recovering any outstanding tax amounts from the appellant. The bench also directed the respondent not to take any coercive action in this regard. Justice Aamer Farooq

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also directed the LTU to decide appellant’s departmental application within 14 days and submit a report before the bench. As the hearing resumed on the day, appellant’s counsel argued that the respondent had issued his client an unlawful recovery notice and in doing so had not complied with legal obligations.

The bench disposed of the case after hearing sides arguments. Islamabad Electric Supply Company had filed cases against Large Taxpayers Unit-field office of Federal Board of Revenue. ATIR, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), officers of LTU including Commissioner Inland Revenue, Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue and Commissioner Inland Revenue (Appeals) were made respondent in the case. Islamabad Electric Supply Company had filed the case seeking restrictions for Large Taxpayers Unit, Islamabad about recovering outstanding tax amount or making any other coercive move prior to court’s directions on the issue. Islamabad Electric Supply Company also stated that show cause notice mentioning outstanding tax amount was issued with malafide intentions.

National

Appraisement-west collects rs 24,001m as duty/tax in november T

KARACHI

AfTAB cHAnnA

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he Customs Collectorate Appraisement West collected Rs 24,001 million duties/taxes under the head of customs duty, sales tax, income tax and the federal excise duty in the month of November 2016. The ofSicial sources told Customs Today that Appraisement West collected a total of Rs 24,001 million as duties/taxes in the month of November 2016 that included Rs 9,227 million under the head of customs duty, Rs 10,423 million sales tax, Rs 4,186 million income tax and Rs 166 million federal excise duty (FED).

The Customs Appraisement West collected Rs 2,195 million on the last working day i.e. November 30, 2016 that include Rs 913 million as custom duty, Rs 934 million as sales tax, Rs 341 million as income tax and Rs 6 million as federal excise duty (FED). So far, the Customs Appraisement West has collected a total of Rs 117,179 million duties/taxes since July 1, 2016 till November 30, 2016 that included

Rs 46,008 million as customs duty, Rs 49,888 million as sales tax, Rs 20,486 million as income tax and Rs 797 million as federal excise duty (FED). The sources said Collector

Thursday December 15, 2016

Appraisement West Dr Fareed Iqbal Qureshi felicitated the staff for achieving the revenue target and emphasized to continue the same spirit in the future as well.

cAT rejects appeal against M/s wool worth Traders LAHORE

MuHAMMAD nAwAZ www.customsbulletin.com

ustoms Appellate Tribunal has dismissed the case filed by Collector Customs Collectorate Sambrial against M/s Wool Worth Traders Sambrial, Sialkot. After concluding the hearing, Member Technical bench-II Omer Arshed Hakeem remarked that there is nothing wrong in impugned order and no need to change it. Precise fact of the case: M/s Wool worth Traders, Sambrial, imported consignment of old and used machinery and declared the same under PCT heading 8451.2900 attracting CD @ 5 percent. On suspicious, appraising officer assessed the consignment under the same PCT heading and forwarded the assessment to the principal appraiser for finalization.

During the assessment of the consignment appraiser found washing machine are classified under another PCT heading. The importer M/s Wool Worth Traders being aggrieved from the assessment filed case before the collector of customs, appeals, who examined the case, accept appeal and also set aside the case with order of re-assessment of consignment. Learned collector of customs aggrieved from aforesaid order and challenged the collector order before the Customs Appellate Tribunal.

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currency smuggler sent to jail for 19 days

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KARACHI

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ustom (Taxation and AntiSmuggling) Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi awarded 19 days imprisonment and a Rs 150,000 Sine to a suspect, Fahad Tayyab, who was arrested for attempting to smuggle contraband foreign currency from Dubai to Karachi. During the hearing, the investigation ofSicer produced the accused person before the court. The counsel for the accused Siled an application for pleading guilty and left himself on the mercy of the court.

After completion of both sides ar-

guments, the court awarded 19 days (as already undergone period) imprisonment and Rs 150,000 Sine to the accused person.

If payment of the Sine is not paid by the accused/ applicant then he will suffer further 06 months simple imprisonment, order said.

According to the prosecution, on a credible information on mid night of 3th and 4th November, 2016 staff of the customs authorities intercepted the accused person and during the examination recovered 1, 50, 000 Saudi Riyal from his possession.

Investigation ofSicer had informed the court that during the investigation, it was proved that the above named accused person is in-

volved in attempting to smuggle contraband foreign currency tentative value of Rs. 42, 00, 000. He said that after the fulSilling all formalities case was registered against him as violation of section 2 (s) and 16 of the custom act 1969, punishable under clauses (8) (89) of the 156 (i) ibid read with notiSication of State Bank of Pakistan. Meanwhile, The Custom (Taxation and Anti-Smuggling) Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi sent the accused lady Durdana Seemi Khan to the customs preventive department on physical remand till December 03, 2016 who was booked in a case of attempting to smuggled contraband gold slabs and 49 mobile phones from Dubai to

Karachi. During the hearing, investigation ofSicer, senior preventive ofSicer customs house Karachi Masood A Khan produced the accused lady Durdana Seemi Khan before the customs court and informed that on an credible information dated November 30, 2016 staff of the customs authorities intercepted the above named accused lady and during the examination recovered 05 gold slabs (10 tolas each) totaling 50 tolas (kept inside the pockets of trouser worn by her) and 49 mobile phones from her possession in which comprising 39 numbers IPhones and 10 numbers Samsung brand mobile phones tentative value of the said goods of Rs4 million.

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Australia GDP contracts for first time in 5 years Thursday December 15, 2016

World

CANBERRA: Australia’s economy shrank for the first time in more than five years in the third quarter amid steep falls in business investment, housing construction and public spending. The weak performance was the largest economic contraction since the global financial crisis, prompting concerns over Australia’s remarkable 25-year run of recession-free growth. Figures published on Wednesday showed quarter-onquarter gross domestic product fell by 0.5 per cent in the three months to the end of September, significantly below consensus estimates that had already been hastily redrawn by analysts following a raft of disappointing data over recent days. On an annual basis GDP grew 1.8 per cent, which is below long-term trends for an economy enjoying the world’s longest recession-free period.

uS customs seizes marijuana Victoria police, customs seize $1.2m worth of drugs at Santa Teresa port OTTAWA

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WASHINGTON

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S Customs and Border Protection OfSice of Field Operations ofSicers working at the Santa Teresa port of entry seized 199 pounds of marijuana late Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. The estimated street value of the seized contraband is $159,200. “This was an unusual case in that the smuggler was traveling with his mother in an apparent attempt to deSlect attention away from the drug smuggling attempt,” said CBP Santa Teresa Port Director Ray Provencio. “Smugglers will sometimes attempt to blend in with legitimate travelers by using family members to help disguise their true intent.” The seizure was made just before midnight Thursday when a 2007 Chrysler Sebring with two adult passengers entered the port from Mexico. A CBP ofSicer

South African economy disappoints in Q3 he South African economy disappointed in the third quarter with the growth of just 0.2 percent in sequential terms. It was not able to maintain the high growth speed seen in the second quarter.

Mining registered a growth of 5.1 percent, but gas, water and electricity production and trade and tourism were amongst the ones that registered a decline as production in these sectors dropped markedly.

After a subdued first half, the South African economy is likely to register a meagre growth of 0.4 percent for the whole of 2016, noted Commerzbank in a research report. The fact that the South African rand was able to strengthen against the US dollar in spite of the disappointing growth figures is mostly because of general weakness in dollar.—CB Report

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initiated a secondary examination and noticed an anomaly in the appearance of the Sloor of the vehicle.

The CBP ofSicer probed the suspect location and recovered a substance which tested positive for marijuana.

CBP ofSicers then x-rayed the vehicle and spotted anomalies in the fuel tank, rocker panels and Sloor. A total of 144 marijuana-Silled bundles were recovered from hidden compartments. The drugs weighed 199

pounds. CBP ofSicers took custody of the driver, a 19-year-old Mexican male from Chihuahua City, Chihuahua, Mexico. He was turned over to ICE HSI special agents to face charges in connection with the failed smuggling attempt. His 47year-old mother was processed and returned to Mexico. While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports.

new customs code of eAeu scheduled for approval on Dec 26: putin

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he Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is scheduled for approval at the summit in St. Petersburg on December 26, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday at the meeting with the head of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Tigran Sarkisyan.

“We look forward to see you on December 26 in St. Petersburg. The new Customs Code is to be ap-

proved, which, in my opinion, is the most important milestone on the path of shaping our common economic area,” Putin told Sarkisyan.

Proposals promoted by the head of the EEC are interesting and promising, Putin said. Agreements already existing for the time being are only the basis for free movement of goods, capitals and human resources, the President added. EAEU members are Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kirgizia.—CB Report

ore than 6,000 potentially lethal doses of fentanyl have been taken off the streets by border ofSicials and Victoria police in one of the largest fentanyl seizures in the province.

Victoria police and the Canada Border Services Agency seized $1.2 million worth of drugs, including a large supply of fentanyl, from Vancouver International Airport and a Saanich apartment. A Montreal man is facing drug trafficking charges and more arrests could come. Border officials alerted Victoria police in mid-October that a large shipment of fentanyl was heading to an address in Victoria from China. Border agents intercepted the package, which contained 1.45 kilograms of fentanyl valued at an estimated $400,000.

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The Victoria police strike force unit went to the address listed on the package, a home in Cook Street Village. Further investigation led them to a family-friendly apartment building in east Saanich, which police found out was essentially a packaging and distribution stash house. Officers raided the apartment unit and found a large quantity of drugs, with a total street value of $850,000.

The seizure included 6,052 individual 100-milligram doses of a heroin/fentanyl mixture. Also seized was 6.2 kilograms, or 6,181 individual packages, of cocaine with a street value of $247,000 and 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine. More than $8,000 in cash was also seized.

Duc Khoung Pham, 27, was arrested on Nov. 15 and is charged with importing fentanyl and possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking. He is in custody with conditions which prohibit him from contacting three people.

Drinks firms cut sugar content

ritain’s sugar tax will start to take shape on Monday as the Treasury publishes draft legislation, while drinks companies have already accelerated plans to reduce sugar and sell more low-calorie products in response. The sugar tax is due to come into force in April 2018 and Monday’s draft should conSirm a levy of 18p a litre on soft drinks with more than 5 grams of sugar per 100ml, and a second, higher band of 24p on those with more than 8g per 100ml. Drinks with less than 5g of sugar will be exempt. The government expects to raise £520m in the Sirst year. In response, Coca-Cola and

Lucozade Ribena Suntory have moved to minimise their exposure.

As the UK’s biggest-selling grocery brand with sales last year of £1.1bn Coca-Cola is the most exposed to the tax which the government says is needed to Sight childhood obesity.

When the levy was announced in the March Budget, it was nicknamed a “Coke tax” within the industry. CocaCola’s portfolio, which includes Fanta, Schweppes tonic water and Sprite, would potentially pay 52 per cent of the £374m for which the biggest Sive brands would be liable, according to Euromonitor, the market research group.—CB Report

china’s grain output shrinks by 5.2 million tonnes

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BEIJING

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hina is likely to import more grains after its output dipped by about 5.2 million tonnes this year compared with last year as the planting area shrank and the per unit yield edged down, according to ofSicial data. National grain output stood

at about 616 million tonnes in 2016, down by about 5.2 million tonnes, about 0.8 per cent, compared with last year, data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said.

Grain planting area has shrunk by 3.15 lakh hectares, while the per unit yield dropped by 30.7 kilograms per hectare, it said. Facing unbalanced supply and demand among grain varieties, many areas reduced corn

planting in favour of soy and used the grain for feedstuff and oil, to Huang Bingxin, a senior statistician with NBS said. The reduction in the planting area impacted high-yield grain and severe national extreme weather such as drought and heavy rain also dented grain productivity, Huang was quoted as saying by staterun Xinhua news agency on Thursday. As it resorted to massive urban-

isation, converting the largely agrarian country into urban settlements, China’s agricultural output slowed over the years with the Communist nation resorting to massive grain imports in recent years not commensurate with the growth of population which is over 1.3 billion. Grain production last year was over 621 million tonnes, higher than 2014’s 607 million tonnes.

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FIA handed over 2,000 money-laundering cases ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency has been handed over 2,000 moneylaundering cases under the National Action Plan.

The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has given these cases to the FIA after intelligence agencies had submitted information to NACTA regarding the companies and people that are operating in various parts of the country specially Lahore and Karachi. The FIA would investigate the cases under Anti-Money Laundering Act, passed by the Parliament with certain amendments.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has also directed the law-enforcement agencies to take action against people involved in money laundering.

pcA detects rs 82,041,217 tax evasion by M/s Suncrop pesticides

Thursday December 15, 2016

National

LTu makes legitimate demands on audit of tax cases: Dc Sahar

Appraisement-east collector seeks details of pending cases KARACHI

LAHORE

M HAYAT

MuBeen HuSSAin

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irectorate of Post Clarence Audit (PCA) has detected Rs 82,041,217 tax evasion by M/s Suncrop (Private) Limited on account of inadmissible exemption of SRO 567 ()I 2006 and SRO 1007 (1)/ 2005. According to details, Directorate of Post Clearance Audit Lahore observed that certain importers, having their principal activity of manufacturer of pesticide and other agricultural chemicals, are involved in the evasion of duties and tax during customs clearance of zinc sulphate 33 percent which are classified under PCT heading 2833, 2940 by availing irregular exemption of customs duty under S. No. 4 of SRO 567 (1)/2006 and exemption of sales tax S No. 5 of table -II of SRO 1007 (I) 2005. The PCA observed that the said SROs were meant for poultry ingredients only. It was observed that M/s Suncrop Pesticide Private Limited has imported consignment of the aforesaid impugned goods.

ollector Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Appraisement-East Ashad Jawad has sought the details of all cases in the legal proceedings. Sources told Customs Today that Collector Ashad Jawad has asked the authorities concerned to compile and submit the details of all the cases pending in the legal proceedings. The source informed that regarding the details of the cases the collector also held a meeting with the additional collector and deputy collector of the legal branch. During the detailed briefing the officers informed the collector that more than fifty cases of worth around Rs700 million are stuck up in different courts of law, said the source. Senior customs officer in the meeting with the Collector further said that different courts of law are very busy in bundles of cases due to which many cases are still not being heard whereas the proceedings of the other cases are very slow and steady creating difficulties. On the other hand slow pace of proceedings provides advantages to the petitioners, informed the source. The source further stated that the Collector Ashad Jawad directed the Customs officers to hire the best solicitor so that the pending cases.

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fBr convenes wHT commissioners’ conference on 20th n order to chalk out a robust plan to enhance withholding tax collection, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has convened a WHT Commissioners’Conference on December 20. During the conference, the FBR would seek the comprehensive plans for improving withholding tax collection in remaining period of 2016-17 to overcome the revenue shortfall through withholding taxes. The FBR has directed Chief Commissioners to nominate a senior most Commissioner-IR to represent LTU/RTO concerned for making a presentation in respect of withholding taxes at the conference. The country’s top revenue authority has also issued instructions to field formations to suggest measures and recovery plan for increasing withholding tax collection in the remaining period of current fiscal year.—CB Report

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LAHORE

MuHAMMAD nAwAZ www.customsbulletin.com

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udit ranges of Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) conduct transparent audits and complete scrutiny of taxpayers to create legitimate demand and meet the budgetary targets assigned by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

This was stated by LTU Zone-I, Unit 02 Deputy Commissioner Sahar Aftab while talking to Customs Today during an interview.

She said that primary function of audit unit is to conducts desk audit of taxpayers on the basis of in-

formation in tax returns/audited accounts and wealth statements (in case of directors). “If during the desk audit any discrepancies are found, the desk audit report comprising risk areas will forward to zonal commissioner for selection of case for audit under relevant provisions of law,” she highlighted.

Talking about the jurisdiction, Sahar informed that she dealt with the sectors of cement, electronics, textiles and some miscellaneous cases. She further said that seven cement companies fell under the jurisdiction of LTU and these were the major revenue yielding cases.

She added that D.G Cement, Maple Leaf Cement, Kohat Cement and Gharibwal Cement were the main

tax contributors to the Zone-I. She discussed the selection procedure for audit that major chunk of the company cases were selected for audit by the FBR through random balloting for income tax, sales tax as well as for federal excise duty.

Besides FBR selection, Inland Revenue (IR) commissioner is also empowered to select cases for audit based on high risk areas, she added.

After selection under relevant provisions of law, the cases are then assigned to the deputy commissioners for conducting audit proceedings. It is pertinent to mention that all the correspondence with the taxpayers is done through bar coded notices in software like TAMS and IRIS, she said.

islamabad Dry port collects rs 1770m in 5 months

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ISLAMABAD

TAriQ DerYA

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slamabad dry port collected Rs1770 million under the head of custom duty during Sirst Sive months of Sinancial year 2016-17.

According to details told by Amanat Khan Assistant Collector dry port that dry port’s performance regarding business activity and collection of customs duty was satisfactory although dry port collected handsome business during

Sirst Sive months (July-November) of current Sinancial year 2016-17.

As per the details of last Sive months he said that during month of November 2016-17 the dry port collected Rs284 million as customs duties and Rs1433.29 million under the head of import value. He added that during said period the outstanding performance of revenue collection under head of CD showed that business activity was excellent during said period.

Amanat Khan said that in October, FY16-17 the dry port collected Rs262 million under the head of customs du-

ties as for as it received business at Islamabad dry port under head of import value Rs1040 million. He said that during the month of September 2016-17 the dry port collected Rs289 million under head of customs duties and Rs1329 million under head the of import value. He added that during month of August FY16-17 the dry port collected under head of customs duty amounting Rs276 million as for as dry port Islamabad received business under head of import value amounting Rs1248 million. The assistant collector said that during month of July

FY16-17 the dry port collected under head of customs duty amounting of Rs159 million as for as it received business during above said period under head of import value amounting Rs338 million. He said that dry port assigned targets under head of customs duty for last Sive months in that order, for month of November FY1617 dry port assigned target of Rs245 million, October FY16-17 was Rs225 million, September Rs290 million, August Rs276 million and assigned target for month of July FY2016-17 was Rs119 million.

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ANF foils attempt to smuggle heroin from Lahore airport Thursday December 15, 2016

Lahore

LAHORE: The Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) team deputed at Allama Iqbal International Airport on Saturday foiled an attempt to smuggle heroin and arrested a African woman who belonged to Ghana.

Sources told Customs Today that Anti-Narcotics Force at Lahore airport, during routine checking, intercepted a woman passenger namely Ado Gladey Belonhs and recovered heroin which was hidden in her luggage in very technical way.

On finding heroin in luggage, ANF arrested the passenger. the ANF found 600 gram costly and superior quality heroine in the luggage. Amount of the heroin is more than Rs 6 million in international market. The arrested passenger was travelling from Turkey to Lahore via private airline flight.

customs Tribunal orders to release seized diamonds, jewellery

M LAHORE

MuHAMMAD nAwAZ www.customsbulletin.com

ember Judicial/ Chairman Justice retired Malik Manzoor Hussain heard the case and said in his Sinal remarks that the show case notice and subsequent order passed by adjudication ofSicer are declared void and illegal and appeal has been accepted with the direction to the respondent to return the seized goods to the appellant/owner within 45 days.

Precise fact of the case that customs authorities was intercepted 24 diamonds and jewellary of different discretions, on the demand the appellant Pervaiz Khashanian failed to produce any legal document regarding lawful import of the Diamonds and Jewellary, the goods were seized under the law and case was also registered in the relevant police station.

customs court rejects bail plea of suspected mobile smuggler he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-smuggling has rejected the bail plea of a suspect, Muhammad Sarwar, who was arrested at Sialkot International Airport. Sources told Customs Today that the accused, who was travelling from South Africa to Sialkot, was checked by the customs officials at Sialkot airport. The Customs team found 30 costly mobile phones from his baggage. The Customs team arrested the accused and presented him before customs court for physical remand but customs judge denied the request of customs investigation team for physical remand and send him to jail for judicial trial. Muhammad Sarwar also filed a petition for his post arrest bail that was also rejected by the court.—M Imran Mehar

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Show case notice was issued by the Muhammad Akram, Collector, whereupon proceeding were iniated and impounded order is passed that the recovered goods were conSiscated with penalty of Rs150, 000 on the appellant. The appellant being aggrieved and Siled case before the available forum member CBR who heard the matter and dismissed the appeal, appellant challenged both order before the Lahore High Court (LHC). LHC accepted writ petition and matter was remanded back to the Customs Appellate Tribunal to decide the matter on merit. Before the customs Appellate Tribunal appellant produced copies of Gazette notiSication in which the jurisdiction of Muhammad Akram was challenged. After hearing arguments and gazette notiSication customs appellate tribunal learned that the show case notice was without jurisdiction, at the time.

customs preventive seizes 40 grammes of gold jewellery C

LAHORE

M HAYAT

www.customsbulletin.com ustoms Preventive authorities deputed at Allama Iqbal International Airport have foiled bid to smuggle 40 grams of gold jewelry to Saudi Arabia. Customs ofSicial sources told Customs Today that on suspicion on account of the ongoing strict drive against the smugglers the customs authorities searched a passenger who wanted to leave for Dubai and recovered 40 tolas of gold jewelry worth Rs 2 million. The sources said that the customs authorities seized the gold and let the passenger go as the quantity of gold was not huge. The gold was impounded in the name of the state. The sources said that the operation was conduced in connection with the on-going drive of the Customs Preventive collectorate against the money laundering and smuggling of any other item. The

LHc suspends rs 150 million property tax notices to wApDA

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he Lahore High Court (LHC) has suspended Rs 150 million property tax notices to WAPDA House by Excise and Taxation Department. Justice Shahid Kareem heard the appeal Siled by WAPDA authority in which counsel for the appellant argued that WAPDA is subsidiary institution of the federal government. The provincial government cannot impose taxes on the federal institutions. Under the article 165 of constitution of Pakistan, the institutions of the federal gov-

ernment are exempted from property tax, he added. Assistant advocate general Anwar Hussain appeared on behalf of provincial government, he argued that provincial government has authorized to collect taxes from federal government institutions. Added more, WAPDA is an independent institution and under the under the section 13, 22 and 24 of WAPDA act, WAPDA house having not any association with federal government regarding property tax.—Muhammad Nawaz

gold was seized by the customs authorities in the presence of additional collector and two other ofSicials of the customs airport authorities. The customs authorities registering case have further investigation in the case. Meanwhile, The ofSicial sources said that upon receipt of a secret information passed by the Chief Collector Customs Central Region Samaira

Nazir, and on the directions of the Collector Customs Preventive Lahore ZulSiqar Younas, the Additional Collector Headquarters Nayyer ShaSique constituted a team headed by Assistant Collector ASO Muhammad Asim Awan which comprised Superintendent Waqar Ahmad Cheema, Deputy Superintendent Mazhar Abbas Butter, and Inspector Sajjad Bukhari.

Money laundering

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customs launches grand operation ollectoarte of Customs Preventive in order to curb illegal transportation of the currency has constituted teams under the additional collector of Allama Iqbal International Airport. As per details the teams have started strict checking of suspicious travelers and the teams would be authorized to check all the entrances and exit of the airport. It was said that the collector Customs Preventive instructed the teams to make the money laundering cell effective and ensure the passengers declare

all their currencies at the desk of the cell. The collectors issued the instructions to all customs ofSicials to be vigilant on the airport to prevent every kind of smuggling especially currency from the Allama Iqbal International Airport. In order to ensure that each and every passenger is thoroughly search the collectorate has increased the numbers of the ofSicials and even made shifts to ensure strict vigilance so that no smuggler could be successful in his endeavor to smuggle the important forex exchange. —M Hayat

pcA detects rs 215m evasion on import of zinc sulphate

D LAHORE

M HAYAT

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irectorate of Post Clearance Audit PCA Lahore has claimed to detect over Rs 215 million duty and tax evasion on import of Zinc Sulphate 33 percent by 31 importer companies, ofSicial documents available with the Customs

Today revealed. As per details, the companies which reportedly evaded taxes and duties are Suncrop Pesticides Dera Ghazi Khan, Sungro Chemicals, Dera Ghazi Khan Jullunder Pvt Ltd, Akbari Store, Jodi Bazar Karachi, Four Brothers Agriculture Services Pakistan, Lahore Centre Gulberg, Hexon Chemicals, Imperial Argo Sciences, Johar Town Lahore, Ghazi Brothers Karachi, Royal

Chemicals, Karachi, Four Brothers Biological AG Pakistan, Gulberg Lahore, Well Wisher Argo Chemical, Sher Shah Town, Multan and M/S BA Traders Chouburgi, Lahore. Similarly, Al Meharan Chemicals, Multan Cantt, Alpha Chemicals Company Johar Bazar, Karachi, M/s Chemium Innovation , Karachi, Hamayun Chamicals Circular Road, Lahore, S Esa Agro, Agri Force

Chamical, Dera Ghazi Khan, Essa Fertichem, , Karachi, UM Enterprizes, Karachi, Tara Crop Science, Johar Town Lahore, Muhammad Shahzad Qaiser, Karachi, Abdul Haseeb Chemical, Dera Ghazi Khan, Millstone Enterprises, Islamabad, Ibrahim International, Lahore Arrow International Lahore, MS Grace Chemical, Lahore, Chempak Imports, Circular Road Lahore.

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Caisse, Dubai’s DP world create $3.8b port venture DUBAI: Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec, Canada’s second-largest pension fund manager, is teaming up with Dubai-based DP World Ltd. to create a C$5 billion ($3.8 billion) venture that will invest in ports around the world, including regions such as Asia and Latin America. DP World, which operates ports from China to South America, will own 55 percent of the unnamed venture, with the Montreal-based Caisse controlling the remainder, according to a statement issued Friday. The Caisse will begin by buying a 45 percent stake in two of DP World’s Canadian container terminals in Vancouver and Prince Rupert, British Columbia for C$865 million. Michael Sabia, Caisse’s chief executive officer.

kenya’s Lamu port slated for 2020 opening enya’s second international seaport will open for operations by 2020, according to a report by Chinese state media. The port at Lamu, around 340 kilometers (211 miles) northeast of Mombasa, east Africa’s main port, is being built by China Communications Construction Company, which is investing nearly $480 million in the construction of three berths at the port. The Chinese company and the Kenya Ports Authority signed an agreement for the construction of the port in August of 2014. When complete, the new port, which is part of Kenya’s Lamu Port Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor, or LAPSSET, project, is expected to rival Mombasa in scale and throughput. As well as its direct hinterland, a primary aim of the new facility

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is to include highways linking Kenya to the southern regions of the landlocked states of South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Dredging and reclamation works under the first phase of the project have already commenced, a KPA spokesperson told state media. KPA has forecast throughput at the port will reach 23.9 million tonnes (26.3 million tons) within 10 years of operation as it competes for cargo with the ports of Sudan, Djibouti, and Mombasa. KPA recently announced a task force to investigate double-digit declines in transshipment volumes at Mombasa, which in September inaugurated the first phase of its second container terminal. The terminal is one of a series of major projects aimed at improving the port’s competitiveness for east Africa’s transshipment and gateway business. Phase one increased the port’s container capacity by 550,000 twenty-foot-equivalent units, and two more phases are planned that will eventually bring total capacity to 2.5 million TEUs.—CB Report

Ports & Shipping

port of Brisbane proves capability to handle 8500 Teu vessels WASHINGTON

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ort of Brisbane has welcomed its Sirst 8500 class vessel into the port, the Maersk Lloyd Don Carlos, proving the capabilities of the port. Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) CEO, Roy Cummins, said this was a signiSicant milestone in the Port of Brisbane’s ongoing work to optimise its navigational channel and ensure Brisbane was able to safely handle the larger container vessels and bulk carriers of the future. “As vessels increase in size and demand grows for Australian ports to take these larger vessels, PBPL has taken a Sirm view that in the future, Port of Brisbane will never be the limiting factor on the east coast of Australia,” said Mr Cummins. Far from being the limiting factor this conSirms that, under certain tidal conditions, Port of Brisbane is able to accommodate 8500teu vessels. This is a very positive outcome for our customers, exporters and the Queens-

land economy more broadly.” “As the international freight task continues to grow, we are beginning to receive requests to handle 8500 teu vessels. The arrival of the Lloyd Don Carlos has provided real-time information to help us calibrate the future requirements of Port of Brisbane’s navigational channel.” Port of Brisbane worked closely with key stakeholders including Maritime Safety Queensland, Brisbane Marine Pilots, Maersk and Patrick Ter-

minals, while using underwater keel clearance technology to inform the early simulation exercises and the vessel’s actual arrival/departure. A great example of collaboration and innovation in action at the Port of Brisbane. The Maersk vessel exchanged approximately 700 containers, discharging empty refrigerated containers and loading chickpea container exports. The ship berthed at Patrick Terminals while in port.

Thursday December 15, 2016

ports Authority Tonga pays record $1.61m dividend record dividend of $$1,617,862 for 2015/16 was declared by the Board of Directors of the Ports Authority Tonga on 1 December 2016, during their Annual General Meeting in Nuku’alofa. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr Stephen Edwards, presented the dividend cheque to the Minister for Public Enterprises, Poasi Mataele Tei, for the shareholder, the Government of Tonga. Mr Edwards said that the dividend paid to Government grew from $283,207 in 2010 to $1,617,862 this year, representing an overall growth of 471.3%. Compared to the 2015 financial year, the dividend paid today increased by 62%, and amounted to 75% of the Authority’s net profit after tax.

A new milestone was reached when the total income for the first time reached $10 million at the end of 2015/16, an increase of 13% from the previous year and 6% higher than the budget. This was attributed to the growth in the cargo volume and the number of ships calling at the Port of Nuku’alofa. The total income grew from 2010 to 2016 by 44.9%, an indication of the management’s efficiency in controlling the operating expenses.—CB Report

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Shipping Ministry discuss ports policy T

WASHINGTON

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he Shipping Ministry on Friday held a consultation meeting with various stake holders on the policy for “award of waterfront and associated land to port dependent industries in major ports, an ofSicial statement said. According to an ofSicial release, the policy, approved by the Union Cabinet earlier this year, is aimed at bringing uniformity and transparency in the procedure for awarding captive facilities at ports.

“Under the new policy, concession will be granted to Port Dependent Industries (PDI) for setting up dedicated facilities in major ports for import and/or export of cargo and their storage before transportation to their destination, for a period not exceeding 30 years. Extension of concession period on con-

ditions including under-utilisation of asset as per the concession agreement may be allowed,” said the statement. “After a maximum of 30 years of operation, the waterfront and associated land in a major port will be allotted for construction of berths, offshore anchorages, transhipment jetties, single point moorings etc. It will be as per the terms and conditions of the Concession Agreement (CA) to be entered into between the Port Authority and the PDI concerned.”

The ministry said that the ambit of the policy, aplicable to all major ports, includes creation of new assets as well as utilisation of currently un-utilised existing assets such as vacant berths. The meeting was attended by various stakeholders from companies such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, Mangalore ReSinery and Petrochemicals Limited, Adani Ports,

SEPC Power, NTPC and industry bodies ASSOCHAM and CII. Meanwhile, But the groundbreaking of the Sirst piece of that development is not moving us toward that cleaner future. Not yet. The developer, Prologis, has yet to lay out an air-quality plan for the operations of the distribution center that is kicking off development of the Oakland Global Trade and Logistics Center. The distribution center will include 250,000 square feet for cargo, bringing a Slood of new trucks rumbling through West Oakland.

Construction plans include 55 truck docks and 78 truck trailer parking stalls. How will that affect the air we breathe? While I wish I could lay out numbers on the diesel pollution we can expect to experience, those aren’t available — the city has yet to commission a truck-trafSic analysis for West Oakland. It’s time for proactive urban planning from our

local leaders if we’re going to be a green and resilient community. We deserve the highest-quality planning for the Oakland Global Trade and Logistics Center. This is a project being built on public land and funded in part with public dollars.

What does a healthy port project look like? It looks like zero-emissions cargo handling equipment (like electric forklifts) and zeroemissions trucks.

The technology is already available today and in use elsewhere.

We should think about infrastructure like electric charging stations and zero-emissions shuttles for workers to bring relief to local families breathing dirty air. Why not bring the newest freight technology to bear on some of our toughest health problems? If we’re truly ahead of the game, we should be focused on how to power the distribution center too.

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Sialkot ASO seizes Iranian black tea worth Rs 100,000 SIALKOT: Anti Smuggling-Organization (ASO) of Model Customs Collectorate, Sialkot has confiscated Iranian origin black tea worth Rs100,000 at Wazirabad during vehicle checking . Reportedly under the directions of Assistant Collector Chudhary Fahad Bashir the Superintendent Sardar Manzoor constituted a team under the supervision of Inspector Aamir while to check vehicles near Wazirabad Road to curb smuggling. The said Inspector along with his team started checking of vehicles on said road near Railway Bridge.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

Sialkot customs improving on automation, anti-smuggling performance: Ahmad reza ISLAMABAD M fAiZAn

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he Model Customs Collectorate, Sialkot has taken special measures in automation, anti-smuggling and pendency of export rebate, besides beeSing up preventive measures at Sialkot International Airport to curtail smuggling. In a special interview with Customs Today, Sialkot Customs Collector Ahmad Reza has stated that in line with directions provided by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), regarding smuggling of foreign origin currency and gold, vigilance at the airport has been enhanced.

He said that staff has been rearranged to enhance strength, especially in Slights headed for Dubai and Sharjah. On the instructions of FBR, additional collector of customs has been deputed to oversee passenger clearance so as to create a Sine balance between enforcement and passenger facilitation.

He further said that enhanced vigil and strength is expected to avert covert attempts of smuggling currency and gold. He disclosed that the staff of ASO, Sialkot Customs un-

der my special directions managed to detect smuggling attempts ranging from smuggled cellular phones to Indian origin goods smuggled in from Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK).

The ASO staff managed to impound a truck loaded with Indian origin garments and a truck loaded with Indian origin herbs, being smuggled between AJK and Lahore,

valued at some Rs 8 million, the collector said. He further told about the other developments that he deputed Assistant Collector Fahad Bashir to pursue development of Web Based One Customs (WeBOC) module for LCL TP export cargo. In this regard, a meeting was held between ofSicials of Directorate of Reforms and Automation and Sialkot Customs in

Karachi on November 21 and 22, 2016, he informed, adding that it was decided that bonded conveyances with Sixed boxes registered to Sialkot Dry Port Trust (SDPT) would be accommodated in WeBOC system, keeping in view small volume of cargo moving from the dry port to Karachi and various ports for export. This would mitigate

hardships faced by exporters from Sialkot who mostly fall in the SME sector. Moreover, it was decided that a comprehensive system be devised to accommodate demands of other up country dry ports after consultation with quarters concerned.

He said the long standing issue of reconciliation of temporarily imported materials cleared through WeBOC and exported through One Customs also came into consideration. It was conveyed that once export cargo TP LCL module comes online, up country collectorates would be provided with a reconciliation module in WeBOC that would cater for cargo exported in One Customs, he added. On the issue of rebate pendency, the collector explained the Sinancial limitations of the government were very limited and he also stressed upon the commitment of the government for enhancing and accelerating exports from Pakistan.

He said, “We also committed that the matter would be taken up with FBR authorities for enhancing support to help mitigate the Sinancial stress faced by the all export sectors”. “My doors are open for all trade bodies and other associations”. It is our commitment that regular and periodic meetings between the collectorate and associations could be of great value in enhancing direct communication of ofSicers with the traders.

rTo Jhang Zone exceeds target by 25 percent: Asad Tahir FAISALABAD

nAeeM SHeikH

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Regional Tax ofSice (RTO), Faisalabad Jhang Zone has collected revenue more than 25 percent under the head of withholding Tax, Broadening of Tax Base (BTB), and Recovery Branch. We always showed outstanding performance and

exceeded targets every month added that Asad Tahir jappa Additional Commissioner, Jahng Zone during an exclusive interview given to Customs Today.

He said that Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), in the whole country according to ordinance 2001 established new 18 Zone in Pakistan. Before this, all the Government employees performed in RTOs and they didn’t take interest in working. Broadening of Tax Base (BTB) and withholding tax branches was worked together.

These Both departments Issued show cause notices and also col-

lected the tax and revenue. The problems were continuing for last ten years now, the FBR decided that regulates the presence trail.

These views were expressed by Additional Commissioner (ADC) Muhammad Asad Tahir Jappa during an exclusive interview with Customs Toady. He said now Jhang Zone is putting focus on jurisdictions areas included Toba Tek Singh, and Chiniot city Zone in order to improve tax collections by bringing more taxpayers into the tax net, besides launching operation against tax evaders. Additional commissioner said that in

Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad established Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU), and others cities were also established zones to create legitimate demand and meet the budgetary targets assigned by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Inland Revenue Cheif Commisaioner Shad Muhammad has appointed ofSicers in zone for the monitoring of manufacturing sector to monitor productions of speciSic unit under the section 40B of income tax ordinance 2001.

Talking about the procedure, the Jhang zone consists of 11 units, which is four units established in

Published by M S Raza Off# 42, 3rd Flr Gull Plaza M.A Road Karachi, Printed by Dhoom Printing Building No RY/A, 11/6,11/7, Mashoor Mahal,off I.I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi

Toba Tak Singh, Three units in Chinoit and 4 units were established in Jhang city by Giving them betters facilities. HE said that our aims to increase of taxes volumes at Tehsil level and brought more people in tax net.

The major sectors of tax collection are banks transactions, sales and purchased property, and others Contract. Collects the Withholding tax and our revenue collection in every month is almost Rs150 to Rs175 millions.

Collection of transfer property tax was collected according to 231 sections.