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n order to thwart currency smuggling attempts, the Islamabad Customs has deputed vigilance teams at Benazir Bhutto International Airport to keep check on international Vlights and VVIP lounge.

Following the directions of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Nisar Muhammad Khan, Islamabad Customs Collector Arslan Subuctageen has constituted

teams to monitor the Vlights, especially destined to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, China and Bangkok.

Deputy Collector Naghma e Tehniat told Customs Today that it has been learnt through credible sources that attempts of currency smuggling shall be made in next few days through Islamabad airport.

She added that all Vlights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, China and Bangkok may invariably be checked by vigilance staff. At Rawal Lounge International Departure Side, one inspector may

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remain there to oversee the scanners and carry out body search and personal baggage search, she said, adding that for this exercise help of lady searcher may be sought as and when required.

Tehniat further said that vigilance wing may also make their presence felt at the waiting area of International Departure Hall, washrooms and cafeterias to detect any suspicious activities being carried out, adding thatbBody search of members of other agencies may be undertaken on random basis.

Peshawar Dry Port collects Rs222.6m from July to 22nd November 2016-17

Collector Mukarram Jah issues‘assessment alerts’for clearance of import shipments

Trade regime with India unchanged despite diplomatic tensions

Customs ASO impounds non-customs paid vehicles, items worth Rs 10m

Jhang ASO seizes generator, vehicle worth Rs 2.5 million

Customs Dry Port collected Rs 2226.03m under the head of all duty and taxes | SEE pAgE 02 |

Collectorate-PQ Mukarram Jah has issued “assessment alerts”for speedy clearance | SEE pAgE 03 |

Dastgir on Thursday told Senate Standing Committee on Textile Industry | SEE pAgE 04 |

Customs Preventive ASO has impounded non-customs paid vehicles and items | SEE pAgE 14 |

The Customs ASO, Jhang has seized diesel generator 100KVA worth Rs 1.5 million | SEE pAgE 16 |

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Faisalabad Customs Adjudication recovers Rs 26m in Oct Saturday, December 3, 2016

National

FAISALABAD: The Collectorate of Customs Adjudication recovered Rs 26.795 million after concluding dierent seizure cases during the October 2016. Sources told Customs Today that the Customs Adjudication decided almost 24 smuggling cases during the said period. It issued Order-in-Originals (ONOs) in all cases in favour of the Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) of Faisalabad, Sargodha, Mianwali, Jhang, Sara-e-Muhajir and Customs Intelligence and Investigation. The department heard cases of smuggled oil, cloth, tea auto parts, Iranian diesel, Rani juice, LCDs, LEDs, remote, receivers, mobile phones ,old and used machinery, children shoes, grey fabric, used laptop, dierent kind of vehicles.

peshawar Dry port collects Rs 222.6m from July to november 22

KARACHI

ISLAMABAD

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TARIQ DERYA

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has sought comments from the tax authorities on a constitutional petition filed by M/S Wings Security (Private) Limited, seeking exemption of income tax certificate. A twomember bench, comprising Justice Irfan Sadat Khan and Justice Muhammad Humayun Khan, was hearing the constitutional petition.

During the hearing, counsel for the respondents/ Custom Department sought further time to submit parawise comments. Therefore, the court granted time and adjourned the hearing. Earlier counsel of the petitioner stated that petitioner is running a security agency hire retried army personals as well as private person and have license obtained same from Federal government. The petitioner submitted that it regularly paying renewal fee within stipulated time and written an application to the respondent for granting of exemption in income tax under section 153 (4) of the income tax ordinance, 2001. The petitioner added that the exemption was granted and respondent issued exemption certificate which was extended time to time.

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ustoms Dry Port collected Rs 2226.03 million under the head of all duty and taxes from July to 22nd November, 201617. Sources of Customs Collectorate told Customs Today that during above said period dry port collected revenue head of custom duty amounting to Rs.699.94 million, while other taxes amounting to Rs.67.54 million were also collected.

The sources said that during the period from July to 22 November 2016-17 Rs105.70 million were collected under the head of regulatory duty, the total collection. Peshawar dry port collected Rs849.46 million under the head of head of sales tax, the sources further said that dry port Peshawar collected revenue head of sales tax on imports amounting to Rs.133.76 million.

Dry port collected revenue during July to 22 November FY16-17 head of additional income tax amounting Rs.356.42 million and collected revenue head of federal excise duty on imports amounting to Rs.3.91 million. Sources said that dry port collected Rs13.21 million revenue during above said period head of federal excise duty on imports. Sources said under the supervision of Collector Qurban Ali Khan dry port Peshawar working with full devotion and earning good

Shc seeks comments from tax authorities on plea by wings Security

amount of duty taxes, adding that staff of dry port Peshawar is fully cooperate with business community of KPK to get more better results regarding revenue collection while on the other hands Customs collectorate is optimistic that due to their hectic efforts the Collectorate will achieve revenue collection target.

Customs Collectorate Peshawar working on different strategies to collect more revenue during current

Viscal year 2016-17.

Meanwhile, Peshawar Customs Dry Port bond section collected duties and taxes amounting to Rs 753.09 million during the first four months of the fiscal year 2016-17 while Rs 1,055.541 million were collected during the same period of last fiscal year.

Sources told Customs Today that during the month of October bonded section collected total du-

ties and taxes amounting to Rs 199.706 million while during the same period of the Viscal year 201516 bond section collected Rs 261.387 million. Sources said that during September, the bond section collected all duty/taxes amounting to Rs222.816 million and in the same period of September Fiscal Year 2015-16 the bond section collected duty taxes amounting to Rs273.260 million.

gujranwala customs seizes items worth Rs 6m A

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dditional Collector of Model Customs Collectorate Sialkot Faiz Ali has said that the AntiSmuggling Organization (ASO) has accelerated operations against smugglers. Faiz Ali said that the ASO teams impounded two non-duty paid vehicles, a huge quantity of cumin and Indian origin cloth, 200 mobile phones, toys and other items from October

20 to November 20 worth Rs 6 millions. He said that Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Nisar Mohammad Khan has strictly instructed to all customs collectors to adopt comprehensive strategies to curb smuggling in the country. He said that the government is trying to get rid of this menace. The performance of ASO teams, which are patrolling on Wazirabad, Narowal, Gujranwala, HaVizabad Mandi Bahauddin Aimanabad, Gujrat Sialkot and Airport roads, is getting better result day by

day. He added that he directed the ASO teams to check all vehicles thoroughly and not to spare anyone who found involved in smuggling. Customs sources told Customs Today that the co-operation of police, Rangers and other agencies is very helpful to curb smuggling from the country and FBR is taking keen interest to eliminate the smuggling. Additional collector said that the public should cooperate with ASO to curb smuggling because it is also include in the duty of public as good citizen of Pakistan. He

said that Collector Ahmed Reza Khan is also taking keen interest to curb smuggling rather he is fully cooperating and facilitating ASO teams for this purpose. Faiz Alli said that the ASO Incharge Assistant Collector Choudhary Fahad Bashir is good ofVicer and he has good command on ASO. He said that if the Incharge will strict and honest then team will perform duty much better to curb smuggling. Meanwhile, The Model Customs Collectorate Sialkot collected around Rs 2.8 million in wake of duty/taxes

levied on cargo booked through the General Post OfVice (GPO), Sialkot, from August to October 2016. The Sialkot Customs collected Rs 1.867 million as duty/taxes during the same period of the last year 201516. OfVicials said that the customs has appointed special teams at the Sialkot GPO to monitor cargo in order to eliminate smuggling of illegal items, adding that the Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) was vigilant against the movement of notiVied items through the GPO.

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Customs Preventive detains person with fake Greece visa SIALKOT: The Customs Preventive staff has detained a passenger with fake visa of Greece and handed him over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) the other day. Customs official Imtiaz Cheema told Customs Today that a resident of village Theekrian of Tehsil Kharian District Gujrat was trying to travel to Athens from Sialkot International Airport Limited. An informer told the Customs Preventive Staff that the said person has fake visa whereas he has weapon in his luggage. While during the checking of the luggage the Customs Preventive staff checked his bag but no weapon was found whereas the staff handed him over to the FIA staff to check his visa and other documents related to the journey.

hyderabad ASo seizes 600 cartons of smuggled cigarettes

Saturday December 3, 2016

National

mukarram Jah issues ‘assessment alerts’ for clearance of shipments

HYDERABAD

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) has confiscated 600 cartons of cigarettes worth Rs 150,000 involving duty and taxes amounting to Rs 215,265 during an operation in the city. The ASO team following the instructions of Hyderabad Customs Collector Agha Shahid Majeed conducted different raids in the region to curb smuggling. The ASO team raided a bus stop near Bakra Piri, Hyderabad and seized smuggled cigarettes, which were allegedly being smuggled from Karachi to Hyderabad. The officials seized the cigarettes after suspect remained fail to produce documents regarding legal import.

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Dc falik Shair reshuffles 10 employees FAISALABAD

nAEEm ShEIkh

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odel Customs Collectorate Deputy Collector Falik Shair has reshuffled 10 customs employees, including three inspectors, one UDC, one driver, havaldar and four sepoys with immediate effect. The deputy collector transferred three inspectors Muhammad Arshad, Bashir Hussain and Asghar Mehdi Naqvi from Faisalabad office to AntiSmuggling Organisation (ASO), Jhang and DRRA branch Faisalabad.

Dawood Ahmad has been transferred to Mianwali ASO. Besides, Havaldar Muhammad Iqbal from to Faisalabad ASO and four sepoys, including Muhammad Rafique, Fakhar Abbas, Israr Ahmed, and Fakhar Din to Faisalabad Customs. Similarly, Driver Muhammad Aslam has been transferred to Sargodha ASO with immediate effect.

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KARACHI

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ollector of Customs Collectorate-Port Qasim Mukarram Jah Ansari has issued “assessment alerts” for speedy clearance of the imported consignments from different groups of the Collectorate, it is learnt here.

The sources informed Customs Today that the Collector Mukarram Jah Ansari has continuously received complaints from different segments including importers, traders and clearing agents that they have faced acute problems in clearing their consignments at Qasim International Containers Terminal (QICT). Reacting upon the complaints, the Collector Port Qasim has issued the “assessment alerts” to ensure speedy clearance at QICT, ensure zero pendency on daily basis, ensure quick examination and assessment of uni-related consignments, ensure through examination of multi-related consignments and to also ensure accurate valuation of imported consignments. The Collector Mukarram Jah Ansari has asked the ofVicers of different groups to ensure complete and comprehensive implementation over the issued “assessment alerts”. The collector further said that the strict disciplinary action would be taken against those ofVicials who are found in negligence towards disbursing their duties. The collector Port

Qasim further asked the additional collectors and deputy collectors to submit daily report regarding the clearance of imported consignments so that the performance of the assessment ofVicials and examiners could be evaluated. The additional collectors and deputy collectors have circulated the assessment alerts issued by the Collector Port Qasim to all respective groups. The sources further said that the collector Port Qasim would soon call a

Reacting upon the complaints, the collector pQhas issued the “assessment alerts” to ensure speedy clearance at QIcT, ensure zero pendency on daily basis, ensure quick examination and assessment of unirelated consignments, ensure through examination of multi-related consignments

Dc kaukab orders recovery of evaded tax

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ISLAMABAD

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www.customsbulletin.com ustoms Adjudication Deputy Collector Dr Kaukab Farooq ordered for recovery of evaded amount of duty/taxes amounting to Rs 280,572 from M/s Wahab International, besides imposing a fine of Rs 25,000. According to the judgment, customs principle appraiser reported that Customs Audit and Petroleum conducted the audit of imports at Is-

lamabad dry port for the financial year 2013-14 and reported that according to Section 148 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, the collector of customs shall collect advance income tax from every importer of the goods on the value of the goods at the rate specified in Part-II of the ordinance that describes that tax under Section 148 shall be collected at the rate of 1 percent in case of manufacturers and 3 percent in case of commercial importers covered under noti-

fication no SRO 1125(1)/2011 dated December 31. During the scrutiny of record, it has been observed that customs authorities did not realise this income tax at the rate of 3 percent from the importer, M/s Wahab International. This resulted in short realisation of revenue amounting Rs 280,572. Dr. Kaukab said stated in judgement, “After the issuing of reminder and show cause notices and granted sufVicient opportunities, no one appeared on behalf of M/s Wahab International.

meeting of the ofVicers of the Collectorate in order to improve the working scenario of the Collectorate. Meanwhile, Port Qasim Collector Mukarram Jah Ansari has reassigned duties to additional collectors within his collectorate.

Additional Collector-I Khaleel Ibrahim Yousfani has been assigned duties at headquarters to look after Administration, Registration & Licensing, R&D Section, Assessment Groups (I to VII), One Customs.

fIA arrests suspected human smuggler ederal Investigation Agency (FIA) team has arrested an accused involved in a human smuggling case. According to FIA, accused, Anwar had allegedly received Rs 350,000 to send one Boota to South Africa. However, neither he sent him abroad nor returned his amount. An FIA team led

by Sub Inspector Muhammad Nadeem conducted a raid in Shahkot and arrested the accused.

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Prices of petrol, high speed diesel increased ISLAMABAD: The government has hiked the prices of petrol and high speed diesel by Rs 2 and Rs 2.70 per litre respectively However, the prices of kerosene oil and light diesel oil remained unchanged for December. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, while addressing a press conference, said the government had not increased the petrol products prices from last seven months, which reduced the tax collection of the Federal Board of Revenue. On the direction of Prime Minister, the government has enhanced petrol price by two rupees per litre as against four rupees per litre recommended by Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), the finance minister said.

Saturday December 3, 2016

Business

Trade regime with India unchanged ISLAMABAD

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ommerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan on Thursday told Senate Standing Committee on Textile Industry that despite diplomatic tension between Pakistan and India, the trade regime had not been changed by the government. He was speaking in response to the issue raised by the Committee Chairman Senator Mohsin Aziz that a huge quantity of raw cotton had been stopped at the Karachi port. He said the government had not issued any notiVication in this regard. However, he said that the government had put re-

pSm issues to be resolved: Ishaq Dar ISLAMABAD

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striction on import of 500,000 cotton bales in a year through Wagah border, while there was not any such restriction on Karachi port.

Mohsin urged that the govern-

crude oil production reaches record high of 100,000 bpd

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inance Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday directed the Privatisation Commission (PC) and Ministry of Industries and Production (MoIP) to coordinate and suggest measures to resolve issues faced by Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM). He said this while chairing a meeting with the PC to review matters related to PSM, a press release said.

PC Chairman Mohammad Zubair gave a detailed presentation on the mill affairs.

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ment should instead ban the value added products from the neighboring country in a bid to protect the local textile industry. The meeting was informed that local textile industry

was in a dilapidated condition and its exports were on a declining trend due to a number of issues including high prices of gas and electricity, high tariffs on import of input materials for industries, restructuring of loans with banks and revival of sick units. Mian Lateef from Chen One group told the committee that due to these certain issues, 40 industries in Khurrianwala industrial estate were closed which resulted in not only sharp decline in industrial sector export but also abandoning 400,000 jobs. He said if the government resolves the issue of restructuring of bank loans of these industrialists, the units would be revived and it would help in surging of textile exports by about $3 billion annually and producing one million employment opportunities.

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akistan has produced a record high 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil recently after oil and gas exploration companies expedited efforts to Vind new deposits of hydrocarbons to increase their share in local consumption.

“Oil production is meeting 20% of local demand,” said Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources.

OGDC’s crude oil production reaches new height The remainder 80% demand is met through imported crude oil and finished petroleum products. Local production was reportedly hovering below 90,000 bpd in November.

This was standing at 87,000 bpd in the previous fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 and 95,000 bpd in the year before. The decline in production in fiscal year 2015-16 (FY16) was seen after oil producing firms put on hold their projects under the then prevailing steep low oil prices in the world

market. State-owned Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) was maintaining the highest reserves of oil and gas in the country, as its share in local crude oil production stands above 50%. “OGDC has surpassed 50,000 bpd production last month [November],” Abbasi added. Most of the new discoveries of oil and gas deposits were made in the provinces of Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in recent months. The minister said some of the local reVineries have also upgraded quality of their products in line with international standards.

cpEc’s potential attracting regional countries: pm ISLAMABAD

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rime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Wednesday said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is Pakistan’s strategic economic initiative that has attracted the world in general and regional countries in particular. “CPEC has changed the negative security narrative into an exceedingly positive economic narrative for Pakistan,” he said while chairing a meeting to review progress on the CPEC at PM House.

He said the successful implementation of the projects under the umbrella of CPEC was a manifestation of the strong and time-tested friendship between China and Pakistan and said its success has been substantiated by massive foreign investment in Pakistan. He said there was a compelling reason for international investors to investment in Pakistan because of the success story of CPEC initiatives. The meeting reviewed at length the benchmarks set for numerous energy, transport infrastructure and industrial projects. They also discussed the deliverables with particular focus on development of Gwadar Port along with socio-economic uplift projects in the area.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s economy was in shambles in 2013.

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food ministry sees massive potential in halal food sector LAHORE

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ecognising the huge potential of Halal food industry, Ministry of National Food Security and Research Secretary Muhammad Abid Javed has said special attention is being paid to bringing an improvement in this sector since it has the capacity to signiVicantly boost national exports.

Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Thursday, Javed said the Rice Research Institute was continuously working to introduce new varieties and recently two new types of the food commodity had been unveiled that would help enhance exports.

LCCI President Abdul Basit, however, cautioned that it was alarming that despite being an agrarian economy Pakistan had not been able to reap potential beneVits of rice trade.

Halal product export market still to be tapped “It is a matter of concern that during Viscal year 2015-16, the performance of agricultural sector, as a whole, remained dismal,” he said.

Basit said unlike other sectors of the economy, the agricultural sector recorded a negative growth of 0.19% compared to 2.53% expansion a year earlier. The growth in crop production fell 6.25%, while other sub-components of the agricultural sector such as livestock, forestry and Vishing

posted a positive growth of 3.63%, 8.84% and 3.25%, respectively. “It is really unfortunate that we lag terribly behind in producing the desired results. It is high time that our farmers and local entrepreneurs related to food and associated sectors are motivated to modernise their processes,” said Basit. He added since there were a number of research institutions working under the control of food security ministry, they should use the platform to highlight beneVits

of adopting new ways and technologies to increase the existing low level of agricultural yield. How America’s halal food industry started raking in billions Former LCCI president Shahzad Ali Malik said the total size of Halal market in global trade was around $3 trillion and Pakistan had an insigniVicant share in it. “We have a natural base for producing Halal products and this unique characteristic should be aggressively marketed to earn an appropriate share.”

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he Model of Customs Collectorate surpassed revenue collection target of November 2016

by Rs 1,986 million, as it collected Rs 5,721 million against the set target of Rs 3,735 million.

The Multan Customs was assigned customs duty target to the tune of Rs 593 million and it collected Rs 1,007.908 million during the said period and witnessed 70 percent growth in collection of customs duty. It was able to collect Rs 948.147 million as custom duty during the same period of the last Viscal year 2015-16.

The Model of Customs Collectorate Multan has collected amounting Rs.2979.190 million of Sales taxes against the assigned collection target of Rs.3115 million for November of the on-going Viscal year 2016-17.The Collectorate has achieved almost 96 % of the assigned collection target of Sales tax in November. But Multan Customs has collected Sales tax of Rs.3416.439 million during the November of the previous Viscal year 2015-16.

During November 2016, it generated Rs 26.506 million as federal excise duty (FED) against the

target of Rs13 million and surpassed its target by 104 percent.

During November 2015, the Multan Customs collected Rs

torate collec s m o t g f cus ountin odel o ed am t c e Th e m l x l ta es co S ales n has f a t o l u n o m rg e t illi tion ta 190 m c . e 9 l l 7 o 9 e Rs.2 ned c r of th e assig embe h v t o t s n n r agai ion fo 7 . Th e 5 mill 016-1 1 2 1 r 3 . a s e 96 % ly of R lmost g fisca a n i d o e g v e on et of s achi n t a rg ate ha o r i t o c t c e l e coll ed col r assign embe e h t f n nov o i x a t S ales

11.818 million as FED. The collectorate collected Rs 17.576 million in wake of income tax against Rs 14 million and surpassed its target. Whereas, it collected Rs 12.818 million as income tax during November of last year. Under the head of additional sales tax and petroleum development levy, it generated Rs 14.227 million and Rs 1,675.690 million respectively during November 2016.

OfVicials said that increase in clearance of imported consignments through Multan Dry Port and Air Freight Unit (AFU) has given boost to the revenue collection during the said period. Meanwhile, The Customs Collectorate Multan has organized a party to bid farewell to three of its employees namely Syed Hameedullah Khan, Ameer Khan and Muhammad Iqbal Kamboh.

The farewell ceremony was arranged by Collector Sarfraz Ahmad Warraich in honor of the retired employees on completion of their service tenure. The farewell function was attended by staff members of the Customs House Multan. The staff of Customs House paid rich tributes to their retiring colleagues for the services they rendered in the department.

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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

keeping policy rate unchanged

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he State Bank has kept the policy rate unchanged at 5.75 percent for the next two months despite the fact that inflation has been increased during the last several months. The bank kept the interest rate unchanged in a bid to project economic stability in the country. Less interest paid by the consumers gives them extra money to spend. As a result, increased spending by the people create ripple effects which stimulate business activities though the private sector may keep itself away from the cheap credit. The lower interests by the central bank often proves beneficial for the businesses and farmers as they are able to purchase equipment due to low cost of borrowings. The State Bank had slashed the policy rates in May on the ground that the government will be able to keep inflation within the limits. According to the bank, inflation has been rising after bottoming out in October last year due to various reasons, including small increase in the domestic demand. The consumer price index increased to 4.2 percent from 1 percent during the period without affecting the growth momentum.

The modern economy is consumer economy.

If you spend more and save little, it will boost trade and industrial activities as the industry will have to work overtime to fulfill the demand. But increase in interest rate by commercial banks slows industrial activities as the depositors prefer to earn profit without doing anything. According to the State Bank, uptick in the private sector credit for fixed investment will further support future growth and will help maintain inflation at a manageable level. The macroeconomic stability and retirement of the government’s borrowings from scheduled banks have brought easy liquidity conditions in the money market. The government has gone extra mile to maintain financial stability by increasing the volume of borrowings from international financial institutions. Despite claims of fiscal stability, the economic conditions are not very promising as loans are piling up, exports are falling and the industry could not be brought out from the recession mode. The government is keeping inflation and foreign exchange reserves at certain points by artificial stabilization of rupee and obtaining local and foreign loans.

praise for equity market A

LAHORE

DR AfTAB AfZAL

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t a time the country’s economy is facing multiple challenges, an international magazine has declaredthe Pakistan’s equity market as the best in Asia as it has been showing better performance than China and India for the last one year. According to Forbes, the trade fund of the Pakistan’s Stock Exchange increased by 16 percent in one year whereas the fund remained in negatives in the two countries during the period in question.China and India are emerging economies whereas Pakistan is regarded as a frontier market, but the real growth of the economy in this country has al-

ways been elusive. China’s growth is evident from its trade surplus and its dominance on consumer markets not only in the developing countries, but also in the United States and Europe. Indian claim of emerging market is a myth based on media hype. Indian economy is burdened with 466 million below the poverty line population. Pakistan is the real success story of private sector development in which the government has failed to play any positive role. In the wake of terrorist activities and imprudent business and trade policies, the economy of Pakistan is less exposed to the global shocks. In positive sense, the economy is resilient and less vulnerable to interest rate Vluctuations in developed countries, including the United States.

Despitefear of Pakistan to become client state of China, an investment climate is picking up in the countrydue to China Pakistan Economic Corridor. The project not only gives the Chinese goods an access to Middle East, European and African countries but also paving the way for foreign investment in the country.According to the magazine, the endorsements for Pakistan’s market reforms from overseas institutions have increased investors’ expectations which resulted in $1 billion support from the World Bankand acquisition of K-electric

by Shanghai Electric Power Co.The magazine gives bleak picture of the Indian market due to demonetization of a part of currency and anti-investment policies launched by the Modi gov-

ernment. On another note, cumbersome policies of the Chinese government have blocked the Vlow of foreign investment into that country. Pakistan is regarded as the frontier market, a grade below the emerging market, but documentation of the economy is the biggest problem facing the government. As a matter of fact, with little efforts, Pakistan can be turned into an attractive destination for business, industry and trade for the overseas investors.

The government has to enforce writ of the government on administrative and Vinancial affairs and should not miss the opportunity of vast foreign investment in CPEC projects. The ofVicial machinery has to work overtime to for the purpose.

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Nigeria to export rice in 2017 ABUJA: The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has predicted that based on the success of its agricultural financing, the country would begin the exportation of rice in 2017. The apex bank’s Acting Director, Corporate Communication, Mr. Isaac Okoroafor, disclosed this in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, when he sensitised farmers to how to adopt the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP). According to him, the price of rice has started to fall in Ebonyi and other states to N8, 000. Okoroafor said by next year, the ABP would have bridged the demand gap of about six million tons of rice annually. He explained that in the pilot project of ABP in Kebbi State, 78,000 registered farmers cultivated an average of one hectare each, which led to its ability to distribute over one million tons of rice. He said Ebonyi State was already producing 1.2million tons of rice annually and other states like Jigawa, Sokoto, Cross River, Anambra and Imo were also increasing their contribution.

Enhanced transparency ensured in fBR: haroon Akhtar ISLAMABAD

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pecial Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan has said that business-friendly policies of the government had resulted in rapid economic development and the country would achieve growth rate of six percent by the general elections to be held in 2018. “Low tax-to-GDP ratio is hampering development and we are trying our best for improvement as enhanced transparency has been ensured in the FBR”, he added. He was speaking to the business community at the newly-constructed building of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) here. FBR Chairman Nisar Muhammad Khan, FPCCI President Abdul Rauf Alam and others were also present on the occasion. Haroon Akhtar said that US is super power because of a good tax system while Europe is consid-

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ered developed due to good taxation therefore Pakistani business community should also discharge obligation so that Pakistan could develop with a fast pace.

He said that a lot of incidents of tax evasion were being reported but “we opt for legal action in very few cases and those who pay tax after detection face no action at all”. The business-friendly government is collecting tax on one-fourth of the real value of property while a number of sectors including fertilizer have been given tax breaks which has resulted in good growth, he informed. He said that all the international institutions continue to praise our economic policies, private sector off-take has multiplied, interest rates are at the lowest while lenders like Asian Development Bank.

Saturday December 3, 2016

Chambers

Alamgir welfare seeks kccI’s help for promotion of noble causes A

KARACHI

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delegation from Alamgir Welfare Trust International, during its visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), sought KCCI’s assistance for promoting the noble causes being initiated by the Trust which were focused on serving the humanity in order to create a better society in which the poor masses in distresses could be provided a helping hand in difVicult times.

President KCCI Shamim Ahmed Firpo, Senior Vice President KCCI Asif Nisar, Vice President KCCI Muhammad Younus Soomro and KCCI Managing Committee members were present at the meeting with the delegation from Alamgir Welfare Trust (AWT), led by its Chairman Chaudhry Nisar Ahmed, which also comprised Directors AWT Shakeel Ahmed, Rehan Yaseen, Nadeem Ahmed and others.

Highlighting Alamgir Welfare’s initiatives to serve the humanity, the delegation members informed that besides supporting different initiatives in health and education, Alam-

gir Trust was also actively engaged in providing other services including food, marriage assistance and emergency relief etc. along with rescue and funeral services to the masses. They said that Alamgir Welfare Trust has been working with complete dedication and honesty since past many years to efViciently serve the humanity and has succeeded in becoming a trust worthy

organization. They also invited BMG leadership and KCCI OfVice Bearers to visit the main ofVice of Alamgir Welfare Trust so that they could personally review state-of-the-art infrastructure and other facilities being used to provide assistance to thousands of people who visit Alamgir Trust every day.

Speaking on the occasion, President KCCI Shamim Ahmed Firpo ap-

punjab mining sector now free of mafia: minister

M LAHORE

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ining sector of Punjab is free of maVia after the implementation of business rules and true businessmen are being encouraged. This was stated by the Provincial Minister for Mines and Minerals Chaudhry Sher Ali while talking to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Abdul Basit and Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Executive Committee Members Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry, Mian Zahid Javed, Khamis Saeed Butt, Syed Mukhtar Ali were also present in the meeting.

Provincial Minister said that the

efforts are afoot for the development mines and minerals department of Punjab and special attention is being given towards technological advancement and old techniques are being replaced with the new ones that would also reduce the cost of mining. He said that mining sector is being developed in consultation with stakeholders as its efViciency is need of the hour. He sought the proposals of private sector with regard to export of gypsum that has to be looked after as country has not enough reserves of gypsum. He said that area of Chiniot has large reserves of iron ore and study is in process in this regard.

He said that geological mining map of province has been prepared according to the international standards.

He said that revenue from mining sector is increase gradually. He said

that issues cannot be resolved without taking private sector on board.

The LCCI President Abdul Basit said that Pakistan lacks modern technology in mining. Pakistan has great reserves of natural resources ranging from gold to coal worth of billions of dollars. He said that the labour involved in mining sector is not fully trained and equipped with modern techniques. The government has to play a very active and supportive role in the development of this very sector keeping in view the massive potentials which it has and the role which it can play in the development of Pakistan. The LCCI president said that there should be a model mine developed by the government to demonstrate the efVicient mining technology and cost cuts assuring enhanced safety and productivity.

preciated numerous initiatives taken by Alamgir Welfare Trust for the betterment of society, extended full support and cooperation of Karachi Chamber to noble causes being undertaken by the Trust from time to time. “It is heartening to note that Alamgir Welfare Trust has grown signiVicantly from a tiny plant to a huge tree with uncountable branches”, he added.

fTA to enhance trade ties between pakistan, Turkey he Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Turkey was at its final stages and early implementation of this direly needed FTA would help to boost the mutual trade ties between Pakistan and Turkey as well, besides, opening the new vistas of Turkish investment in Pakistan. Central PRGMEA Chairman Ejaz A Khokhar stated this while attending an important “PAK-TURK Investment Round Table” meeting held Islamabad the other day. The visiting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also attended the meeting. Talking to the newsmen at his Sialkot office here today, Ejaz A Khokhar told that he gave detailed briefing to the visiting.—CB Report

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SHC seek remarks from tax authorities on M/s SAB Associates’ plea Saturday December 3, 2016

National whT issue: fBR to take action against Sindh depts KARACHI

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he Federal Board of Revenue is mulling over to take action against the departments of Sindh government for their failure in depositing the deducted withhold taxes to national exchequer.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Revenue Haroon Akhtar, during his visit to Karachi last week, had directed the Regional Tax Office (RTO) to initiate ‘penal’ actions as per the laws against the defaulted government departments. Provincial departments deduct withholding income tax under various heads, including salaries, development activities/contracts, property registration/transactions and motor vehicle registration. The RTO Karachi had found discrepancies in amount deposited by at least two departments, including motor vehicle and immovable property registration. A substantial amount was not transferred to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

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customs court hears 11 cases he Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling on Thursday heard 11 cases, including pre-arrest bail pleas filed by suspects.

Most of the cases were adjourned without any proceedings as the parties and lawyers concerned did not appear in the court. Hearing of pre-arrest bail pleas filed by accused Abdul Razaq was also adjourned until the next week. A case against Shaukat Ali was also scheduled for hearing in which the court recorded statement that was adjourned for next week. Framing of charges against Humayon Rasheed also adjourned for next week.Cases of narcotic, smuggling, tax evasion and some other relevant cases were also scheduled for the day including cases of Sialkot, Gujranwala, Multan and Faisalabad.—M Imran Mehar

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KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the customs authorities to file parawise comments on an appeal filed by M/s SAB Associates, seeking restoration of its license which was suspended by the Customs Department due to non-payment of dues.

While the hearing of an appeal, a two-member bench, comprising Justice Irfan Sadat Khan and Justice Muhammad Humayun Khan fixed November 30, 2016 as the date of hearing.

Earlier, counsel for the applicant stated that applicant is a customs clearing agent in accordance with the customs licensing rules notified vide SRO498(1)/2009 dated 13/06/2009.

Sialkot ASo checks import documents of new vehicles at showrooms T

SIALKOT

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he Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) team visited various car showrooms to check the documents regarding import and customs clearance of vehicles.

ASO incharge Assistant Collector Fahad Bashir Chaudhary along with his team members, including Superintendent Sardar Manzoor, Inspectors Aamir, Arshad, Amjad, Asad and others conducted the operation to detect car dealers involved in selling of smuggled vehicles. The team raided the showrooms situated in Gujranwala, Sialkot, Wazirabad, Gujrat and Narowal and checked chassis numbers and engine numbers of all available vehicles, while the ofVicials did not found anyone so far involved in such kind of illegal activity.

During the raids, the customs team warned owners of all showrooms of stern action if they would Vind involved in selling of non-duty paid vehicles, adding that miscreant will have to bear full weight of law.

OfVicials said that the ASO teams will visited the car dealers time to time to check the documents and chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles.

The officials added that the ASO team will start a campaign against

non-duty paid vehicles in the rural areas soon because it has been learnt that many smuggled vehicles are being used in rural areas.

The ASO has made a plan to set up check posts at main point of rural areas to impound the said vehicles. It may be mentioned here that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has strictly ordered the customs department to conducted raids on showrooms of new vehicles in order to impound the smuggled vehicles.

Meanwhile, The Incharge ASO will monitor the performance of ASO Sialkot, Gujranwala, Gujrat and others areas to improve the anti-smuggling activities in the region. However, ASO officials have been deputed at main points in the jurisdiction to hold the smuggled items and vehicles.

peshawar Intelligence collects Rs 39.99m D

ISLAMABAD

TARIQ DERYA

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irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Peshawar collected a revenue of Rs 39.99 million through auction of non-duty paid goods and vehicles during Virst four and half months (from July to November) of the current Vinancial year 201617. Sources of Customs Intelligence told Customs Today that during Virst four and half month of current Vinancial year, the I&I collected handsome amount through auction of conViscated non-duty paid and offending vehicles besides smuggled goods.

He said that during the above period Customs I&I collected Rs.31.04 million through auction of seized smuggled goods, while Rs.8.34 million were generated under the head of sales tax through auction of goods and vehicles.

Sources further said that during the above said period Customs I&I collected revenue of Rs.0.61 under the head of total federal excise duty

on imported smuggled goods through auction of conViscated vehicles and seized smuggled goods.

Sources adding that Peshawar I&I had seized smuggled goods worth Rs.74 million during Virst four

month of Vinancial year 2016-17 adding that during the month of October 2016-17 Customs I&I seized different type of smuggled goods under value of Rs.24 million.

Sources further said that in its on-

going campaign against smuggling in respect of narcotics and drugs, Customs Intelligence Peshawar is extending full assistance to law enforcement agencies to curb the smuggling trends in the region.

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Faisalabad Excise impounds 527 vehicles FAISALABAD: The Excise & Taxation Department, in collaboration with Regional Transport Authority, impounded 527 vehicles in all four districts of the division for violation of the law and rules during the last week.

The teams checked a total of 3,804 vehicles and took 527 vehicles into custody for nonpayment of token tax, plying on the roads without registration number-plates, route permit, fitness certificates and overloading etc. Challan tickets worth Rs 700,000 were issued to drivers.

The department sources said that documents of 52 vehicles were confiscated for bearing illegal or unspecified registration number-plates.

Sc gives Imran, fBR time to submit reply in offshore companies’ case ISLAMABAD

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he Supreme Court has granted time to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to submit reply in a case filed by Hanif Abbasi regarding the offshore companies of Imran and Jehangir Tareen. A three-member bench headed by Justice Saqib Nisar heard the case. During the hearing, Imran’s counsel Naeem Bukhari said, “I came to know through media that I am the lawyer in this case so give me time to submit reply.”

Abbasi’s counsel Sheikh Ikram requested

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the court to make a larger bench. Justice Nisar said the chief justice (CJ) was not in Islamabad, adding that he will return next week. He also said the CJ would decide in this regard. The court adjourned the hearing until November 30. During the hearing, Justice Saqib Nisar remarked that the decision to club the instant matter with the Panamagate petitions would be taken by the Chief Justice. Filed through Akram Sheikh Advocate, Abbasi had made Imran, Tareen, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad as respondents in the petition. He had submitted that Imran and Tarin had violated the 1976 Act and Income Tax Ordinance 1979 and 2001 by not declaring his offshore company M/S Niazi Services Limited (NSL) in his Statement of Assets and Liabilities filed before the ECP in 2013. He had pleaded the court to declare Imran and Tareen disqualified for being member of the Parliament for concealing assets and evasion of taxes. Talking to media outside the Supreme Court, Hanif Abbasi said that he would tender unconditional apology to the nation if he failed to prove and expose Imran Khan’s corruption.

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collector Dr farid Iqbal seeks record of pending court cases till Dec 5 M KARACHI

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odel Customs Collectorate Appraisement-West Dr Farid Iqbal Qureshi has sought details of cases pending in different courts in order to expedite the tax recovery process.

Chairing a meeting of the ofVicers of the collectorate, Dr Qureshi has given a deadline to the ofVicials concerned to provide details of pending cases by December 5, 2016 so that speedy action would be taken to recover amounts stuck up in pending cases. The Collector Appraisement West has also asked the ofVicers to utilize each and every mean to collect the details of legal cases. The ofVicers were briefed the Collector- Appraisement West that billions of worth cases are in pending in different courts of law, as the prosecution was not strong enough to sum up the conclusion of cases. The Collector Dr Farid Iqbal Qureshi further asked to assign the cases of Pakistan Customs to competent solicitors, so that quick outcome would be got and enhance the revenue recovery status. The ofVicers of

the Collectorate informed the collector that the list of the pending cases is already being prepared and it would be submitted before the collector by December-5. Meanwhile, Collector Customs Appraisement West Dr Farid Iqbal Qureshi has issued “assessment alerts” for the appraising ofVicials and

Saturday December 3, 2016

examiners in order to clear the consignments. According to details, the Collector Appraisement West Dr Farid Iqbal Qureshi, through the additional collectors and deputy collectors of different groups, has circulated the “assessment alerts” in all respective groups of the collectorate.

Dg customs Valuation revises value of pet food KARACHI

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he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of pet food (cat and dog food) Valuation Ruling No 977/2016 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969. The directorate general during routine analysis of import data observed that volume of import of subject items has increased over time, however, the same are being cleared against guideline price issued by a clearance Collectorate.

The import values were observed to be on lower side vis-a-vis international selling prices, available online, and also on lower side in comparison to the local market prices of subject goods. It was observed that the subject goods were being cleared by clearance Collectorate up to $ 0.50/Kg, therefore, needed assessable values be rationalized as per the international and local market prices.

Therefore, in order to rationalize the import values of subject goods, an exercise was undertaken by the Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Karachi to determine the Customs Values of subject goods in terms of Section 25-A of Customs Act, 1969.

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citizens having cnIc can file tax returns, Senate told

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ISLAMABAD

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ederal Law Minister Zahid Hamid has informed the Senate that any Pakistan citizen, having Computerised National Identity Card, can now Vile tax returns, using CNIC number as his/her National Tax Number (NTN) while the criterion will remain the same under section 114 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Finance, during the questionhour, the Law minister said that rules have been amended as announced by Finance Minister Ishaq

Dar in his budget speech in June this year. “It is very good news…now every citizen is bound to Vile his tax returns,” remarked Senator Nauman Wazir of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who had asked whether or not as announced by the minister, all CNICs had been converted into NTNs or it was merely a political gimmickry. In response to questions

by Senators Mian Attique of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Nauman Wazir and Muhammad Azam Swati of PTI, the law minister said that tax forms are being simpliVied and things are moving towards E-Viling and scores of companies have already done so, being a continuous exercise.

In a written reply to a question by Senator Sirajul Haq, Ishaq Dar said that total number of federal government pensioners stands at 1,849524, consisting of personnel of civil armed forces, armed forces and civilians paid out of defence.

Taking notice of various questions the answers of which were not provided by the respective government departments, Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani cautioned to either pass strictures or ruling, if this trend continues any more. “Replies must be furnished and shared with the Senate Secretariat, as question hour is one form of the government’s accountability,” he remarked.

To a question by PTI’s Senator

Mohsin Aziz, Dar said that transgender population would be captured in the current census as a separate category and noted that use of tablets in the census process is suggested by the stakeholders.

However, he added, at this stage with 42.5 million intelligence character recognition (ICR) already got printed, it was found not feasible. He added in addition, the infrastructure for scanning of ICR forms and data processing, use of computer technology in aid of traditional method was under consideration. “A separate code will be assigned to the transgender population under the column titled ‘sex’.

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Hungary adds transaction tax Saturday December 3, 2016

World

BUDAPEST: Hungary will offer banks that substantially boost lending to companies a tax rebate, the government said on Thursday, as Prime Minister Viktor Orban rolls out “world-beating” stimulus measures ahead of an election in 2018. The proposal to waive some financial transactions tax payments follows cuts in payroll and corporate taxes for companies and hikes in the minimum wage to combat weaker third-quarter growth and deteriorating competitiveness. Underscoring the need for action, Economy Minister Mihaly Varga said economic growth would come in below the government’s 2.5 percent projection this year and is now seen in the 2 to 2.5 percent range depending largely on fourthquarter consumption.

more than £150,000 found hidden in woman’s high heels

Iraq wrangling with $26.6b budget deficit BAGHDAD

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PARIS

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he cash was shoved into the base of four wedge-style heels and wrapped into bundles of 500 Euro notes A woman has had two pairs of high heels ripped open by airport ofVicials after acting suspiciously when she arrived on a Vlight.

The money was shoved into the base of four wedge-style heels and wrapped into bundles of 500 Euro notes. Agents of the National Police in Colombia stopped the 29-yearold Dutch woman. She had landed at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport from Brussels to Medellin hiding the money inside four shoes that were inside her suitcase. She also had 5,950 euros in her handbag.

Meanwhile, After pleading guilty to aiding a prohibited migrant to enter the SBAs and upon paying his Vine,

Qatar destroys more than 30,000 bottles of liquor early 31,000 bottles of wine and other alcoholic beverages confiscated at Doha Port have been destroyed, Qatar’s General Authority of Customs (GAC) has announced. The spirits had been seized “over a period of time” and were destroyed after court approval. In a statement, officials said the bottles were first emptied and then crushed by heavy machinery. This process is usually carried out every six months when it comes to any seized goods deemed hazardous to the environment, security or society. The GAC said items that pose a security risk such as weapons and ammunition are referred to the Ministry of Interior. And medicines go to the Ministry of Public Health. Meanwhile, tobacco products are referred to the Ministry of Municipality and Environment.—CB Report

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the French national returned to France on Saturday night. A French man has been Vined €400 after he was caught attempting to smuggle a Turkish mainlander through the Black Knight crossing point in Strovilia in the boot of his hire car last Friday. The discovery was made by SBA Customs and Immigration ofVicers during a routine car search and

both men were immediately arrested and taken to the Dhekelia police station for further questioning

by Customs ofVicials. During questioning, both men admitted to knowing that a Visa was required for a Turkish national to enter the SBAs and the Republic of Cyprus, so they attempted to Vind a way across without the correct documentation.

Switzerland returns to countries $2 billion worth of stolen money

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witzerland has reportedly seized and repatriated almost $2 billion of the illicit money stashed in Swiss banks by foreign dictators, according to a report by the website Swissinfo, citing an official. According to the report, a new law in Switzerland made the seizure and repatriation of the funds held in the country’s banks by foreign dictators, mostly African leaders possible. It notes that over the past 30 years

Switzerland has returned almost CHF2 billion ($2 billion) misappropriated and deposited in Swiss banks by “politically exposed persons”. The Tax Justice Network, an organisation concerned with tax havens and tax evasion, ranked Switzerland number one out of 92 territories, in its 2015 Financial Secrecy Index which ranks jurisdictions according to their propensity to facilitate huge illicit financial flows.—CB Report

raq’s parliament will meet Dec. 1 to continue hashing out a draft of the 2017 general budget, which currently includes a deVicit that will require the country to seek out non-oil income, attract investments and eliminate alleged corruption. So far, the draft law pegs the budget at 102 trillion dinars (about $85 billion) with a projected deVicit of $26.6 billion. The country’s Vinances have been hammered by low oil prices, the war against the Islamic State (IS) and, according to a citizens group, signiVicant government waste. Much of its budget will depend on the price of oil. Iraq received good news today when OPEC agreed to cap oil production. After two years of prices that sometimes dropped below $50 per barrel, OPEC now expects that

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Vigure to reach $55-$60, the Wall Street Journal reported. OPEC has not always followed through on its promises, however.

Parliament is trying to resolve disputes over a number of items, including the budget for the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU). The legislature voted Nov. 26 to make the Iran-backed PMU into an ofVicial government military force. Shiite parliament members supported the move, but the Sunni minority boycotted the vote.

On Aug. 31, the proposed budget was amended to increase the PMU’s allocations, which had amounted to about 6 trillion dinars ($5 billion) in 2016, but the PMU leadership said that was not enough to cover all necessities. Najiba Najib, a member of parliament’s Economics and Investment Committee, criticized the PMU on July 12, telling the media, “Allocating 25% of the state budget to the army and the PMU overburdens the budget and adversely affects the economy.

Imf hits remittance tax on expats

he International Monetary Fund (IMF) has indicated that imposing tax on expatriates’ remittances and incomes, the possibility of which is currently under study in some Gulf countries, will lead to negative consequences especially since expatriates constitute about 90 percent of the total employees in the private sector in these countries, reports Arab Times Daily.

In its report, IMF explained that the total remittances from GCC countries are about $ 84.4 billion annually. Imposing tax of about 5 percent on these remittances will result in very little and marginal rev-

enue of only 0.3 percent of the GCC GDP (or $ 4.2 billion), which is very modest compared to the Vinancial reforms required in the GCC countries. It will also result in administrative and operational costs that might reduce revenues and cause risks related to the repute of the country among the workers. The competitiveness of the private sector will also decline. The report also stressed that the incomes of expatriates in GCC countries will reduce if the taxes are imposed, taking into account the fact that unskilled workers in these countries form about 80 percent of expatriates.—CB Report

Taiwan tyre market to surpass $1.2b by 2021

A TAIPEI

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ccording to TechSci Research report, “Taiwan Tire Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2011 – 2021”, tire market in Taiwan is forecast to surpass $1.2 Billion by 2021, owing growing automobile production to cater

domestic as well as foreign market, coupled with favourable tax policies, and expanding automobile fleet size in the country. Presence of major automobile manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, China Motor Corporation, Ford, etc., in the country are also fueling demand for automobiles in the country. Automobile sales in Taiwan exhibited a CAGR of 0.13%

during 2011-2015, as sales of automobiles increased from 925 thousand units in 2011 to 930 thousand units in 2015. Moreover, these automobile manufacturers cater to domestic market as well as international market, which is further expected to further drive demand for tires in Taiwan in the coming years. In Taiwan tire market two-wheeler tire segment accounted

for highest market share in 2015, and the segment by over the past few years, and the segment is further expected to continueit’s dominance in the market in the coming years as well, owing to expanding twowheeler Vleet size and rising sale of two-wheelers in Taiwan. Moreover, two-wheeler sales increased from 639 thousand units in 2011 to 667 thousand units in 2015.

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Court sends human trafficker to jail for 38 years FAISALABAD: The special Central Judge Sohaib ahmed Romi sent accused to jail who was involved in human trafficking case. Accused have set up their office in Susan Road Madina Town Faisalabad and involved illicit business of human Smuggling.

FIA SHO choudhary Ghazanfar Ali conducted raid along with Sub Inspector Abid Hussain Gill and arrested the accused who was running illegal business of sending innocent people abroad after extorting big amounts from them. Arrested accused was involved in human trafficking case and registered FIR No, 390/14 and 391/14 dated 24-09-2014 against him under section (U/S), 17/22 E.O 1979 on victim Complained application.

custom court sends cell phones’ smuggler on physical remand

Saturday December 3, 2016

National

Amnesty scheme for realtors given go-ahead

finmin, fBR, kpRA to sign mou on cross-border input tax adjustment ISLAMABAD

KARACHI

m BILAL

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ustom Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has sent a suspect, Waqas Iqbal, on physical remand till November 28, 2016 who was allegedly involved in smuggling of 103 mobile phones worth Rs 5.652 million.

During the hearing, investigation officer produced the suspect before the court and informed that the staff of the antismuggling department intercepted him at Karachi airport on November 20, 2016, and recovered 103 mobile phones from his possession. The investigation officer further informed the court that iPhone-6, Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime, Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime, Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime, Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini Prime, iPhone-6S, iPhone-7, Samsung Galaxy C7, Samsung Galaxy A9, Samsung Galaxy A86, Samsung Galaxy A36, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, BlackBerry D TEK, Samsung Galaxy TAB A and Samsung TAB E are included in these mobile phones.

ith the aim to settle cross-border input tax adjustment, the Finance Ministry, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Revenue Authority (KPRA) are going to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday (today). Sources said that the draft of the MoU has been finalised under the KPRA laws/rules. The senior officials of Finance Division, FBR chairman and KPRA chairman would sign the MoU on the mechanism of bilateral sales tax adjustment between the federation and province in a ceremony at the FBR House. The federal revenue authority has already signed the MoU with other provinces on input tax adjustment. As a result of cross-adjustment of input tax, there are certain situations, where the federation has to give refund on the behalf of provinces, whereas provinces will do the same in case of federation. Under Finance Act 2016, the government had disallowed facility of input tax adjustment. The facility was later restored by the government, sources added. The FBR had also sought authorisation from provincial revenue authorities and boards to have full access to their monthly returns data with the objective of preventing cross-jurisdiction input tax frauds and false declarations through verification of input tax claims.

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Anf foils bid to smuggle 3.5 tonnes of narcotics he Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has foiled an attempt to smuggle a huge quantity of narcotics from Peshawar to Lahore via Motorway. Sources told Customs Today that ANF team intercepted a truck on Ring Road which was loaded with narcotics. Sources said that truck was coming from Peshawar to Lahore via Motorway was intercepted on Ring Road Lahore. During checking of the vehicle, the ANF team recovered bags filled with fine quality charas. Truck driver Khursheed Khan was arrested and was shifted to unidentified location for investigations. It is necessary to mention here that ANF authorities are using all available resources to curb smuggling of narcotics in the region.

Due to strict measures marginable decrease is being witnessed in smuggling attempts in the region.—M Imran Mehar

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ISLAMABAD

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espite opposition by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue has approved a one-time amnesty scheme for real estate sector under which realtors will have to pay only three percent tax for declaring their hidden assets in purchasing properties.

The recommendations now will be sent to the National Assembly for full-Vledged debate and then the

House will either adopt the said recommendations or reject them. In case the recommendations are adopted then they will be made part of budgetary proposals for the next Vinancial year. The committee met here with Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh in the chair to consider “The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2016” (Ordinance No XLIX of 2001) (Government Bill) and other agenda items. Chairman FBR Nisar Muhammad Khan, Parliamentary Secretary Finance Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan, Secretary Finance Waqar Masood and others were also present in the meeting. Mian Abdul Manan presented the recommendations of the sub-committee before the main committee. These recommendations

have recommended, the federal government may charge 1% in total for withholding tax, advance tax from both (buyers/ sellers) and capital gain tax. Prevailing federal government taxes charged by FBR on property transactions approximately 3% to 6% of FBR valuation table and capital gain tax. The federal government will charge 3% to 6% and capital gain tax on FBR value or 1% of fair market value whichever is higher. This 1% will be inclusive of all advance/ adjustable federal government taxes including capital gain tax. 3% additional tax by FBR may be charged to the extent of the amount they are not able to reconcile in their wealth statement.

multan customs bags Rs 13.368m through auction

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MULTAN

ImRAn ALI

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ustoms Intelligence and Investigation Multan Range OfVice has generated Rs 13.368 million through the monthly auction of conViscated goods and vehicles lying in the State Warehouse.

According to details, Customs Intelligence Multan organized auction of the conViscated goods lying at the warehouse of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan Range of-

Vice located at the Raja Pur Khanewal Road Multan bypass.

Customs presented twelve various impounded vehicles including Toyota Vitz, Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedez Benz, Honda Aspire, Suzuki Alto ,Toyota Corolla G, Toyota Hilux Surf, Suzuki Kei DJ, Toyota Premio, Toyota Fielder X and others for auction held at Customs Intelligence Multan Range OfVice. Four vehicles Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Vitz, Suzuki Alto and Toyota Corolla G were successfully auctioned after bidding process. While other pre-

sented vehicles were rejected in auction due to fewer bids offered from their average prices. The impounded vehicles have generated Rs.4.6 million from the auction of four seized vehicles during auction.

Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan has auctioned various articles including old and used, 16700 kilogram of art silk cloth, foreign origin 13 various heavy duty generators ,foreign origin cloth, Split AC, cooling pipe, mini embroidery machine, insect killer spray, gear box engines, rims, ball bearing auto

parts scrap, mobile phone chargers, drill machines ,Vire safety equipment’s ,electric motors, dismantle auto parts of 17 various vehicles were also presented in auction.

Customs Intelligence and Investigation has earned Rs.90.8 million from the auction of miscellaneous goods. During the auction held at the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan Range office several miscellaneous confiscated items were not offered any bid during the auction process due to less interest of public.

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Customs Appraisement auctions 9 luxury vehicles for Rs 8m Saturday December 3, 2016

Lahore

LAHORE: The customs appraisement has sold 9 luxury vehicles and other confiscated items in an auction.

As per the details, the impounded cars, tires, spare parts, poly propylene printed sheets, shoes, tea and other goods were presented for the auction on ‘as it is where it is basis’. Customs appraisement earns Rs8 millions in auction of vehicles that were confiscated in different actions.

Interested parties and persons were allowed to examine and check the goods presented for auction before presenting that for auction. The National Tax Number was also mandatory to participate in the auction. Auctioneer of Customs Appraisement said that impounded cars, generators, tyres, cloths and other items were presented for auction and that have been sold in very hood rates.

Lhc declares confiscation of cigarettes worth Rs 10m by fBR illegal

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LAHORE

muhAmmAD nAwAZ www.customsbulletin.com

he Lahore High Court (LHC) has declared action of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for conViscation of cigarettes worth Rs 10 million as null and void while hearing a case Viled by Asim Shaukat, a wholesale dealer of cigarettes. According to details, Justice Shahid Karim heard the case Viled where counsel for appellant Mohsin Virk argued that a team of Inland Revenue (IR) raided the premises of Asim Shukat and conViscated the cigarettes worth Rs 10 million under the Federal Excise Rules, 2005 and Section 38 of the Sales Tax Act, adding that the act of FBR is unlawful. Under the Sales Tax Act, the FBR is bound to send prior notice to the party for investigations before raiding the premises, he further added.

Extra sales tax on petroleum products challenged in Lhc akistan Tehreek-e-Insaf woman leader Andleeb Abbas has challenged extra sales tax on petroleum products in the Lahore High Court (LHC). The counsel for the petitioner, Shiraz Zaka, while arguing before the court, submitted that the federal government could not impose sales tax on petroleum products without getting approval from parliament, as per Article 77 of the Constitution.

However, 17 percent sales tax is being charged on petroleum products without seeking approval from parliament, he added. In the petition appellant appeal to the Lahore High Court to order the government to stop the extra sales tax collection on the petroleum products because extra collection of sales tax is burden on general public. Earlier, same petition was filed by leader of the Opposition in Punjab Assembly Mian Mehmood-ur-Rashid in the Lahore High Court.—Muhammad Nawaz

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Virk further told the court that under the tax laws retailers and whole sellers are exempted from taxes, as only manufacturers and importers are bound to pay taxes.

He appealed before the court to suspend the act of FBR. On the other side, counsel of FBR argued that department took action according to the law and confiscation of cigarette is legal so court rejects the application by the appellant. After hearing the arguments from both sides, the LHC suspended the act of FBR for confiscation of cigarette and remarks that directly use of Sales Tax Act by the FBR is unlawful. Meanwhle, The Lahore High Court (LHC) has summoned senior officers of the Ministry of Housing and Works in a case pertaining to the suspension of the allotment of an apartment to an employee of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

customs ASo impounds vehicles, items worth Rs 10m C

LAHORE

m hAYAT

www.customsbulletin.com ustoms Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization has impounded non-customs paid vehicles and items, including dry milk and welding rods worth million of rupees during second week of November. Sources told Customs Today that the ASO seized these goods and vehicles from different places of the city. The goods which were impounded included non-customs herbal medicines, welding rods, curtain cloths coasters, Mercedes Turbo cars and dry milk.

Sources said that the ASO team conViscated dry milk from a Mazda truck worth millions of rupees near Sagian Pull. The milk was originated from India and was being transported from Lahore to some other parts of the country. Similarly the ASO team seized six ton welding rods from a truck near Sabzi Mandi,

Anti-Smuggling organisation impounds Audi car worth Rs 10m

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) on Thursday impounded a non-duty paid Audi car worth Rs 10 million from Mall Road.

As per the details, the ASO team, on information received through Deputy Collector Asim Awan, intercepted the Audi car and asked the driver to produce documents regarding legal clearance of the vehicle but he could not produce the same on the spot. The customs authorities considering it smuggled

took the car into custody and brought it to the Customs House where it was impounded under the customs laws. The car is in good condition and a high value in open market. The ASO team that conViscated the car was consisting of Superintendent Waqar Ahmad Cheema, Inspector Sajad Bukhari, Irfan Mumtaz Mahota, Mazhar Bhutter and others. It was reported that the car was seized on the directions of the collector Lahore Customs Preventive.—M Hayat

it was said. During other operations, the ASO team seized one coaster from Badami Bagh and one Mercedes car from Shera Kot. The Customs authorities said that the Mercedes was being operated on fake number plate and was held. They added that Mercedes was impounded as the driver of the vehicle failed to produces any documents regarding possession and custody

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of the vehicle. In yet another operation the ASO team seized Iranian kaw zban Khamira from a godown of a trader Muhammad Aslam. The Customs ofVicials said that the impounded goods and vehicles are valued at Rs 10 million. The Customs ASO team that conducted the operations included Deputy Collector Asim Awan, Superintendent Waqar Ahmad Cheema.

customs Tribunal hears 28 cases wo benches of the Customs Appellate Tribunal started hearing of cases on Tuesday and collectively heard 28 case. The bench-I comprising chairman/member judicial Justice (r) Malik Manzoor Husain and Member Technical Imran Tariq heard 12 case and bench-II comprising Omer Arshed Hakeem and the member technical heard 16 cases.

The bench-I member Juicial/ Chairman Malik Manzoor Hussain and Member Technical Imran Tariq heard 16 cases, including Prime Papers two appeals, Tanvir Habib and Syed Jaffer versus Customs Lahore, Imtiaz Ahmed versus customs Lahore,

Zainal Textile versus customs Lahore.

On Tuesday, the tribunal heard Javaid International versus customs Lahore, Fazal Cloth versus custom Multan, Sultan Mehmood versus customs Lahore, Saif Ullah versus customs Faisalabad, Collector Customs Lahore versus Hijrat Khan. Furthermore, Madina Enterprises versus customs Lahore, Umer Farooq versus customs Faisalabad, Directorate of Intellegence and investigation Lahore verus Gul Alam, Nawab Gull versus customs Faisalabad, Emco Independent versus Customs Lahore and Flying Board versus customs Lahore.—Muhammad Nawaz

customs court issues notice to alleged tax evader

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LAHORE

m ImRAn mEhAR

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he Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has issued notice to a suspect, Muhammad Amir, and ordered him to appear before the court within 30 days otherwise he will be declared as proclaimed offender. Muhammad Amir son of

Sakandar is a resident of new Model Town, Lahore and wanted in a tax evasion case to the Lahore Customs Appraisement. The Customs Court summoned the accused repeatedly but he did not appear before the court. Now, the court has issued a Vinal notice to the accused directing him to appear before the court within 30 days otherwise he will be declared as proclaimed offender and his moveable or immov-

able property will be seized too. A case was registered against him by the Customs Appraisement. FIR was registered in 2015 against him but he is still at large. Meanwhile, The Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has adjourned the hearing of a mobile phones smuggling case against Naveed Bhatti. Earlier, the court had approved extension in judicial remand of the accused who was arrested by

the customs authorities from Allama Iqbal International airport while he was making an attempt to smuggle cell phones from China to Lahore. The customs staff recovered 170 cell phones form his possession worth Rs 5 million.

The Investigation and Prosecution (I&P) team of had presented the accused Naveed Bhatti before the court and asked for his physical remand of Vive days to interrogate him.

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Port of Wilmington buys shuttered Chemours chemical plant for $10m WASHINGTON: The Port of Wilmington announced Friday that it would buy the former Chemours Edgemoor manufacturing site on the Delaware River for $10 million. The 114acre property, north of Wilmington’s current port, had been a Chemours manufacturing site for the chemical titanium dioxide, used as a whitener in paper manufacturing. When the plant, which had 200 employees and 130 contractors, closed in October 2015, Chemours said the property would be returned to benefit the community and state.

The Diamond State Port Corp., which operates the Wilmington port, plans to seek an investor to develop the property for a container terminal “consistent with our strategic master plan,” port spokesman John Haroldson said.

Los Angeles port unveils $1.3m effort to better track cargo hile consumers can shop online and track packages from the minute they leave the distribution center to their front door, some of the country’s biggest importers can’t get the same precise information about their own imports. That’s because of an antiquated tracking system at the nation’s busiest seaports of Los Angeles and Long Beach – which handles nearly 40 percent of all imported goods to the United States.

The Port of Los Angeles introduced Thursday what it hopes will be a $1.3 million fix. The pilot project with GE Transportation will deliver cargo information to retailers and truckers weeks in advance, giving them more

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time to plan. Gene Seroka, the port’s executive director, said Thursday the move will give it a competitive edge.

“Big data and digitization can transform our industry,” he told dozens of industry players during a boat tour of APM Terminals, Pier 400, where the two- to three-month program will unfold next year. If successful, it should prevent congestion, allow dock workers to staff better and even cut down costs for the millions of products that come through the ports, from shoes to furniture, experts say. “Today the port typically receives (cargo) details only 48 to 72 hours before the vessel arrives,” said Jamie Miller, president and CEO of GE Transportation. Now, rail cars can be positioned weeks in advance, and truckers will know exactly where and when their cargo will be on dock, she said. The shipping and customs data will be released through a site that retailers and truckers can access through their iPads or computer.—CB Report

Ports & Shipping

LR port purchases 157 acres for $1.3m; more land sought WASHINGTON

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he Little Rock Port Authority purchased 157 acres for $1.3 million on Friday, the Virst of multiple acquisitions planned by the agency. Executive Director Bryan Day said the agency will add to its real estate portfolio over the next 12-18 months as it works to attract new industry. Money for adding land comes from a $10 million fund established when a three-eighths percent sales tax was approved by Little Rock voters in 2011.

“We have to have product to sell to attract national and international businesses,” Day said. “This is a Virst step in a pretty aggressive land acquisition strategy. Prior to this we only had a couple hundred acres.

We’ve almost doubled our holdings in one purchase.” Prior to the purchase — approved by both the port authority board and city commissioners — fewer than 200 acres were available to interested businesses. Attracting larger manufac-

turers will require more land than is currently available. Day said the port would like to purchase another 500 to 1,000 acres over the next “68 months” to help sell Little Rock to large manufacturers. Wellspun Tubular LLC, for example, has nearly 750 acres inside the port, which features about 2,640 acres as part of its industrial park. All of the land acquired by the port will have access to railroad lines. The authority owns the rail line inside the industrial

park, and access for businesses moving raw materials in, or Vinished products out, is used as a selling point. Jay Chesshir, the president and chief executive ofVicer of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, said having additional land available at the port is critical to further economic development in the city. The port’s proximity to the Arkansas River; to Interstates 440, 30 and 40; and to the railroad makes it attractive to site selectors.

Saturday December 3, 2016

LA port partners with gE to create portal for container cargo he Port of Los Angeles and General Electric Transportation said they will create an information portal that will provide stakeholders with greater line-of-sight and planning capabilities to more effectively serve ultra-large containerships. Freight data that will be utilized in the two-month pilot project will include filtered information from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Commercial system. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said the system will enable supply chain partners to receive a ship’s cargo information well in advance of arrival. “Ultimately, the goal of the port information portal is to improve data-flow between cargo owners, shipping lines and other stakeholders so that port and terminal operators have an extended window of time to track inbound cargo to more effectively service vessels, optimize cargo movement and improve the predictability and reliability of the supply chain,” the Port of Los Angeles and GE said in the joint press release.—CB Report

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port of halifax readies for ultra-class vessels A

WASHINGTON

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tlantic Canada’s largest port is preparing for the arrival of even larger container and cruise ships. “We are working to develop a (master) plan that will allow the Port of Halifax to berth and service two ultra-class vessels simultaneously,” says Paul MacIsaac, senior vice president, Halifax Port Authority. “We believe future container port growth will be concentrated among those ports which have that ability.”

Port of Halifax trafVic is 16.1 per cent year-to-date. Ocean Alliance has started bringing larger vessels to Halterm and the G6 Alliance has added calls and larger vessels at the Ceres terminal, MacIsaac said. The port’s Fairview Cove Container Terminal is operated by Ceres-Halifax while the South End Container Ter-

minal is operated by Halterm. Halterm Container Terminal Ltd. is owned and operated by the Macquarie Group. Halifax has been preparing for the arrival of what MacIsaac calls “big ships” (with the capacity to carry 7,500 20-foot equivalent unit containers) for several years. Next up are ultra-class vessels that can carry 10,000 such containers. “Halifax is in an excellent position to accept those vessels because of our deep harbour, our uncongested port, our. . .rail networks, our excellent partnerships and our experienced labour.”

NYK Line subsidiary NYK Ports and Macquarie Infrastructure Partners III announced this week it had purchased a 20-per-cent share in Maher Terminals, which operates a terminal in the New York and New Jersey. CMA CGM Tage, which last called in Halifax Oct. 1 is the biggest yet to dock here, with a capacity of

9,365 TEU. The 8,749 TEU HapagLloyd Budapest Express, has called at Ceres. Halifax also welcomed its largest cruise vessel, the 4,180-passenger Royal Caribbean International Anthem of the Seas, he said.

The Port of Halifax, with no changes to existing infrastructure, can berth a vessel up to 16,000 TEU currently, but the goal of a master planning process is to identify ways to berth two 13,000-14,000 TEU vessels simultaneously. “ With the widening of the Panama Canal, the additional lane of the Suez Canal . . . vessels in that range are now being deployed along the East Coast of North America. Halifax is well situated to take part in this evolution.”

Port container throughput is up 9.9 per cent in the third quarter of 2016 and up 16.1 per cent for the year so far. MacIsaac said operators, CN and labour are working together to keep Halifax competitive. Develop-

ment of a master plan is underway.

WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff, one of the world’s leading port master planning Virms, has been hired to develop the master plan. Meanwhile, Financial details were not released on the transaction, which Macquarie announced last April and was conVirmed by a source on Wednesday. The 454-acre terminal handles about 2 million 20foot-equivalent units a year, roughly one-third of the port’s total. New YorkNew Jersey, the largest on the East Coast and the third-largest in the US, handled 6,371,720 TEUs last year.

New York-New Jersey’s container volume is expected to rise further with the completion at the end of next year of a project to raise the 151-foot vertical clearance under the Bayonne Bridge to 215 feet. The project will allow larger ships to reach Maher and two other Port Newark/Elizabeth terminals that now cannot be served by many vessels.

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Customs values of blankets revised KARACHI: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of blankets of different types vide Valuation Ruling No 979/2016 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969. Number of representation were received from different importers of blankets against Valuation Ruling No. 878 / 2016 dated June 27, 2016, stating that the international prices have came down and the existing values in said ruling are on much higher side. Therefore, an exercise was undertaken by the Directorate General to revise the same according to trends prevailing in the current international market.

Saturday, December 3, 2016

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

Jhang ASo seizes generator, vehicle worth Rs 2.5 million FAISALABAD nAEEm ShEIkh

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO), Jhang has seized diesel generator 100KVA worth Rs 1.5 million involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 517,315, besides impounding vehicle being used for smuggling worth Rs 1 million during an action.

Following information received through Collector ZulViqar Ali, the ASO staff intercepted a vehicle bearing Registration No FSG- 3262 near new Bhakkar Bypass Road, Jhang loaded with foreign origin diesel generator. The vehicle was coming from Shah Jeewna and was going to Multan. On the spot, Customs Superintendent Saeed Akhtar Joiya asked the Mian Shahid, General Manager of M/s Khan Brother (Pvt) Limited to produce documents regarding legal import or lawful possession of the goods. He provided Goods Declaration No. 52 dated November 10, 2016. He was further asked to produce documents regarding legal import but he could not do the same. Therefore, the ofVicials impounded the vehicle along with generator under Section 168, 16, 18, and 32 of the Customs Act,

1969 read with SRO No 499(1)2009. The customs registered a case against the accused

persons. The ASO team comprising Inspector Shaukat Khan, Muhammad Munir Ahmed, Khalid Ashraf

Noor, Sepoys Ghulam Abbas, Muhammad Ajmal, Ahmed Bux and others participated in the opera-

tion. The seizure report has been sent to the Customs Adjudication for further legal action.

fBR’s Board-in-council okays Audit policy 2016 ISLAMABAD

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he Federal Board of Revenue’s Board-inCouncil has approved new Audit Policy 2016 for selection of taxpayers for audit. Under the new policy, the cases which were earlier selected for audit last year will also be included in parametric selection process. The exclusions from audit selection have also

been reduced under the new Audit Policy 2016. The exclusions from audit for tax year 2014 included: Income Tax Corporate Returns: All person(s) whose entire income is exclusively subject to Final Taxation under the provisions of law as mentioned in sub-section (4) of Section 115 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001; all cases where no business is stated to have been conducted for the relevant tax year and no sales/ receipts have been declared; all cases already selected for audit for Tax Year 2013 by the Board U/S 214C; all cases already selected for

audit by the CIRs for Tax Year 2014 under section 177(1) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 and all cases qualifying for exemption from audit under clause (88) of Part IV of the Second Schedule to the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 (notwithstanding the omission of said clause through Finance Act, 2014). Income Tax Non-Corporate Returns: All person(s) whose entire income is exclusively subject to Final Taxation under the provisions of law as mentioned in sub-section (4) of Section 115 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001; all cases where no sales/ receipts

have been declared; taxable income from salary only; taxable income from share from AOP only; cases of pensioners drawing exempt income from pension; cases declaring foreign remittances only; all cases already selected for audit for Tax Year 2013 under section 214C of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001; all cases already selected for audit by the CIRs for Tax Year 2014 under section 177(1) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001; all cases qualifying for exemption from audit under clause (88) of Part IV of the Second Schedule to the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001

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(notwithstanding the omission of said clause through Finance Act, 2014) and case(s) of persons(s) where one or more of the above exclusions apply. Sales Tax Corporate: Null Return Vilers, federal, provincial and Local Government Departments; all cases of Steel Melters, and Steel Re-rollers who are paying sales tax under the Sales Tax Special Procedure Rules, 2007; all cases of Commercial importers only having no business other than commercial import business and who are paying 3% value added sales tax; all cases.