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Karachi, Thu December 8, 2016

KARACHI

S R KHAN

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he Federal Board of Revenue-FBR has given a deadline to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and District Municipal Corporations (DMCs) to Pile their income tax returns and withholding tax (WHT) by December 15, 2016, otherwise the FBR would freeze their accounts.

According to the

notiPication, FBR has restricted KMC and DMCs to ensure submission of income tax returns and withholding tax for the year 2016-17 till December-15, otherwise the FBR authorities have no option but to freeze all accounts of the two organizations. It may be mentioned here that KMC and DMCs have millions of rupees outstanding amount in share of income tax and withholding tax to be paid to FBR authorities for the Fiscal Year 2016-

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17. The KMC and DMCs after getting the notiPication from the FBR held several meetings in order to resolve the abovementioned issue, as freezing of the accounts will put adverse impact on the sanitation condition of the metropolis. It is pertinent to mention here that FBR also adopted the same practice last year in which the FBR had frozen the accounts of KMC and DMCs, hampering the civic activities of the metropolis.

Customs Intelligence needs technology to curb smuggling:Naveedur Rehman

FIA putting in fresh efforts to curb trans-boarded crime: Ch Mazarullah

Ishaq Dar attends 75th anniversary of AFD in Paris

Customs Intelligence recovers non-customs paid iron,tyres,cloth,soap from bus

Collector Reza assigns duties to settle issues of importers, exporters

Directorate of Customs Intelligence should be equipped with technologies at par LEAs | See pAge 02 |

AD Legal Ch Mazarullah said that the FIA, Faisalabad has started a crackdown | See pAge 03 |

Dar has attended 75th anniversary celebrations of AFD hosted by French | See pAge 04 |

AtemofDirectorateCustomsIntelligence confiscated non-customs tyres, soaps | See pAge 14 |

CustomsCollectorAhmedRezahasassigned duties to oďŹƒcers to settle complaints | See pAge 16 |

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SHC moved against customs values of toilet soaps Thursday, December 8, 2016

National

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) directed tax department and deputy attorney general of Pakistan on a petition filed by M/s Shazak Multinational and M/s PIVA International challenging impugned Valuation Ruling No 863/2016 which enhanced the values of toilet soaps. While hearing of the petition, a two-member bench headed by Justice Irfan Sadat Khan also direct them to file their respective comments on the next date of hearing and adjourned the hearing for November 30, 2016. Earlier, counsel for the petitioners stated that they are engaged in the lawful business of import of toilet soaps from various sources around the world, including Indonesia, Malaysia and the UAE.

‘customs intelligence needs technology to curb smuggling’

PESHAWAR

ISLAMABAD

cuStomS BuLLetiN RepoRt

m fAiZAN

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bbottabad Regional Tax Office (RTO) has set a national record by showing 47 per cent growth in the recovery of taxes (especially withholding tax) during the first four months of the current fiscal year. A letter of appreciation from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has lauded the efforts of Abbottabad RTO Chief Commissioner Mehmood Aslam.

The FBR has also asked the chief commissioner to share the RTO’s strategy of collection of taxes and dues from the taxpayers under different sections. The FBR has set target of 16% growth in the current fiscal year while it can achieve only 5 to 6% growth against the fixed target of 16%, while the Abbottabad RTO set record by showing collection of more than 47%. The Regional Tax Office showed unprecedented recovery of tax collections during the financial year closed on of June 30, 2016 and shared top honour by virtue of recovery growth of 35% as overall growth shown by other filed formations remain at 20%.

Chief Commissioner Mehmood Aslam, while presiding the meeting of tax officers and staff at RTO, has lauded the efforts of the RTO for keeping interest in the work and fulfilling the national obligations with recovery of the government dues and taxes.

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he Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation should be equipped with technologies at par with other law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in order to expedite investigation process and weed out maPias involved in smuggling and violation of customs laws.

Customs Intelligence Deputy Director Naveedur Rehman Bugvi stated this while talking to Customs Today during an interview. He said that the department should be provided CNIC veriPication system, access to cell phones details and data regarding vehicles, adding that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been written letter to provide the facilities. The Customs Intelligence has limited resources to work.

Bugvi said that the department has authority to lodge a case of money laundering but some amendment were required to anti-money laundering law in order to empower the intelligence department. Special training of staff at domestic and international level was essential to curb money laundering, he highlighted. Cooperation with motorways police and other law enforcement agencies will be strengthened in order to curb smuggling through land routes, he said. The Rawalpindi Customs Intelligence seized 32,000

tax collection: Abbottabad Rto sets national record with 47% growth

kilogramme of foreign origin cloth, besides impounding four non-duty paid vehicles and three vehicles under Section 157 of Customs Act, 1969 during November 2016, he informed. The department was facing shortage of staff, as no new recruitment was made at lower level since 1990; however, new induction of sepoys will cover the gap of lower staff, while process to recruit inspector was underway, he revealed, adding that recruited sepoys have

sent to get training from Frontier Constabulary (FC). After their training, the issues being faced at operational level would be settled to some extent, he said. Due to absence of modern technology, the department is far away from other LEAs, which have access to latest facilities, he said, adding that the Customs Intelligence did not have mechanism to get cell phones record immediately.

Even banking sector has system to verify CINC online, but the depart-

ment not, he said, adding that it should be given access to data of vehicles through a legal frame work.

“The Customs Intelligence is basically a supporting institution that gathers intelligence information and provides them to the FBR so that it could form its price mechanism and other polices in the light of information,” he informed, adding that the intelligence also assisted the collectortes, besides supervising the anti-smuggling.

SHc seeks comments from tax officials in prado, Jeep case T

KARACHI

m BiLAL

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notice to the tax authorities and deputy attorney general of Pakistan on a constitutional petition Piled by Khush Rang Khan against harassment by an ofPicial over the alleged smuggled Pearl white Toyota Prado, Jeep Model 2012. While the hearing of the petition, a two-member bench compris-

ing Justice Irfan Sadat Khan and Justice Muhammad Humayun Khan also directed them to Pile their respective comments on the next date of hearing. The court adjourned the hearing for December 07, 2016.

Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that he purchased a vehicle registration no BF-9218, Toyota Prado, Jeep Model 2012 pearl white from Razi Khan through sale agreement dated Feb 25, 2016 and got transferred the said vehicle in his name after payment of required fees and taxes before the up

till June 2016. The petitioner informed the court that a ‘purported’ tax ofPicer stopped the petitioner on road and without any notice or reason tried to snatch and seize the vehicle without disclosing any reason on which petitioner resisted and refused to hand over his vehicle to the ofPicer of the tax department. Meanwhile, The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to tax authorities and deputy attorney general of Pakistan on a constitutional petition Piled by M/s AL-Hilal Packaging Pvt Ltd for restoration of its sales tax

registration no suspended by tax authorities in alleged tax evasion case.

While the hearing of the petition, a two-member bench headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi also directed them to Pile their respective comments on next date of hearing, court also adjourned the hearing for December 06, 2016. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that it is carrying business of manufacturing of packing material and plastic bags and sales tax returns for the period of July 2016 to October 2016 have been e-

Piled with Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and there is no dispute of this respect. According to the petitioner, however, staff of the respondents without issuing any show cause notice raided the factory premises of the petitioner dated 22/11/2016 and alleged that petitioner is involved in tax evasion case. Counsel for the petitioner further argued that without any legal requirement, respondents suspended the sales tax registration of the petitioner illegally and without lawful authorities.

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Sialkot ASO seizes non-duty paid Indian origin red chili SIALKOT: Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) of Model Customs Collectorate, Sialkot has confiscated Indian origin red chili worth Rs 80,000 during vehicle checking on Sambrial Road. Under the directions of Customs Collector Ahmed Reza Khan, the ASO Incharge (ASO) Assistant Collector Chaudhary Fahad Bashir constituted a team under the supervision of Superintendent Sardar Manzoor. The team formed check point on Sambrial Road and started checking of vehicles.

During the checking of vehicles the team intercepted a buss which was coming from Mirpur (AJK) and going to Sialkot.

gujranwala customs intelligence impound truck, smuggled tyres

Thursday December 8, 2016

National

fiA putting in fresh efforts to curb trans-boarded crime: ch mazarullah

SIALKOT

SALeem AwAN SHeiKHu www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs Intelligence and Investigation, Gujranwala impounded a Mazda Truck and confiscated 122 smuggled foreign origin tyres at Kamoke Toll Plaza check post. Reportedly, Customs Intelligence Director General Shuakat Ali has strictly instructed all officials of the department to take stern action against smuggling in order to save national economy. The officials have started speedy action to curb smuggling from the Gujranwala region. Superintendent Tariq Rafique ordered Deputy Superintendent Muhammad Sarwar to constitute a team in order to check vehicles on Grand Trunk (GT) road to curb smuggling.

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Sukkur excise seizes 30kg charas, arms cache KARACHI

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ukkur Excise and Taxation Department has seized 30-kilogram charas and a large quantity of arms and ammunition from a truck at Kamboo Shaheed check-post at Sindh-Punjab border. Excise and Taxation Department team, led by Jam Ameer Ali Dahar, recovered arms and ammunition from the truck (LEI 9595) loaded with 16 rifles, 82 pistols, 10 magazines and 21,500 live rifle rounds. However, the suspects taking advantage of darkness managed to escape, said a statement. The Excise police have impounded the truck, and started investigation after lodging a case. Sindh Minister for Excise and Taxation and Narcotics Control Mukesh Kumar Chawla declared the raid a big success, and announced appreciation certificates for the E&T department’s team.

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FAISALABAD

NAeem SHeiKH

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ssistant Director Legal Choudhary Mazarullah said that the federal investigation agency (FIA), Faisalabad has started a crackdown against criminals in jurisdiction area on the direction of Interior Minister. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has started a countrywide crackdown against human smuggling. The decision was made following the threat of international Pinancial sanctions on Pakistan due to rising number of cases of this trans border crime. On the delectation of the interior minister, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched crackdown against elements involved in human smuggling and sending people abroad illegally.

He said that FIA recently had written to the provinces asking that human smuggling should be curbed, as the country was facing threat of Pinancial sanctions due to increasing number of such cases from Pakistan.

Faisalabad FIA during various raids conducted in Faisalabad, Gojra city, Sargodha, Jhang and Toba Tek Sing, as so as many travel agents had been arrested. He said that hundreds of passports, Stamp, CNICs and other travel documents had been recovered from the custody of the arrested agents and FIA had registered cases against them.

The assistant director legal quoted the interior minister as say-

ing that by promising to send the needy and innocent people abroad such elements were exploiting them and therefore deserved no leniency.

Mazarullah directed FIA to undertake effective and comprehensive action against all such elements.

These views were expressed by assistant director legal during an exclusive interview with Customs Today. He told that the department arrested 16 Bangladeshis person by Pakistani top investigation agency

faisalabad fiA during various raids conducted in faisalabad, gojra city, Sargodha, Jhang and toba tek Sing, as so as many travel agents had been arrested. He said that hundreds of passports, Stamp, cNics and other travel documents had been recovered from the custody of the arrested agents and fiA had registered cases against them

Dr Kaukab is new special assistant to i&i Dg

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ISLAMABAD

m fAiZAN

www.customsbulletin.com eputy Director Customs Intelligence and Investigation Dr Kaukab Farooq assumed the charge of his new responsibilities as special assistant to Director General Customs Intelligence and Investigations. Additional Director Headquarters Customs Intelligence and Investigation Abdul Waheed Marwat issued a notiPication in this regard.

Prior to her new assignment, she

was performing her duties as deputy director Customs Adjudication. Now she will perform her responsibilities in Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigations. Dr Kaukab Farooq possess vast experience in dealing different organizations and departments around the globe such as World Customs Organization, intelligence agencies laison, inter agency task force, Anti Narcotics Force of the various countries.

Sources told Customs Today that while performing her present as-

signment she will also look after conPidential reports and will submit her recommendations to Federal Board of Revenue. Sources said that these authorities were assigned to her after receiving instructions from Director General Intelligence and Investigations Shaukat Ali. Sources further said that new appointed Director General Shaukat Ali also directed relevant ofPicials to expedite their efforts for conclude the cases which are pending in courts from a marginable time.

on charges of possessing fake Pakistani identiPication.

FIA ofPicial team under the supervision of Deputy Director Syed Imam Zaidi comprising Sub Inspector Taimoor Haider Dar, Sub Inspector Muhammad Ajmal Hussain, Muhammad Awais and F.C Muhammad Bilal Khan, Jamshed Akhtar and others staff conducted a raid at night at Chak 266-RB Jaranwala Road Faisalabad and arrested 16 Bangladeshi nationals.

falik Shair for recovering pending dues of fY13-14 ustoms Deputy Collector Rana Falik Shair has directed the recovery branch to recover pending dues for fiscal year 201314. Sources said that the deputy collector has ordered the officer, Superintendent Mukhtar Hussain ,to make his department active, operational and focus on achieving recovery targets in the least possible time.

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Pakistan, Italy agree to enhance bilateral trade to $1.5b Thursday December 8, 2016

Business

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Italy here on Monday agreed to enhance their bilateral trade from $1 billion to $1.5 billion from this year. This was decided after the 2nd Session of Pakistan-Italy Joint Economic Commission held here.

The Italian delegation was led by Ivan Scalfarotto, Deputy Minister for Economic Development Italian Republic, whereas Pakistan’s side was led by Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan, Parliamentary Secretary for Finance, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Privatization.

The inaugural session of JEC was held in Rome-Italy March 22-23, 2006.

Dar attends 75th anniversary of AfD in paris ISLAMABAD

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inance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has attended 75th anniversary celebrations of French Agency for Development (AFD) hosted by French President Francoise Hollande in Paris. The ceremony was attended by the Jean Marc Ayrault French Foreign Minister, President of Guinea, Prime Minister of Haiti, Minister of Finance Sri Lanka, Chief Executive OfPicer of AFD, French parliamentarians, diplomats and members of the civil society and media in large number, said a message received here Tuesday.

Shanghai electric to invest $9b in Ke ISLAMABAD

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hanghai Electric Power, new proposed shareholder of K-Electric, will invest $9 billion for improving and value adding in the K-Electric power infrastructure including transmission, distribution and generation. The disclosure was made by a representative of the company here in a high level meeting of the committee constituted by the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCE) for discussion on K-Electric Transaction. The committee meeting was chaired by the Federal Minister for Water and Power.

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The AFD has been operating in Pakistan since May 2007 and its programs mainly focuses on Pinancing in energy efPiciency and hydropower projects adding value to Pakistan’s efforts in tackling energy

shortages in the country.

French Agency for Development is a Pinancial institution and main implementing agency for France’s ofPicial development assistance for developing countries aiming to con-

tribute to economic and social development in diverse geographical areas for improving the living conditions of the people.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Finance Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will undertake a three-day ofPicial visit to Paris, France starting from Tuesday. Senator Dar accepted the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France and the UK government to participate in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Summit being held from December 6, 9 in Paris.

During his visit, the minister will attend the OGP Summit and the closing ceremony of the 75th Anniversary Celebration of French Agency of Development (AFD) (likely to be hosted by French President Hollande).

cDwp approves seven projects worth Rs 6.9 billion T

ISLAMABAD

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he Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved seven development projects worth Rs 6.9 billion including Mirani Dam compensation project costing Rs 3.5 billion.

The meeting of CDWP was chaired by Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Prof Ahsan Iqbal and was attended by senior ofPicers of the provincial governments and ministries concerned.

Among the projects, the CDWP approved payment compensation to affected people of Mirani dam by the Plood of 2007 worth Rs 3.5 billion, which was referred to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

The working party approved provision of equipment for Pive Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) cancer hospitals of worth Rs 1.2 billion with FEC 1.1 billion.

Ahsan Iqbal directed PAEC ofPicials to fast track work on this project and complete it by March 2018 keeping in view the importance of

the project. The project aims to procure cancer related medical equipment for Pive of the PAEC centres including two at Lahore ( CENUM & INMOL) and one each at Karachi (KIRAN), Bahwalpur (BINO) and Islamabad (NORI).

Overall, the CDWP approved seven projects worth Rs 6.9 billion, including one project costing Rs 3.5 billion, which was referred to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

In addition it approved three positions papers and gave concept clearance of two projects.

NBp to surpass 1,500 domestic branches, Atms ISLAMABAD

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he National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has planned to surpass the 1,500 domestic branches and 1,500 ATM mark by end of 2017 thus bringing more closer to its customers, Banks sources said. The NBP, having 1,409 branches in Pakistan and 25 overseas branches in 18 countries, has the widest network coverage in the country. With the largest rural franchise and presence in all urban commercial centres of the country, National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) is truly everywhere, from the most far out posts amongst mountains, deserts, cities and villages to the metropolitan cities. The Bank’s rural network, they said has played a pivotal role for growth and advancement of agriculture financing, in the country, the back bone of the economy. NBP is also at the forefront to play a role for increased financial inclusion and social uplift of the local population, and the choice bank for government led disbursement for various social and economic programs. “The Bank’s strategic alliances with Telecos with over 150,000 agents, over 1,300 ATMs network and other technology driven delivery channels has given the Bank even a more wider access to its customer base”, sources claimed.

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cement sales increase by 15% to 3.27m tonnes in Nov LAHORE

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ement sales in the local market increased 15 percent to 3.270 million tonnes in November over the same month a year earlier.

In November 2015, domestic cement sales stood at 2.843 million tons. Cement exports, however, fell 10.39 percent to 0.479

million tons in November 2016 mainly because of a losing market share in Afghanistan. “The industry has been observing a decline in exports since the beginning of this Piscal year and the worst was seen in November,” a spokesperson at the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) said.

“Exports are likely to remain under pressure as Iran penetrates Afghanistan’s market and exports by sea are also on the downward

trend.” In November, the industry achieved the highest ever capacity utilisation of 98.61 percent by dispatching combined 3.749 million tons of cement as against 3.377 million tons in the corresponding month last year. Cement industry dispatched 16.251 million tons of cement during the Pirst Pive months of the current Piscal year of 2016/17, up 9.89 percent as compared to 14.788 million tons in the similar period of 2015/16.

In July-November, local cement sales increased 12.13 percent to 13.709 million tons. Cement exports, however, decreased 0.79 percent to 2.542 million tons.

Cement mills, located in the northern part of the country, dispatched 11.305 million tons for domestic consumption and 1.702 million tons for exports in the JulyNovember period, recording growths of 11.05 percent and 4.30 percent, respectively. Cement man-

ufacturers, based in the southern part, locally sold 2.404 million tons and exported 0.839 million tons, registering a 17.49 percent rise in local sales and a 9.72 percent fall in exports.

The industry ofPicial expressed satisfaction over the continued growth in domestic demand.

However, he expressed satisfaction over the continued growth in domestic cement dispatches despite crisis in the real estate sector.

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KARACHI muBeeN HuSSAiN www.customsbulletin.com irectorate General of Customs Valuation Syed Tanveer Ahmed has asked the Collectorate to keep an eagle eye on the consignments being imported through India as well as Dubai.

Taking to the Customs Today, the Director General Customs Valuation said that undervaluation through India was causing millions of rupees loss to the country’s revenue for which revolutionary steps were being taken to cope with the issue. The Director General Customs Valuation informed that valuation department has asked three main Collectorates of Pakistan Customs, i.e. Customs Collectorate of Appraisement-East, Customs Collectorate of Appraisement-West and Customs Collectorate of Port Muhammad Bin Qasim to remain vigilant during the clearance of the consignments imported from India and Dubai. He said that after directives of DG Customs Valuation, the clearance Collectorates are now strictly checking the certiPicate of origin especially from India and Dubai.

Syed Tanvir Ahmed said that a special exercise is also underway as the clearance Collectorates have taken special measures to stop activities of undervaluation being committed by importers.

The Director Valuation further stated that it was a big challenge for the department and now the ofPicers of the valuation department with the help of the clearance Collectorates have started scrutiny of the certiPicate of origin. He

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Thursday, December 8, 2016

also emphasized upon need for adopting some special measures and techniques to curb illegal activity being done through under-invoicing.

Director General Customs Valuation expressed satisfaction over the arrangements being made to knock down the undervaluation through India and Dubai and stated that fruitful results will be achieved. Meanwhile, Director General Customs Valuation Syed Tanveer Ahmed issues Order in Revision No.268/2016 under section 25-D of the Customs Act, 1969 against Valuation Ruling No.905/2016 dated 11-08-2016.

According to the details, the revision petition was Piled by M/s Al-Aziz Enterprises & others under section 25-D of the Customs Act, 1969 against customs value determined vide Valuation Ruling No.905/2016 dated 11-08-2016 issued under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969. The petitioner is engaged in the import and trade of inter alia, unbranded ordinary hair accessories made of base metal or plastic or combination of both items of China origin who scrupulously discharges its liabilities under the various laws and has contributed huge sums to national exchequer by way of, inter alia, diligent payment of duties and taxes. The petitioner, in due course of its business, undertakes imports of the said hair accessories from China.

The Director General Customs Valuation Syed Tanvir Ahmed stated in his orders that the case record and written as well as verbal submissions of the petitioners were examined in detail. The petitioners in their review applications dated 29-8-2016 under section 25-D of the Customs Act, 1969 contented that they

were aggrieved of the customs value determined vide Valuation Ruling No.905/2016 dated 11-08-2016 for unbranded ordinary hair accessories made of plastic and base metal (ordinary iron/ or combination of both items of China origin). The Director General said that “they further stated that the same goods are also imported from India on very small scale, therefore Indian origins value may also be included in revision order. They stated that Indian origin hair accessories are slightly superior in quality”.

t ed tha m r o f on in ree aluati ked th V s s a s m a o st oms, ent h Dg cu n cust partm a e t d s i n k tio of pa of valua orates t c torate e l c l te e o l l c o n sc ectora l l m mai o o t c s s tom i.e. cu oms st, cus a e t d cust n n e a t m s e is Bin t-we Appra mmad emen s a i h a r u p m e t of Ap ing th of por r u e t d a t r to ilan collec ain vig ignments m e r o t ns Qasim the co f o e c n cleara

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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

Role of corruption in economy

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orruption is the global phenomenon which more or less prevails in every nation and economy. It is a real threat to the economy of a nation at the official level, but a catalyst for trade, business and industry in unofficial domains, specifically in developing countries.

According to a report of the US journal Foreign Policy, corruption and graft have a role in the global economy but a host of evils are attached to it including, drug smuggling and human trafficking. At least $1.5 trillion or about 5 percent of the global gross domestic product change hands every year. The report puts Pakistan at 166 with 74 score and India at 178, showing that it is at least 12 scales worse than Pakistan. In a list of 199 countries, showing transparency and less bribery, Sweden is on the top, Pakistan is numbered at 33 and India at 21. Sweden is on the top with a score of 10, New Zealand at 15 and Estonia at 17. The country with rampant bribery in the world is Nigeria, having a score of 99.

According to experts, unbridled authority in the hands of government officials, ambiguous and complex laws as well as administrative failures are the leading causes of corruption and bribery. In most of the developing countries, officials are given unbridled authorities to use and misuse laws for their own benefits. It was the legacy of the colonial powers to lend authorities to the officials, but to keep them underpaid. This allowed the officials to use their own methods to generate money. Bribery at the individual level is mostly not harmful but it can bring terrific consequences when is used to launch terrorist activities. A study shows that at least 60 percent countries have an increased risk of bribery as it was two years ago while bribery risk have decreased in 32 percent countries.

Bribery is rampant in Pakistan and it is a classic case of administrative failure. The anti-bribery institutions, which were set up at the federal and provincial levels, themselves have become dens of corruption. Strict laws in the hands of the officials with little knowledge of morality, ethics and religion, play principal role in the ramification of corruption. Corruption starts from bottom and goes upward to the highest level and those responsible for checking unethical practices have themselves become part of the system. The government should revise and soften the laws with little authority at the hands of the officials.

Dilemma of foreign investment I

LAHORE

DR AftAB AfZAL

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ndia is proud of attracting $300 billion investment this year and Pakistan could not attract even half of billion foreign investment during the period.

The government has so far failed to declare economic emergency in the country or form a group of experts to discuss ways and means to stimulate business, trade and industrial activities. It seems the men in the authority have no interest in the development of the country other than doing lip service day and night.

The element of sincerity is required for the progress as there is no dearth of talent, money and

potential in the people of this country. When ad hoc or makeshift arrangements are made, the result will be a failure and this is going on in Pakistan since independence. According to newspaper reports, the Pakistan Economy Watch has criticized the architects of the Strategic Trade Policy Framework for 2015-18 which covers the interest of the industry in Gujranwala Division, but ignores industry in other parts of the country. The organization has demanded an action against those who prepared draft of the policy and had failed to safeguard the interest of the business community as a whole.

According to the Watch, the exports of the country continue to fall in the absence of any prac-

tical steps by the government functionaries. The trade policy not only belies ground realities, but is also defective and inconsistent, questioning the over-ambitious export target of $35 billion by 2018. The policymakers seems to be playing with economic future of the country as they have preferred some sectors but ignored the others. The trade deficit is likely to reach $28 billion during the current fiscal year and the policy needs to be revised and fixed for the cause of national interests.

The political leadership have to understand causes and concerns of its policies and its way to govern the country. More than half tenure of the present government has been consumed, but

no change is seen on the industrial or economic fronts. The government must prod its missions abroad to create awareness about business, trade and investment opportunities in Pakistan.

There is no harm in inviting the Chinese, Turkish and Russian entrepreneurs to invest in Gwadar and industrial zone along the economic corridor. The government will have to change rules of the business to facilitate foreign investors. If India with all odds can attract $300 billion investment just in one year, why not Pakistan which has better geographical location and better infrastructure than that country.

The time is running out and sooner the government takes action, the better.

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Russia’s arms sales rising while America’s drops MOSCOW: Sales of arms by American defense companies have declined for the fifth consecutive year in 2015, while European firms saw their sales jump. Despite the drop, U.S. companies are still dominating the global arms market, selling $209.7 billion worth of arms in 2015, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. That’s 3 percent lower than in 2014, but still 56 percent of arms sales globally, as documented by the institute.

The data show European and Asian arms producers are slowly eating into U.S. market share. The drop in U.S. sales is a consequence of government-imposed spending caps. “There are still limitations on military spending, even though the money is there, it is not spent on defense contracts,” said Aude Fleurant, the director of Arms and Military Expenditure Program at the institute.

fpcci wants an end to first review by principal appraiser KARACHI

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he Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) has approached Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) seeking changes in the ‘first review by principal appraiser’ of imported consignments. In a letter to Chairman FBR Nisar Mohammad Khan, FPCCI Vice President Khalid Tawab recommended that First Review should be straightaway filed with Assistant Collectors of the Groups as they are more competent and qualified to decide and conclude the case on merits. A joint meeting of the following three Standing Committees of FPCCI by Zahid Umar Chairman Valuation Committee; Sheikh Muhammad Tariq Chairman Custom Agents Committee and Nasir Chandna Sr. Vice Chairman Customs Committee. In the meeting it

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was unanimously resolved that under Customs Weboc GD processing system, the role of Principal Appraiser with regards to 1st review is not facilitating the system. It has become a big hurdle and cause of unnecessary delays. Making no additional benefit to government or trade. This additional step has not been fruitful to either side, instead causing bottlenecks in the flow of processing. In the Weboc Appraisement parameters have been pre-fixed by the Automation Experts. In both the steps by the both officers, Appraiser and Principal Appraiser, follow the same criteria, same documentation, same examination report. Filing first review with PA, has been fruitless, and should be eliminated.

Thursday December 8, 2016

Chambers

Japan to help pakistan expand bilateral trade: envoy J

SIALKOT

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apanese envoy to Pakistan Takashi Kurai has said that Japan would help in expansion of bilateral trade between Japan and Pakistan by opening new avenues of economic and trade co-operation while undoubtedly promotion of trade depends on better co-ordination, interaction and understanding among business communities of the two countries. He said that the Japanese Embassy and the Sialkot Chamber Of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) could conveniently facilitate through mutual co-operation.

Addressing in Sialkot Chamber Of Commerce And Industry (SCCI) during his visit. President SCCI Majid Raza Bhutta, Senior Vice President Adnan Sethi, Vice President Mian Imran Akbar and others businessmen were present on the occasion. Takashi said that the establishment ties in April 1952 Pakistan and Japan relations have steadily progressed and I hoped that the relations between two countries would further strengthen Plourishing on mutual trust and collaboration of private sector. He said

that the trade between the two countries in under potential and in 2015 the Pakistan exports to Japan were USD 176 million while imports were US$ 1.82 billion in Pakistan from Japan whereas the Japan need to strengthen linkages between private sectors of the two countries for enhancing bilateral trade. He said that the Japan import Sports Goods, Surgical Instruments, Leather Products,

Glovers all sorts, Textile items, Kitchen are, Hollow ware, Sports ware, Knives, Cutlery items and Military Uniform, Badges etc. He said that the Japan is ready to huge scope for establishing joint ventures and business co-operation between Japan and Sialkot based companies. He said that the Japan and Pakistan Chambers which could act as resource base for exchanging information while ex-

Air marshal Arshad malik gives assent to formation of Kcci-pAc committee

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KARACHI

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n response to Siraj Kassam Teli’s suggestions on how to enhance collaboration between Karachi Chamber and PAC Kamra, Chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra, Air Marshal Arshad Malik SI (M) assented to form a committee comprising KCCI and PAC representatives in order to come up with opportunities and ideas on how to augment collaboration between the two institutions.

Chairman PAC named Air Vice Marshal Fawad Younis along with two other ofPicers for KCCI-PAC Committee whereas Chairman Businessmen Group & Former President KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli nominated

Former President KCCI Mian Abrar Ahmed to lead KCCI in the said committee along with at least 4 to 5 other relevant representatives from the Chamber. The formation of KCCIPAC Committee was mutually agreed by both institutions during a joint seminar on “Enhancing Collaboration between KCCI and PAC Kamra” held at the Karachi Chamber which, besides Chairman PAC and Chairman BMG, was also attended by Vice Chairmen BMG Tahir Khaliq and Zubair Motiwala, President KCCI Shamim Ahmed Firpo, Senior Vice President Asif Nisar, Vice President Muhammad Younus Soomro, Former Presidents AQ Khalil and Younus Muhammad Bashir, Managing Committee members and other notable business Pigures whereas from PAC Kamra, Air Vice Marshal Fawad You-

nis, Air Vice Marshal Salman Ahmed Bokhari, Air Commodore Ahmed Aizaz, Air Commodore Mohammad Atif, Group Captain Aamir Hasan and Group Capitan Jahanzeb Khan were also present on the occasion. PAC Chairman saluted Siraj Kassam Teli for promptly suggesting to form KCCI-PAC Committee and immediately announcing the name of Mian Abrar Ahmed to lead Karachi Chamber in this important committee. Air Marshal Arshad Malik said, “Today, we have taken a small step which is going to turn out to be a very solid foundation inshallah.” Referring to the recent tensions going on at the borders, Chairman PAC said that they were well aware of what was going on, what needs to be done and if, unfortunately, the situation comes, they know what to do.

change of trade delegation and most importantly holding single country exhibition would also help in promoting bilateral trade. He said that the Japan embassy is preparing a easy policy to endorse visa for members of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) whereas the embassy will endorse visa to members of SCCI on recommendation from of SCCI.

Lcci urges govt not to implement Audit policy 2016 he Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to avoid implementation of Audit Policy 2016 untill and unless reservations of business community are not addressed. “Federal Board of Revenue should not act as trouble maker but to act as facilitator for the business community.”This was stated by the LCCI President Abdul Basit while addressing a Press Conference on “Audit Policy 2016” here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce. The LCCI Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan, former Vice President Kashif Anwar and former Executive Committee Member Maqsood Butt also spoke on the occasion while former Presidents Mian Muzaffar Ali, Ijaz A. Mumtaz, Executive Committee Members.

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Reference value of hard top suitcase fixed at $65/pc Thursday December 8, 2016

National fBR to take action against those seeking political postings SIALKOT

SALeem AwAN SHeiKHu www.customsbulletin.com

ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Nisar Mohammad Khan has decided to take action against those employees who use political pressure for their transfers and deputations against the rules and regulations. Sources told Customs Today that it has been clearly mentioned in the service book of the FBR that using political pressure for transfer and posting is illegal and punishable under relevant clause. Sources told that various officials of FBR and it’s sister concern departments are trying to use political pressure for deputations and transfers. Sources said that to thwart this attempt the FBR has appointed honest and dedicated persons on high positions to control such attempts of illegal means. Sources told that the FBR has decided to take action against those employees who are using political pressure for their transfer and deputation.

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customs values of steel nails issued he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of steel concrete spiral / angular nails (PCT 7317.0010) vide Valuation Ruling No 984/2016 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969. The directorate general circulated custom value of steel concrete spiral / angular nails for reference purpose vide Valuation Database letter No.21 dated: 29.07.2016.

However a number of representations were received in this directorate pointing out various issues pertaining to the value of the subject goods and the correct description. They also sought reduction of assessable value vide a valuation ruling so that uniform application of values could be accomplished without any discrepancies.—Waqar Ahmed

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KARACHI: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has issued the reference values for American Tourister brand hard top suitcase. The directorate general has initiated an exercise to develop database values for different items wherein it has been observed that declarations are wide range and do not correctly reflect values of the items as traded in the international market. During the scrutiny of previous clearance data, it has been observed that American Tourister brand hard top suitcase falling under PCT Heading 4202.1220 is being assessed at different values and certain transactions are on very low side.

customs intelligence seizes goods, impounds vehicles worth Rs 75.7m T

ISLAMABAD

m fAiZAN

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he Directorate General of Customs Intelligence and Investigation has seized the miscellaneous smuggled goods including non duty paid cars and offending vehicles, diesel, cigarettes, gutka, foreign origin cloth, electronics goods and tea, amounting to more than Rs.75.7million and registered 38 cases till 27th November 2016, in country wide operation against smuggling.

Talking to Customs Today, Additional Director (HQ) Customs I&I Abdul Waheed Marwat has said that we are trying hard to curb the menace of smuggling, during the Pirst three and half weeks November 2016 Customs I&I seized 17 offending vehicles under section 157 of

Customs Act 1969, worth Rs. 25.8 million and 10 non duty paid smuggled vehicles worth Rs.13.1 million.

Customs I&I also seized miscellaneous smuggled goods worth Rs.9.58 million, smuggled non duty

paid 2,720 yard foreign origin cloth worth Rs.2.055 million, black tea 206 kilograms worth Rs.43,000.

Additional director said that in a two special operation against smuggling of Iranian diesel and cigarettes, we have also seized 2,48,020 liters diesel worth Rs.12.9 million and 500 dandas of cigarettes worth Rs.1.9 million. Customs I&I recovered the electronic goods worth Rs.9.77 million, Indian gutka worth Rs0.448 million. The Directorate general registered 38 cases. He said there is no room for corruption in Customs Intelligence and Investigations, if any employee or ofPicer involved we will take strict action. He said that there are different proposal and suggestions are under consideration regarding new initiatives to control on smuggling and these will be Pinalized soon.

gwadar customs seizes 18,000 litres of fuel G

KARACHI

wAQAR AHmeD ANSARi www.customsbulletin.com

wadar Customs Collectorate has seized 18,000 litre Iranian oil during a successful raid in the area of Jiwani while three persons were arrested.

OfPicial told Customs Today that Collector Saeed Akram received information that some elements were planning to smuggle Iranian diesel form out of the city. On this, he informed the anti-smuggling team and instructed them to curb smuggling. The team formed checkposts at main entry and exit points in the Jiwani area and started the checking vehicles. During the checking of vehicles the team intercepted an oil tanker. While the search of the tanker the team found 18000 litre Iranian oil. The team asked the driver to produce legal documents of the oil but he failed to produce the same. The team seized the oil and detained three persons include driver. Customs ofPicial said that the value of seized oil is more than Rs1.1 million in international market.

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Gujranwala Customs Intelligence seizes 1,400 yards of China origin cloth SIALKOT: Custom Intelligence and Investigation Department, Gujranwala Region has seized 1,400 yard China origin cloth worth Rs 500,000 on Grand Trunk (GT) Road. Deputy Director Ali Zeb Khan received information about smuggling of cloth and he directed Superintendent Tariq Rafique to constitute a team to curb the smuggling. Consequently, the Superintendent formed a team under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent Muhammad Sarwar. The intelligence officer along with his team constables Usama, Boota, Sajid Raza formed a check post on GT Road and started checking vehicles near Rahwali. During the checking of vehicles the team intercepted a van which was coming from Rawalpindi and going to Lahore. The team searched van and recovered huge quantity of smuggled China cloth worth Rs. millions.

multan Afu collects Rs 701.60m of cD during first four month of fY16-17 MULTAN

imRAN ALi

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ir Freight Unit (AFU) of Model Customs Collectorate, Multan has collected Rs701.602 million through exported various consignment during the first four months of current fiscal year 2016-17. The Air Freight Unit is playing significant role in the export of various commodities after the establishment of Multan International Airport. The exporters of the South Punjab have shown interest in exporting their goods from Multan AFU and export have been increased in the recent few

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months. The Model of Customs Collectorate has exported 583 various consignments of Rs549.64 million through Air Freight Unit during the previous economic year 2015-16. The exporters has filed 773 various export GD,s of Rs701.602 million at the AFU Customs during the period of first four months (July to October) of fiscal year 2016-17.

Exporters have exported 178 various goods consignments worth of Rs196.567 million during the month of October from Multan Air Freight Unit of Customs. The export of various goods from exporters will be increased with the passage of time due to best available export facilities at the newly built Multan International Airport. The AFU has handled with 324 export consignments of Mango worth Rs240.27 million during August of the fiscal year 2016-17 and sent into the various countries of the world. The department has provided maximum facilities to Mango exporters for their export at AFU and after that exporters have been attracted towards Multan AFU.

National

pAc directs fBR to resolve matters in Departmental Accounts committee P

ISLAMABAD

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ublic Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah has directed Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to resolve its matters in Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC). The committee meeting held here to review the audit objections related to Pinancial affairs of the FBR. The committee members raised their reservations on supplementary grant for the FBR. FBR Chairman Nisar Muhammad Khan briefed the committee that the Board did not have any post of Chief Financial OfPicer (CFO).

On the occasion, Member National Assembly Rasheed Godail said that the FBR has powers to collect funds but the same should be spent under certain mechanism and procedure. The committee asked the FBR to submit details of cases in which the fee worth Rs one million or more was paid to the legal counsels. “Counsel should be hired according to the nature of the cases,” the PAC chairman directed. He said

if audit paras worth Rs 400 billion are pending in courts its mark up should be around Rs 24 billion. He directed to check the importance of the issue. The FBR chairman informed the meeting that he did not have authority to appoint a counsel

Thursday December 8, 2016

for more than Rs one million fee. He claimed repeatedly that audit ofPicials did not accept their point of view while the members of the committee raised objections on FBR and audit ofPicials for not completing the paras ofPicial procedures.

No room for corrupt elements, says Abdul Rashid KARACHI

S R KHAN

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he Chief Collector-Appraisement South Abdul Rashid Shaikh has called a meeting of the collectors of all the three field formations. During the meeting, the Chief Collector-Appraisement South Abdul Rashid Shaikh reviewed the revenue collection status of all field formation Collectorates, including Customs Appraisement West, Appraisement East and Port Qasim. The Chief Collector-Appraisement South was briefed by the collectors of field formations separately over revenue status and collection being done by the Customs officials till November-2016. The Chief Collector-Appraisement South Abdul Rashid Shaikh directed the collectors to ensure achievement of revenue targets by the end of second quarters of the current Fiscal Year2016-17, adding that all resources would be utilized to get the revenue target set by the Federal Board of RevenueFBR. The chief collector was also made it clear that there was no room for corrupt officials in the department adding that the clearance goods would be cleared on merit. The chief collector said that the strict action should be taken against those Customs officials who found involved in mal-practicing and using their powers in wrong-doings.

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iHc postpones hearing of several tax cases

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ISLAMABAD

NAeem uLLAH tARiQ www.customsbulletin.com

he Islamabad High Court (IHC) held the hearing of several important tax references during fourth week of November and adjourned further proceedings to different coming dates. The single and division benches of the IHC heard the references. A division bench of the IHC was consisted of Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb while the single benches were comprised Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani each.

Justice Aamer Farooq heard the

case submitted by M/s Lafarge Pakistan. M/s Lafarge Pakistan had Piled cases against Regional Tax OfPicePield ofPice of Federal Board of Revenue. ATIR, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), ofPicers of RTO including Commissioner Inland Revenue, Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue and Commissioner Inland Revenue (Appeals) were made respondent in the case. M/s Lafarge Pakistan Islamabad had Piled the case seeking restrictions for Regional Tax OfPice, Islamabad from recovering Rs 43,817,620 outstanding tax amount or making any other coercive move prior to court’s directions on the issue.

He also heard the case Piled by

Islamabad Electric Supply Company.

It had Piled case against Large Taxpayers Unit-Pield ofPice of Federal Board of Revenue. M/s Punjab Oil Mills’ tax reference challenging a tax recovery claim was heard by IHC division bench comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb. M/s Punjab Oil Mills had Piled the case challenging an announcement made by the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR)-through which it had sustained decision announced by the department’s adjudication pertaining to the show cause notice issued to M/S Punjab Oil Mills in head of federal excise duty (FED). M/s Punjab Oil Mills had Piled the reference

against ATIR and had challenged it announcement before the court.

FBR Pield ofPice, Large Taxpayers Unit’s ofPicers were also made respondent in the case. M/s Acro Spinning and Waving Mills Limited’s reference was heard by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani. The company had challenged a show cause notice claiming recovery of Rs 934,620,225 as of payable tax. M/s Acro Spinning and Waving Mills Limited, through the submission, had challenged show cause notice for recovery of Rs 934,620,225 in head of income tax. Large Taxpayers’ Unit, Islamabad had issued the show cause notice to the appellant which was challenged before the bench.

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Hungarian trade boosts in Q3 Thursday December 8, 2016

World

BUDAPEST: Commerce Minister Pan Sorasak urged a visiting delegation of Hungarian officials and businessmen to boost trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. At the ministry on Wednesday, Mr. Sorasak met with senior political adviser to the Hungarian government Balint Tombor, representatives from the Hungarian embassy in Vietnam and Hungarian businesses to discuss how to increase economic ties. Mr. Sorasak told the delegates that Cambodia’s manufacturing industry is in the process of developing the skill set of factory workers to support the requirements of light manufacturing and food processing. However, Mr. Sorasak stressed that Cambodia still needed a transfer of high-technology in the manufacturing sector.

taiwan seizes 200kg cocaine in biggest drug bus

Nine held for smuggling seafood worth $36m

TAIPEI

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malaysia eyes to boost trade with North Korea alaysia hopes to increase trade with North Korea via the 13th Malaysia International Branding Showcase (IBS 2016), said Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) chief executive officer Datuk Dzulkifli Mahmud. He said Malaysia’s trade with North Korea amounted to RM22.72mil in 2015, of which exports were RM17.54mil and imports at RM5.18mil. Dzulkifli said 18 North Korean companies would take part in the showcase, which would be held from Dec 8 to 11 in Kuala Lumpur. “The showcase will help facilitate trade and investments as well as establish new business relationships,” he said at a media briefing in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. He said Matrade expected to see an increase in participation from the North Korean companies at this year’s showcase compared to four in 2015.—CB Report

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aiwan investigators last week seized more than 200 kilograms of cocaine that was packed inside car batteries imported from Brazil, the Ministry of Justice’s Investigation Bureau (MJIB) said Monday.

During the raid on the cargo at Kaohsiung Customs, investigators also found not just cocaine but also 51.3 kg of amphetamine, the investigation bureau said. It was the biggest drug haul in the country’s history, the bureau said, estimating the cocaine’s market value at NT$2 billion (US$62.5 million). The raid was carried out in a joint operation by Taipei district prosecutors, MJIB agents, and coast guard and customs ofPicers after an investigation into a Taipei-based import/export company, the bureau said. It was found

BEIJING

that the company was selling batteries for large cars to Australia at a price of less than NT$10,000 (US$312) per unit but the shipping cost was a staggering NT$30,000 per unit, the bureau said. An initial inspection of a batch of batteries at Kaohsiung Customs on Dec. 1 revealed 51.3 kg of amphetamine concealed in fake batteries, according to

the Investigation Bureau. One suspect was arrested and a raid on his home turned up NT$2.45 million and several rounds of ammunition, which were seized by investigators, along with a Mercedes sedan, the bureau said. The following day, a shipment of car batteries from Brazil to the suspect company was searched at Kaohsiung Customs.

iraq wrangling with $26.6 billion budget deficit

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raq’s parliament will meet Dec. 1 to continue hashing out a draft of the 2017 general budget, which currently includes a dePicit 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 dePicit of $26.6 billion. The country’s Pinances have been hammered by low oil prices, the war against

the Islamic State (IS) and, according to a citizens group, signiPicant 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 Pigure to reach $55-$60, the Wall Street Journal reported. OPEC has not always followed through on its promises, however.—CB Report

ine spects in a case involving 3,000 tons of smuggled frozen seafood worth 250 million yuan ($36 million) have been handed to the procuratorate, the cutoms authority said yesterday.

The authority said it began to spect smuggling in April last year when two companies owned by the same man, surnamed He, declared the value of the imported spot prawns at $5-$8 per kilogram, much lower than the market price. It said the value of imports of spot prawns was normally declared at $28-38 per kilogram and that smuggling damaged the legitimate market.

After further investigation, the authority found He was also spected of smuggling frozen seafood through southern Guagnxi Zhuang Autonomo Region, by

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transporting the products to Vietnam first and then ing ordinary trucks to ship the seafood into China in smaller amounts. This means the seafood would not be protected by refrigerated vehicles for two to three hours while they were in the smaller trucks. The authority said some of the seafood detained in Guangxi was in damaged packaging or of poor quality.

“If the food is spoiled, it’s very difficult to trace the origin of smuggled products,” Tang Wenhua, president of the Shanghai Cold Chain Association told Shanghai Television Station. “The consumer’s food safety therefore could be hardly guaranteed.” He is acced of smuggling 220 tons of spot prawns via Guangzi in 2014 ing fake ctoms declarations. Most of the produce were sold in Shanghai, and nearby Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces.

But the total amount of declared spot prawns imported legally through Shanghai port that year was only about 80 tons.

Swiss gDp remains flat in Q3 he gross domestic product (GDP) of Switzerland remained unchanged during the third quarter of this year, slightly missing market expectations as increase in investment was offset by net trade.

Switzerland registered Plat growth after expanding 0.6 percent a quarter ago. The economy was forecast to grow 0.3 percent, data released by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs showed Friday. The year-onyear advance was also lower than expected at 1.3 percent from 2.0 percent previously. Also, consumer spending increased 0.1 percent for the quarter with a decline in spend-

ing on housing and energy. There was also a small decline in government spending for the quarter. There was an increase of 0.5 percent in investment spending and there a recovery in construction spending following two successive quarterly declines. There was a decline in exports of 0.2 percent for the quarter as imports advanced with the trade data having a negative overall impact on GDP. Equipment and software investment as well as construction investment climbed 0.5 percent each.

Meanwhile, exports of goods dropped 0.2 percent and that of services slid 0.8 percent.—CB Report

indonesia exports coffee worth $650.2m in 9 months

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JAKARTA

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he trade ministry said Indonesia exported US$650.2 million worth of coffee products in the Pirst nine months of the year.

Director of development and promotion at the trade ministry Merry Mariyati said demand for Indone-

sian coffee products is high abroad.

“Sustainability and trnsparency of coffee industry contribute to the rise in demand for Indonesian coffee products,” Merry said when opening “Specialty Coffee Association of Indonesia” (SCAI) EXPO 2016 here on Friday. Indonesia is the fourth largest coffee producer in the world after Brazil, Vietnam and Colombia.

Merry said Indonesian coffee

products consist of 16 varieties grown in different geographical conditions in the country making Indonesian coffee unique. She said in 2015, the countrys exports of coffee were valued at US$1.19 billion, up US$158 million from export earning in 2014. In 10 years ending 2015, the countrys coffee exports grew steadily 1.05 percent annually with export destinations the United

States, Japan, Italy, Malaysia and Germany. She said Indonesian coffee is gaining in popularity in international market through the forum of SCAI Expo.

“Indonesia has many coffee varieties that they need promotion in international market,” she said. SCAI chairman A Syafrudin said drinking coffee has become a life style of most Indonesians.

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PCA detects tax evasion by Modern Corporation KARACHI: The Post Clearance Audit (PCA) has detected evasion of duty/taxes of Rs 71,502 by M/s Modern Corporation, it is learnt. Sources said that M/s Modern Corporation imported a consignment of aerosol spray paints under PCT Heading 3208.9090 and cleared the same from Customs Appraisement-West after claiming benefit of SRO 659(I)/2007 dated June 03, 2007. However, the subject goods are correctly classifiable under PCT 3208.2090 attracting customs duty at the rate of 20 percent, sales tax 17 percent, additional sales tax at 3 percent and income tax 6 percent, the sources added. Thus, by way of mis-declaration of classification, M/s Modern Corporation evaded/short paid Rs 71,596.

customs Values of light fittings/fixtures, parts revised

Thursday December 8, 2016

National

‘tax offices should be opened at tehsil level with NADRA’s help’

customs intelligence impounds Lancer from Rawalpindi ISLAMABAD

KARACHI

wAQAR AHmeD ANSARi

m fAiZAN

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irectorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of light fittings/fixtures and parts vide Valuation Ruling number 981/2016 determined under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969.

According to details customs values of light fittings/fixtures and parts thereof were earlier determined through Valuation Ruling No.879/2016, dated 2706-2016. Meanwhile, a number of representations were received from different importers and the representative association of the importers with the request that the Valuation Ruling needed downward revision as it was over 90 days old and not truly reflective of prevailing prices in the international market. They have requested that the Valuation Ruling may be revised in the light of prevailing prices in the international market.

Main thrust of their arguments was that the market.

he Directorate General of Customs Intelligence and Investigations car cell has impounded a smuggled and non-duty paid Mitsubishi Lancer car bearing registration no. DGA 0384- Jaffarabad Model 2001 from Rawalpindi.

Officials of Customs I&I has told Customs Today that they received an information that a non-duty paid vehicle Mitsubishi Lancer car was parked at the parking area of Scheme III Rawalpindi. In pursuance of the information, the staff of the special car cell rushed to the spot where they found the vehicle at the parking area of Scheme III Rawalpindi. Despite their hectic efforts nobody came forward to claim the vehicle ownership, ultimately after waiting more than two hours the vehicle was taken into the custody in presence of the witness and was shifted to the Customs Headquarters Islamabad. Where the chassis of the vehicle was physically examined and compiled with record of import vehicles through Amnesty Scheme 2013 and auctioned vehicles available with the Directorate but no record of the same chassis number was founded in existed data. Therefore the car detained as un-claimed under section 17 of the Customs Act, 1969 with the approval of competent authority for verification of its import status, payment of duty taxes leviable thereon and lab test.

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fiA arrests accused involved in hundi, hawala he Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore has nabbed an accused who is involved in money laundering and hundy business. According to deputy director administration FIA Lahore, a team of the department conducted a raid under the supervision of Deputy Director Jameel Khan, Inspector Nasir Awan, Inspector Badar, ASI Ashfaq, Maroof and Shafqat at Jagirdar Hotel room no 128 l,where a person namely Muahammad Ullah was found involved in illegal business of hundi/hawala.

During search following FIA team recovered PKR, 25,40,000, manual receipts regarding hundi hawala, ledgers, mobile phone having entries, sms, whatsapp messages of hawala, hundi etc.—M Imran Mehar

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LAHORE

muHAmmAD NAwAZ www.customsbulletin.com

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eputy Commissioner Withholding Zone RTO-II Abdul Rauf Mayo has said that it is high time for tax authorities to register new taxpayers by opening ofPices at tehsil and municipal levels by seeking help from the database of NADRA and Excise and Taxation Department. During an exclusive interview with Customs Today, Abdul Rauf said that the tax collection throughout the country is improving because of untiring efforts of the

IRS ofPicers. He emphasized for strengthening the tax authorities by legislative amendments and recruiting new staff members i.e inspectors (IIR), clerical staff (steno typists, UDC, LDC) and armed guards. He appreciated the efforts of RTO II under the supervision of Khawaja Adnan Zaheer for extending the presence of FBR in districts of Okara, Kasur and Sheikhupura which will yield results in terms of revenue in the longer run. He said “we shall have to focus on each and every district and towns for ensuring uninterrupted growth of income tax and sales tax and FBR is on it. He said “FBR is the earning hand of the state and it must be strengthened by giving it more

powers and facilities.” Abdul Rouf Mayo said although he supports tax friendly culture but he also believes that tax evasion is a crime and it should be dealt accordingly. Abdul Rouf Mayo is currently monitoring withholding taxes of FTN holders, hospitals, poultry farms, schools and colleges and the business enterprises operating under the jurisdiction of DHA and Wagha Town. He became prominent after Pield audit of different TMAs for withholding u/s 236 C and 236 K of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 and an arrears recovery of Rs 1 billion and Rs100 million from Directorate General Health Punjab and MNCH Programme for which he is called “One Billion Man”.

tribunal reserves verdict on tax reference

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ISLAMABAD

NAeem uLLAH tARiQ www.customsbulletin.com

couple of benches of the Customs Appellate Tribunal heard customs references during last week of November and reserved decision on one of the cases while adjourning the others to different dates of December.

A single bench of the Tribunal comprising Member, Syed Muhammad Anwar, heard the cases Piled M/s Amir and International, Sajid

Qayyum, Ghulam Ghous and Deputy Collector Customs, Dry Port, Islamabad. The bench adjourned the hearing of these cases for coming dates.

Meanwhile, another bench of tribunal, Muhammad Nasir Khan and Ziauddin Wazir heard the case challenging seizure of around 150 imported mobile phones and reserved the decision. The appellant, through the case had challenged the decision in which tribunal had ordered to maintain seizure of mobile phones Pirst conPiscated by the customs authorities at Benazir Bhutto

International Airport, Islamabad.

That time, Customs Appellate Tribunal’s single bench comprising Member Technical, Muhammad Nasir Khan heard the petition challenging Collectorate of Islamabad’s decision of mobile phones conPiscation. The tribunal had then dismissed the matter and upheld MCC’s decision regarding conPiscation of mobile phones worthy Rs 6 million. The petitioner had brought the mobiles into Pakistan through airport which MCC had declared illegal and in violation of regulations adopted for carrying mo-

biles phone in luggage. The MCC authorities had conPiscated the mobile phones at the airport and subsequently decided not to release them as the petitioner had violated the rules while returning to Pakistan. He had claimed that he carried 150 mobile phone which he gift his friends and family members. It is pertinent to mention that another tribunal bench had also heard a similar cases couple of months ago. The bench had maintained adjudication decision and did not set aside the conPiscation of mobile phones by the department.

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Pak-India trade through Wagah slows down after ban on cotton Thursday December 8, 2016

Lahore

LAHORE: Trade activities between Pakistan and India were observed at lower level in November 2016 as compare to October and September because of various reasons, especially after ban on import of raw cotton from India. It is pertinent to mention here that plant protection department has suspended import of Indian raw cotton. Pakistan Customs has received notification of the Plant Protection Department after that customs officials at Wagah border stopped entry of more than 50 trucks into Pakistan loaded with raw cotton. Import of Indian tomatoes has already slowed down since end of July because of good local crop.

Import of Indian fruits, especially Indian bananas was a major import but in last two months it is at zero as Pakistani importers have no interest to import bananas from India.

LHc bars iR ADcs, Dcs from sending tax notices to taxpayers

customs intelligence recovers iron, tyres, cloth, soap from bus

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LAHORE

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he Lahore High Court (LHC) has barred Inland Revenue (IR) additional commissioner and deputy commissioners from issuing sales tax notices to the taxpayers, as only IR commissioners are authorised to issues the notices.

Justice Shahid Kareem heard the case Piled by the Hamza Nasir Wires in which the counsel of appellant Ajmal Khan argued before the court that under Section 30 of Sales Tax Act, additional commissioners and deputy commissioners cannot send notices to the taxpayers, adding that only commissioners are authorised to send notices to the taxpayers under the law. He further said that the additional commissioners and deputy commissioners were sending sales tax notices to the taxpayers

customs intelligence earns Rs 20m through auction he Customs Intelligence and Investigation has earned Rs 20 million through auction of non-duty paid luxury cars and other items during November 2016. The directorate auctioned ten vehicles for Rs 12 million and other goods for Rs 8 million.

The vehicles that were sold included Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mark-X, Toyota Lexus, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Premio car, Toyota Surf, Toyota Mark-X, Toyota Premio, Toyota Mark-X, Toyota Premio, Toyota Mark-X, Honda Civic, Toyota Prius and Toyota Corolla X. The Customs Intelligence auctioned other major smuggled goods and articles including Siemens brand electric generator tube, foreign origin used generator 350 KVA, 675 kilogramme of plastic sheet reels, ammonium coated plastic reels 726 kilograms, plastic aluminium sheet rolls, FG Wilson power diesel generator, used tyres of different brands, DVD Kingston.—M Hayat

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by violating the Sales Tax Act. He asked that court may stop the additional commissioners and deputy commissioners from sending notice to the taxpayers because under the law these ofPicers have no authority to sent notices to the taxpayers. After hearing the arguments from the appellant, the LHC has barred the ofPicial, besides sending notice to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and sought reply from the board within three weeks. Meanwhile, The Lahore High Court (LHC) has reserved verdict o`f case Piled by more than two thousand businessmen in which the selection of cases for audit through random ballot by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was challenged. As per details, Justice Shahid Jameel Khan of Lahore High Court (LHC) heard the appeals Piled by the businessmen against selection of cases for the year 2014 for audit by the Federal Board of Revenue.

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tem of Directorate Customs Intelligence and Investigation conPiscated non-customs tyres, soaps, foreign made cloth and irons worth millions of rupees, sources told Customs Today.

The sources said that on the information of Director Zeba Hai Azhar, the anti-smuggling team led

by Superintendent Yasin Malik under the supervision Ali Zeb Khan intercepted a bus bearing registration no. LWC/9271 coming from Peshawar. The sources said that the customs authorities after intercepting the bus recovered 150 tyres, 150 cartons soaps made in Germany, 1,000 meter cloth, 100 Panasonic and other illegally imported items.

The sources said that the total value of the bus has been estimated at Rs 6 million. The sources said that all seized goods were said to be

dumped in Lahore markets by one Tawab, who belonged to KPK. It was said that the all non-customs paid items and tyres were hidden in vegetable and fruits boxes.

The sources said that all the non-customs paid items and tyres have been confiscated and were brought to the directorate Warehouse located in Aurangzeb Block Allama Iqbal Town. The sources said that Customs I&I authorities after registering a case have initi-

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ated further investigations. Sources said that Customs Intelligence team timely action has save the national exchequer of millions of rupees loss. Had the bus loaded with noncustoms items and tyres, the local business would have been badly impacted. The sources added that since the new Director Zeba Hai has taken charge of the directorate anti-smuggling operations have been speed up under the limits of Customs I&I Lahore.

punjab govt to reimburse Rs 500m customs court hears 15 cases pecial Court of Customs Taxa- The court also proceeded on statecustoms duty to chinese contractors tion and Anti-Smuggling heard ments of witnesses on three different

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he Punjab government will pay customs duty on the Chinese contractors’ goods, articles and machinery which would be used in construction of Orange Train project.

According to sources, the Punjab government will pay Rs 500 million as customs duty on all the machinery and other accessories that will be used for building up Orange Train.

The sources said that the government has approved to reimburse the customs Rs 500 million customs duty.

The sources said that the customs

duty would be reimbursed to the Chinese contractors in accordance with the agreed plan. It was said that the government of Punjab will also approach to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for the exemption of customs duty on the machinery and other equipment’s for the Orange Train. The companies that imported machinery and equipment for the Orange train would be exempted from customs duty and other taxes one the deal with the federal government is done.—CB Report

15 different cases which were scheduled for hearing, including pre-arrest bail pleas and recording of statements of the witnesses.

The special court has adjourned many cases including hearing of bail pleas of three suspects till next hearing. Customs Court adjourned pre arrest bail pleas of Muhammad Shahzad in tax evasion case. He wanted in tax evasion cases in Faisalabad. Cases scheduled for hearing on Monday including tax evasion, customs, smuggling and narcotics. A case of narcotics against Wasif Ali was also adjourned.

cases on the day. The cases, including those of tax evasion, customs, smuggling and narcotics, were scheduled for the day’s hearing. Meanwhile, The Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling on Thursday heard 11 cases, including prearrest bail pleas Piled 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 prearrest bail pleas Piled by accused Abdul Razaq was also adjourned until the next week. —M Imran Mehar

pcA detects over Rs 5.38m tax evasion by Sungro pvt Ltd

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irectorate of Post Clarence Audit (PCA) has detected Rs 5,380,104 tax evasion by Sungro Private Limited on account of inadmissible exemption of SRO 567 ()I 2006 and SRO 1007 (1)/ 2005. The Directorate of Post Clearance Audit

Lahore observed that certain importers having their principal activity of manufacturer of pesticide and other agricultural chemicals are involved in the evasion of duties and tax during customs clearance of zinc sulphate 33 percent which are classiPied under PCT heading 2833, 2940 by availing irregular exemption of customs duty under S.No. 4 of SRO567 (1)/2006 and exemption of

sales tax S NO 5 of table -II of SRO 1007 (I) 2005. The PCA observed that the said SROs were meant for poultry ingredients only. It was observed that M/s Sungro Private Ltd NTN # 3837239-8 19-C, Khyabane- Sarwar, Dera Ghazi Khan has imported two consignment of the aforesaid impugned goods which were prima facie are fertilizers and as such not entitled for the exemp-

tion of customs duty and sales tax under the said SROs cleared from Customs Appraisement Karachi (West) and MCC Multan during calendar year 2014. The PCA said that the mis-declaration resulted in the duty and taxes evasion to the tune of Rs 5380,104 and added that it is directed that the above mentioned short pid amount of duty and taxes may be deposited positively.

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PD Ports calls for investment in UK rail WASHINGTON: PD Ports, operator of Teesport in the north of England, has called for greater rail infrastructure investment to improve capacity and connectivity on the UK rail network. The Teesport Intermodal Rail Terminal was established two year ago with connections to Felixstowe and Southampton on the UK’s south coast with Freightliner and to Mossend and Grangemouth in Scotland with DB Cargo UK. But the rail terminal is now nearing capacity on most routes, said Geoff Lippitt, PD Ports’ Business Development Director.“We’ve successfully built a strong rail operation at Teesport and there is clear appetite for increased frequency of services,” said Lippitt.

“But as an industry, we still face challenges that could potentially hold back future progress if existing issues of inadequate UK rail infrastructure and limited capacity aren’t tackled.”

port of philadelphia to double capacity with $300m investment ennsylvania is pushing to capture more East Coast shipping with a $300 million capital investment in the Port of Philadelphia that will more than double container capacity and increase port employment by 70%, said Gov. Tom Wolf. “This capital investment program will give the Port of Philadelphia the tools it needs to improve its competitive position and create thousands of family-sustaining, middle class jobs while increasing state revenues,” Wolf said in announcing the plan Tuesday. “With its major economic impacts throughout the state, my administration understands the value of Pennsylvania’s port asset in

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Philadelphia.” State officials say the project to continue through 2020 will rank among the largest port infrastructure investments by a state on the East Coast, at a time when other ports, tugboat companies and harbor pilots are gearing up for the new generation of bigger ships coming through the widened Panama Canal. About $200 million will be used to expand the main container operation at the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal in South Philadelphia, with other improvements to the port’s automobile shipping operations, and to the Tioga Marine Terminal in the city’s Port Richmond section. The Packer terminal improvements will come around the time the Corps of Engineers completes its Delaware River main channel deepening project, taking minimum depths down to 45’. Port officials say that will put them in the competition for larger container ships.—CB Report

Ports & Shipping

increased investment in ports drives oman’s logistics sector WASHINGTON

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xford Business Group in the UK says Oman is looking to boost investment in its transport and logistics sector, one of Pive pillars targeted under the country’s Ninth Five-Year Development Plan (2016-20). Plans to develop the sector are to be carried out through the Sultanate of Oman Logistics Strategy (SOLS) 2040, which aims to double employment in the sector to 80,000, as well as double its GDP contribution to OR3bn ($7.8bn) by 2020.

To this end, the Sultanate recently established a new holding company – Oman Global Logistics Group (OGLG) – to consolidate state holdings in the country’s seaports, free zones, and maritime and land transport companies. OGLG will also be responsible for implementing SOLS, supervised by the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Industry leaders have welcomed the move, saying it will help align strate-

gic developments in the country’s transport and logistics sector.

“The creation of OGLG should help improve collaboration and coordination in the sector and boost synergies between stakeholders,” Reggy Vermeulen, CEO of the Port of Duqm, told OBG. “This move will help further establish Oman as a serious logistics hub in the region and will boost our competitive edge.” A separate company with a similar mandate is expected to be estab-

lished to manage Oman’s civil aviation sector, according to press reports. The company will hold the government’s stakes in Oman Air, Oman Airport Management Company and National Aviation Company. Oxford Business Group said the creation of OGLG comes as Oman continues to inject money into its three major commercial ports at Duqm, Salalah and Sohar in a bid to attract investors and shipping lines.

Thursday December 8, 2016

port of tallinn sees freight turnover fall by a third in october orts of the state-owned Estonian company Port of Tallinn handled in October 1.4 mln tons of cargoes, 776,000 tons less than a year earlier, while passenger flows grew by 19,000 to 805,244 people, reports LETA/BNS. Last month’s freight flows were affected the most by a 800,000 ton decrease in liquid cargoes while the changes in other groups of cargoes were smaller. The handling of containers and rolling stock grew by respectively 17% and 8%. The volume of containers measured in TEUs (twentyfoot equivalent units) increased by 11%, Port of Tallinn said. The JanuaryOctober freight turnover was 11% smaller than a year ago at 17.1 mln tons. The decrease was due to the decline in liquid cargoes whereas the amounts of bulk goods and rolling stock increased. The October passenger number is a new record for that month of the year and represents a year-on-year increase of 2.3%. As usual, the TallinnHelsinki route had the most passengers, 709,527 in all, who made up 88% of the total number.—CB Report

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Automation transforms operations at ports C

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hinese ports, which once thrived on coolie labor to lade and unload cargo, are increasingly turning to mechanization that will create modern ports with small workforces and fully computerized operations. Automated ports can operate around the clock, handling cargoes according to strict schedules. It gives ports a competitive advantage in a world where container shipping has slowed. Shanghai, the world’s largest container port, is at the vanguard of change. Shanghai International Port Group, China’s largest port company, released a video last week promoting its upcoming automated operations at the Yangshan Deep-Water Port in the southeast of the city.

China has been a bit of a latecomer in mechanized ports, but it is

catching up rapidly. The new control systems operate 30 percent faster and more efPiciently than conventional ports and reduce the workforce by up to 70 percent. As labor costs in China rise, that’s an important factor in cost competitiveness. The changes will add 6.3 million TEUs a year to the Shanghai port system, enabling it to reach 40 million TEUs a year. TEU stands for twenty-foot equivalent units, and one standard container equals one TEU. The goal, once reached, will mean that Shanghai is handling cargo equivalent to the annual tonnage at all ports across the US and 10 percent of global cargo a year.

“Ports all over the world are upgrading,” said Wang Chen, an engineer at Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co, an equipment and systems provider at Yangshan and also the world’s biggest crane producer. “It’s getting more difPicult to

recruit and retain port workers.”

Two years ago, Shanghai International Port announced plans to link up with Zhenhua to automate cargo handling. The company is in hot demand up and down the eastern coast of China to help modernize ports, including cargo operations in Xiamen, Qingdao and Tangshan. “Port managers tell me that young people in China nowadays don’t want to do the repetitive, tough work at ports,” Wang said.

Yan Yunfu, executive director at Zhenhua, said crane operators in particular work under hard, stressful conditions that can lead to serious back problems. It takes at least half a year to train such operators and many just stay a year or two, making good money before they move on for health reasons.

According to job-hunting websites in China, a novice quay crane driver in Tianjin two years ago could

earn 6,000 yuan (US$871) a month, while today it’s hard to Pind applicants for the same position in Guangzhou at less than 10,000 yuan per month. That’s where automation becomes a godsend. At Singapore’s Pasir Panjang, Terminal 5, crane operators sit in air-conditioned control rooms where they remotely guide cranes on the quay.

By maneuvering joysticks and pressing buttons, the operators can look at screens that give them real time pictures of moving containers.

Siemens, the German-based industrial giant, has helped make work at the Singapore port even easier by freeing up the truck drivers who normally convey containers to storage areas after unloading. The vehicles and gantry cranes run automatically, handling 30 containers an hour, according to Christian Kogl, senior vice president of Siemens’ crane business.

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Customs Appraisement collects Rs 1389.50m in November FAISALABAD: The Customs Appraisement collected Rs 1389.50 million during the whole month of November-2016 against the assigned target of Rs 846.76 million surpassing it by 164 percent.

Sources told Customs Today that Customs Appraisement collected revenue under the heads of customs duty (CD), sales tax (ST), income tax (IT) and federal excise duty (FED) during the above said period.

According to the statistics data available to Customs Today, it collected Rs 319 million as customs duty against the set target of Rs 144 million.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

collector Reza assigns duties to settle issues of importers, exporters SIALKOT SALeem AwAN SHeiKHu www.customsbulletin.com

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ustoms Collector Ahmed Reza Khan has assigned duties to ofPicers to settle complaints and other matters of exporters and importers on daily basis. As per the details, Deputy Collector Waheed Anwar Abro will listen to the complaints on Monday and Tuesday, Deputy Collector Muhammad Hanif on Wednesday and Thursday and Assistant Collector Chaudhary Fahad Bashir will listen to complaints on Friday.

If any ofPicer goes on leave, the other ofPicer will have to listen to the complaints of the community.

All the said ofPicers will be authorised to solve the complaints and other matters of exporters and importers on merit, ofPicials said, adding that the collector has decided to solve the issues of traders related to customs department on early basis in order to facilitate the process of import and export through Sialkot region. The ofPicials informed that the deputy collectors and assistant collector have started guiding the traders on their issues and their solutions, adding that the department was ever ready to co-

operate with the businessmen community in order to generate maximum revenue. All genuine issues of traders will be resolved on merit under the customs law. Meanwhile, Collector Customs Collectorate

Ahmed Raza has presided over a meeting of the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Gujranwala the other day. Sources told Customs Today that Collector Ahmad Raza told the participants of the meeting that

the government had adopted a comprehensive strategy to curb smuggling of the products from Afghanistan, India, China, Russia and Iran. He directed all the ofPicials and departments to enhance

their surveillance on roads and check all suspicious vehicles which come from Quetta, Peshawar, Mirpur (AJK) and Karachi. He said that ASO ofPicials can play vital role in elimination of smuggling.

court extends remand of suspect in phone smuggling case KARACHI

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he Custom Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi extended the physical remand of accused person namely Waqas Iqbal S/O MuhammadIqbal and resent him to the custom custody till December 02, 2016 who was detained in a case of attempting to smuggle 103 mobile phone tentative value in open

market of Rs5.652 million.

During the hearing, investigation ofPicer produced above named accused person before the court and informed that on a credible information on November 20, 2016 staff of the anti-smuggling department intercepted the accused Waqas Iqbal at JIAK and during the checking recovered 103 mobile phones from his possession.

Investigation ofPicer further informed the court that I Phones-6, 33 NOs, Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime 10 NOs, Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime 05 NOs, Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime 06 NOs, Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini

Prime 05 NOs, I-Phones 6S 10 NOs, I-Phone 7 15 NOs, Samsung Galaxy C7 03 NOs, Samsung Galaxy A9 01 NO, Samsung Galaxy A86 01 NO, Samsung Galaxy A36 01 NO, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge 07 NOs, Black Barry D TEK 50 02 NOs, I-Phone 6S 02 NOs, Samsung Galaxy TAB A O1, NO and Samsung TAB E 01 NO are included in these mobile phones. He pleaded the court for further physical remand of the above named accused person for further investigation, therefore, court sent the accused to the custom department on physical remand. According to the prosecution, after the formali-

ties said phones were seized and accused was taken into the custody, case no P-1397/2016 was registered by complainant Miraz Shoaib Feroz Senior preventive ofPicer as violation of section 2 (s) and 16 of the Customs Act, 1969 punishable under clauses (8) (9) of section 156 (i) ibid read with Baggage rules notiPied vide SRO-666(1)/2006 dated 28/06/2006 & section 3(III) of import & export (control) act, 1950.

Meanwhile, Custom Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi granted bail to a suspect Shahid Khan who was arrested in a tax evasion case. During

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the hearing, counsel for the suspect Piled the bail application and argued that the accused is innocent as he was sick and was not intentionally refusing to pay taxes. However, he submitted that the accused is undertakes to appear regularly before the court on every date of hearing. He lastly requested that bail may be granted to him. At this, the leaned special prosecutor for the state has opposed this bail application. After both sides arguments, the court observed in its order that the accused/ applicant was granted bail on merit vide order dated 19/04/2012.