May 25 layout 1

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PAKISTAN’S FIRST INDEPTH NEWSPAPER ON CUSTOMS

Daily

Vol 1 Issue No. 347

Karachi, Wed May 25, 2016

PESHAWAR

TARIQ DERYA

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) conKiscated 44 non-duty paid vehicles and contraband goods worth of Rs 98.743 million during Kirst 15 days of May 2016.

According to the details, the Peshawar ASO impounded 23 vehicles worth of Rs 33.2 million,

Price Rs. 14.00

seven vehicles under Section of 157 of the Customs Act, 1969 worth of Rs 9.3 million and impounded another 14 vehicles worth Rs 21.85 million under Section 16. During the said period, the department seized different goods worth Rs 34.393 million. Talking the Customs Today, Deputy Collector Fazal e Samad said that anti-smuggling activity was going on throughout the collectorate with special instruction of Peshawar Customs Collector Qurban Ali Khan.

Customs Preventive thwarts bid to smuggle 336 mobile phones

Customs Intelligence recovers smuggled scrap worth Rs6.9 million

LNG im port to be surged to 2.4b cubic feet in 2 years: Abbasi

ASO seizes non-duty paid goods worth Rs40m in May

ICCI for doubling income tax threshold in budget 2016-17

Customs sta deputed at Benazir International Airport seized 336 mobile | SEE PAGE 02 |

DirectorateofCustomsandASOimpounded a trailer laden with 86210 kilograms | SEE PAGE 03 |

Abbasi said that Pak is currently importing forty-five million cubic feet of LNG | SEE PAGE 04 |

ASO Customs Preventive, headed by Dr. Adnan, AC and under the supervision | SEE PAGE 12 |

Abdul Manan visited ICCI to discuss matters related to forthcoming budget | SEE PAGE 09 |

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Deputy Collector Asma Hameed issues two ONOs Wednesday, May 25, 2016

National

FAISALABAD: Deputy Collector Adjudication Asma Hameed has issued two Orders-inOrigin (ONOs) in favor of the Customs Anti Smuggling Organization, Mianwali and Field Investigation Unit Khushab. Sources told Customs Today a customs team seized nonduty paid dates which were being transported from Karachi to Islamabad on trailor bearing registration no. FLTA- 818 near Toll Plaza M.M Road Mianwali. The owners of the goods was identified as Shakir Nadeem, failed to produce legal documents regarding possession of the items. While ASO Mianwali intercepted a Marcedez Benz, registration no. Z- 8313 loaded with various skins of animals 38710 kilograms.

Customs Preventive thwarts bid to smuggle 336 mobile phones

SHC seeks customs reply on petition filed by M/s Tracking World KARACHI

M BILAL

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has sought comments from the FBR chairman, Collectorate of Customs Adjudication -I additional collector, Customs Intelligence director general and Deputy Attorney General on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Tracking World (Private) Limited seeking the release of its consignment.

A two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah heard the petition. Earlier, the petitioner’s counsel stated that petitioner imported a consignment of 831 pieces of GPS navigational system with accessories for radio navigational aid apparatus chargeable at 5 percent customs duty along with usual government taxes and filed goods declaration dated April 13, 2016; however, officials of the Customs Intelligence claimed that the remote control car, DVD player with HD navigation system chargeable at 35 percent customs duty and issued a show cause notice to the petitioner.

According to the petitioner, in reply, it submitted all the relevant documents and requested release of said consignment against submission of surety in shape of pay order / bank guarantee but respondents refused to entertain the same and to release the goods.

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ISLAMABAD

M FAIZAN

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ustoms staff deputed at Benazir Bhutto International Airport seized 336 mobile phones from the possession of a passenger who was arrived from Dubai. Customs Intelligence and

Prosecution team under the supervision of Superintendent Sargham Dil started investigations of the case.

According to sources of Customs Today, Deputy Collector Naghma Tehniat received secret information that an attempt will be made to smuggle huge quantity of mobile phones through Emirates Klight. She altered the staff which enhance surveilliance measures. During checking process customs team inter-

ceptd a passenger who was identiKied as Amjad Javed and recoverd 336 moible phones from his bag.

Custom staf seized the mobiles and arrested the accused person.

Customs authorities will present the accused in Customs Court on Tuesday (today) to obtain his physical remand. Customs team also recovered some boarding cards of Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad airports from the possession of the

accused which means that he also used to travel through from these airports. He also revealed during investigations that he was going to deliver these mobile phones to another person, while the owner of these mobile phones offered him to pay Rs500 per mobile phone. He said that owner of the mobile phone already running a shop in Mobile Market of Rawalpindi and his name is Kamran.

Customs Intelligence finalises list of six wanted smugglers D MULTAN

IMRAN ALI

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irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation has identified six wanted smugglers in its jurisdiction who operate within a network.

Deputy Director Customs Intelligence and Investigation Naveedur Rehman Bughvi has formed a list of six smugglers who are involved in smuggling of multiple items orig-

inating from Balochistan.

These smugglers include Haji Nabi Bukhsh, Haji Sadiq Achakzai, Wali Muhammad, Nazar Khan, Majeed Khan and Akbar Khan.

The Customs Intelligence office has found two smugglers, Haji Sadiq Achakzai and Haji Nabi Buksh, involved in the smuggling of tyres, auto parts, cloth, plastic dana remeltable iron and steel scrap.

Three major smugglers who are running their network in the region and transporting non customs

paid vehicles in the jurisdiction are Nazar Khan, Akbar and Majeed Khan. Wali Khan has also been found involved in the smuggling of remeltable iron scrap and auto parts smuggling in the region. Customs have impounded smuggled vehicles and almost every second seized belongs to them during the investigation of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation.

Customs have pinpoint smuggling network which are operating in the region from across the bor-

ders and they are the main offenders who conducted smuggling in the region. Customs have decided to take assistance of law enforcement agencies to cut the whole smuggling network in the region through implementation of customs laws. Few of them are already facing various criminal cases in the courts and customs have planned to focus on them beside other smugglers in the region. Customs is also facing issues in taking action against them because they operat-

ing from cross the border and Customs Intelligence have made strategy to tackle these smuggling network in the which challenge customs teams through different ways. Sources told Customs Today that strict actions will be taken against them to curb smuggling in the region as they are damaging local manufacturers and industrialist through illegal trade.

They have also caused damaged to national exchequer through their smuggling activities.

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Customs Intelligence impounds BMW car worth Rs 5m ISLAMABAD: The Customs Intelligence and Investigation has impounded a non-duty paid BMW vehicle worth Rs 5 million during an action.

In pursuance of credible information, the sta Customs Intelligence led by Superintendent Javed Jhangeeri intercepted a BMW car model 2002 with Chassis No WBAGL 42040 DD 78681 (3994-CC) near Police Line Islamabad.

On demand, the driver produced copies of documents showing clearance of car from Karachi Customs House under amnesty scheme, 2013, but no entry was found in the relevant computerised data.

Customs Court rejects bail plea of cell phone smuggler

Wednesday May 25, 2016

National

Customs Intelligence recovers smuggled scrap worth Rs 6.9m

LAHORE

M HAYAT

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he Special Court of Customs, Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has disposed of the bail plea of an accused Muhammad Waris who is involved in smuggling of cell phones.

Earlier, the court of Chaudary Ameer Muhammad Khan sent him to jail on judicial remand of 14 days. The accused moved his petition to get bail after his arrest from the court but on Monday the customs court rejected his bail plea on strong arguments against the case. Sources told Customs Today that the customs authorities arrested Muhammad Waris at Allama Iqbal International Airport when he tried to smuggle mobile phones from Sharjah.

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Sialkot ASO recovers non-duty paid black tea SIALKOT

SALEEM AWAN SHEIKHU www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) has seized four bags of black tea during antismuggling operation. According to sources, Assistant Collector Fahad Bashir Chaudhary along with Inspector Sheikh Ikram and other team members raided a godown of a private goods transport company and recovered four bags filled with black tea. The team members asked the owners of the godown to produce documents regarding the legal import of the tea but he failed to provide any relevant documents. Upon his failure, the ASO team seized four bags of black tea. According to ASO Incharge the value of seized black tea is almost Rs 71,000 involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 40,000.

The team summoned the owner to ASO oďŹƒce to explain the reasons regarding custody of black tea.

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FAISALABAD

NAEEM SHEIKH

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irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation and Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) impounded a trailer laden with 86210 kilograms of smuggled iron scrap worth Rs 6.9 million in joint operation. Customs team also impounded non duty paid trailer worth Rs80,00,000 involving duty taxes amounting to Rs40,19,976. Accoding to sources Additional Director Azmat Tahira received secret information about smuggling attempt. A joint team comprsing Customs Intelligence and ASO intercepted a trailer bearing registration no TLG-467 near Toba Tek Singh Bypass for checking.

The ofKicials while checking the vehicle recovered iron pipes seamless of different dia and guage 86210 kilograms. The ofKicials asked the driver namely Rozi Muhammad son of Wali Muhammad to show documents regarding the legal import of the items but he failed to provide any documents.

The ofKicials impounded the trailer along with scrap under the prevailing customs laws, besides arresting the accused driver.

Customs Intelligence Additional Director Azmat Tahira said that a trailer laden with scrap has been impounded under Section 17 of the Customs Act, 1969. Meanwhile, The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO)

Faisalabad conducted various operations against smugglers and recovered different types of goods worth Rs 5.9 million during third week of May. Sources told Customs Today that Deputy Collector Muhammad Rizwan received secret information about some smuggling attempts . He formed different teams to curb smuggling. Superintendents Saeed Akhtar Joyia, Chaudhary Muhammad Sardar, Masood Saeed Chohan, Abdul Jabbar, Safdar Ali, Azhar Hussain Jaffri (in-

Accoding to sources Additional Director Azmat Tahira received secret information about smuggling attempt. A joint team comprsing Customs Intelligence and ASO intercepted a trailer bearing registration no TLG-467 near Toba Tek Singh Bypass for checking

Customs seizes items worth Rs 11.6m ISLAMABAD

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TARIQ DERYA

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he Customs Collectorate seized non-duty paid goods amounting to Rs 11.6 million during 3rd week of May. Talking to Customs Today, Deputy Collector Preventive Shahid Jan said that Customs Preventive is working efficiently to curb smuggling from its jurisdic-

tion. The deputy collector said that a special anti-smuggling campaign was launched on the advice of the Federal Board of Revenue during third week of May (14th May to 20th May).

During the campaign, the Customs Preventive staff showed outstanding performance in foiling smuggling attempts.

He said that during the above said period anti smuggling squad seized 510 kilograms of cloth Kg Cloth value of Rs 2,40,975, auto

parts value of Rs 6,300, offending vehicles 6 Nos value of Rs9.807 million, tyres 238 Nos value Rs7,44,315.

Deputy Collector said that anti smuggling squad also seized miscellaneous goods in value of Rs 92691, cigarettes in value of Rs331800, electronics 12 items value Rs277620, Black tea 130 kilograms value of Rs 40950, medicences value Rs73500. The net worth of seized goods and items is Rs11.6 million.

spector), and Muhammad Ashraf, Liaquat Ali , Israr Ahmad and Muhammad Abdullah (sepoys) comprised the ASO team. The ASO team during various operations seized smuggled vehicles which were being used for transportation of smuggled goods and were brought into the country without payment of customs duty and taxes. ASO staff also seized different types of cigarettes 700 (dandas) worth Rs 158760, and others different items worth Rs1219365.

FIA DG Muhammad Amlish resigns irector General of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Muhammad Amlish has resigned from his post. According to sources, Muhammad Amlish has resigned from his post amid rift with directors, especially against the the transfer of Director Mohsin Butt. Muhammad Amlish was appointed as FIA DG by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in March this year.

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Fuel adjustment: CCPA seeks Rs 3.41/unit cut in power tariff for April ISLAMABAD: The Central Power Purchase Agency (CPPA) has sought Rs3.41 per unit reduction for April under monthly fuel adjustment. In a petition, the CCPA requested the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to slash power tariff Rs3.41 per unit on account of lower fuel prices. Official sources told APP here that in a petition, the CPPA submitted to the regulator that the average cost of electricity remained Rs4.21 per unit against the reference prices of Rs7.62 per unit. It is further submitted that the average cost of generation from diesel remained at Rs11.85 per unit, Furnace Oil Rs5.38 per unit, Gas Rs 5.73 per unit and nuclear Rs1.16 per unit while total cost of electricity.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Business

PSX sees rollercoaster day, sheds 141pts FAISALABAD

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he Pakistan Stock Exchange Tuesday observed a rollercoaster day as benchmark 100-index shed 141 points to drop to 36582.35 points level at closing.

The stocks recorded the highest trading level of 36740.20 points and lowest level of 36433.48 points, with the volume of over 298 million shares, having Rs 11.43 billion value. As many as 374 companies were active; of which 153 advanced, 191 declined and 30 remained unchanged. Power generation & distribution was the top traded sector

BISP disburses Rs 362.25b so far ISLAMABAD

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enazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has successfully disbursed about Rs 362.25 billion across the country since inception. BISP has successfully achieved all the goals and objectives set by the Federal Government and International Development Partners from time to time since inception.

BISP has met all the Disbursement Link Indicators (DLIs) and targets set by the Government and Donor agencies, official sources told APP.

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with 75,597,300 volume, while oil chemical remained second with 31,575,800 volume.

The three top traded companies were K-Electric Ltd with a volume of 65,336,000 and price per share of 8.17 (0.24), Lotte Chemical with a volume 20,890,000 of price per share of 6.72 (0.35), Sui North Gas with a volume 15,751,000 of price per share of 37.93 (0.27). The top three gainers were Ghandhara Ind with price per share 343.85 (16.37), Tandlianwala Sugar with price per share of 274 (13) and Khyber Tobacco price per share of 411.31 (11.31). The top three losers were Nestle Pak XD with price per share of 7000 (-100), Philip Morris Pak with price per share of 1595 (63.75) and Bhanero Tex per share of 671 (-29.11). Earlier, the Pakistan

Stock Exchange remained bearish and lost 34 points to reach 36689.58 points level till midday. On Monday, the local equities managed to achieve a positive close after a volatile session as losses in Kinancial stocks pulled the

benchmark KSE 100-share index down 0.7% to 36,433 points in intraday trade. The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark 100-share index edged up 0.08% or 29.85 points to end at 36,723.35.

ISLAMABAD

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QUETTA

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ederal Minister for Commerce, Eng Khurram Dastagir has said that Gwadar is going to become game changer for the entire region, adding that the federal government would construct warehouse in Taftan and Expo Center in Quetta, respectively. He was addressing a launching ceremony of Pak-Iran Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, here on Monday. He said that the nation had pinned hope on mega projects of China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar Deep Sea Port which would boost national economy, adding that Gwadar would be proved a game changer for the entire region. He said that most of funds were allocated for power production projects to be executed under CPEC. He said that bright future of the region linked with CPEC and Gwadar projects. He said that the federal government has planned to construct a warehouse in border area of Taftan and Expo Center in Quetta to strengthen local and national economy and to support trade activities.

If the Balochistan government provides land, the federal government will construct warehouse in Taftan and Expo Center in Gwadar, he said.

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LNG import to be surged to 2.4 billion cubic feet in 2 years: Abbasi CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

ederal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Monday said that Pakistan is currently importing forty-Kive million cubic feet of LNG and it will be increased to 2.4 billion cubic feet in the next two years.

Addressing a seminar organized

by Petroleum Institute of Pakistan (PIP) on the topic of “LNG Market Analysis and Trends”, he said that un-

Gwadar to become game changer for region: minister

interrupted gas is being supplied to industries and power plants. He said Pakistan is importing LNG from Qatar at cheapest rate in Asia. The Minister said that viability of Pakistan’s energy future is directly linked to LNG,

adding that LNG is the only cost-effective solution for Pakistan’s energy problems. He said that government is focusing on indigenous exploration of gas reservoirs to overcome energy crisis. Khaqan Abbasi said that LNG imports in Pakistan will be linked to oil as we are displacing oil products.

He dispelled reasons for criticism since Pakistan would not be at a loss with the deals the government is entering into. He said the government is expecting that private sector should come forward, adding that infrastructure is available to deliver LNG based gas to customers.

BoI asks Chinese firm to set up fruit processing units along CPEC route ISLAMABAD

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he Board of Investment (BoI) Monday urged the Chinese company, China Zhongde International Investment Group to invest in establishing fruit processing units along the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Gilgit-Baltistan.

“The major portion of fruits produced in Gilgit-Baltistan goes waste due to

lack of processing facilities,” Secretary BoI, Azhar Ali Chaudhry said during a meeting with the six-member delegation of the company headed by its Chairman, Gaobing Zhao. Senator Talha Mehmood and senior management of the BoI were also present on the occasion. The Secretary said that investment in fruit processing units would not only be beneKicial for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan but also a lucrative business for the company.

He expressed the hope that initiative

would be fully supported by the GilgitBaltistan government. Earlier, Director General Board of Investment, Sohail Ahmad gave a detailed presentation to the Chinese delegation on the investment opportunities in Pakistan. He informed the delegation that Pakistan was providing uniform treatment to local and foreign investors in almost all sectors of economy. He said that Special Economic Zone Act was approved by Parliament in 2012 which could be developed

with public private partnership while the provincial government cold play front line role.Earlier, Gaobing Zhao informed the BoI ofKicials that his company was interested to invest in various sectors of country. He said that the company was interested to invest in energy with focus on distribution side, agriculture, infrastructure and other sectors of the economy. He expressed satisfaction on the investment policies of the country and said that he looks forward to invest in Pak-

istan. Meanwhile, The federal government has released Rs 60,695 million (about Rs 61 billion) for National Highway Authority (NHA) under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) till May 20. Rs 20,000 million have been released for Lahore-Abdul Hakeem Section (230 km) of Karachi-Lahore Motorway (KLM), while Rs 5220 million have been released for 387 km Multan- Sukkur Section of the KLM, an ofKicial source told APP on Monday.

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ISLAMABAD M ARSHAD www.customsbulletin.com

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he Pakistan Customs leads in almost all the anti-smuggling agencies by making the biggest amount of seizures of smuggled goods during the Kiscal year 2015-16.

Currently, Pakistan Customs, Maritime Security Agency, Pakistan Coast Guards, Frontier Corps (KPK), Pakistan Rangers (Punjab and Sindh) and political administration of FATA have been delegated with responsibilities to check the inKlow and outKlow of smuggled goods from the country.

Sources at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) shared the data of the seized smuggled goods by all the anti-smuggling agencies with Customs Today.

As per data, Pakistan Customs grabbed the Kirst place in all the above mentioned agencies by seizing 9,772.61 metric ton of smuggled goods. Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) stood

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Wednesday, May 25, 2016

second by seizing 505.45 matric ton of smuggled goods in the current Kiscal year 2015-16. Then Frontier Corps (KPK) remained third in this calculation as it grabbed 268.76 matric tons of smuggled goods. Pakistan Coast Guards and Maritime Security Agency stationed at fourth and Kifth position as the former seized 223.27 metric tons of smuggled goods while the latter made seizures of 23.55 matric tons only. Data further stated that anti smuggling agencies had been deployed at the border and seashore under the powers under Section 6 of the Customs Act, 1969.

These agencies had been delegated with given powers under different SROs. For example, Frontier Corps (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) was deployed to check the smuggling through SRO issued on 01-122010. Pakistan Rangers (Punjab and Sindh) vide SRO issued on 01-12-2010.

Similarly, Pakistan Coast Guards was assigned with the duties to counterfeit the smuggling bids through SRO issued on 20-

01-2014. Pakistan Maritime Security Agency through another SRO issued on 2001-2014. Moreover, the political administration of FATA was granted powers to check smuggling through SRO issued on 14-02-2000.

rity e Secu m i t i r , Ma s, stoms Guard u t C s a n o a an stan C Pakist , Paki Pakist y , c ) n K e P Ag and rps (K indh) ier Co S t d n n o r a F ave unjab ATA h F P ( f s o r tion ities Range inistra nsibil m o d p a s l e ca of ith r politi utflow ated w o g e d l n e d try ow a been e coun he infl t h t k c m e to ch ds fro d goo e l g g smu

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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

Taxes and economy

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ccording to newspaper reports, the government is determined to raise additional revenues during the next fiscal year by increasing sales tax on the consumer items, including textile, leather, carpets, sports and surgical goods in the country. This proposal is in stark contrast of the vision of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who wants zero-rating tax status to the export sector in the coming budget. In the emerging situation in revenue collection measures, the ball is in the prime minister’s court to decide whether to increase the sales tax on the domestic sales or implement the zero-rating tax regime in the export oriented industry. An additional blow to the industry will be withdrawal of concessions on electricity charges already granted to the export sector. Currently, a reduced tax regime is enforced with regard to domestic sales of five export-oriented sectors and which way the industry will move once the concessions are withdrawn can be anybody’s guess. The industry is already struggling for its survival in the face of regional competitors.It is not denying the fact that business and economy are the least priorities in the political circles. Politicians in the country, whether in assemblies or not, have one thing in common – how to make money at the cost of the country’s economy.

The furore on the off-shore companies, in which both the government and the opposition members are allegedly involved, is meaningless as both sides are refusing to accept any illegal financial activity and are unable to learn a lesson from their mistakes of the past. It will be plausible if both sides on the divide sit together to develop consensus on economic issues and leave the politics behind for the sake of the country.

Had the country offered better investment opportunities, the money would have been sent abroad. A country, which cannot stop capital flight,has no moral authority to seek foreign investment. Instead of extending tax relief, taxes are multiplied in every budget and the consumer items begin to vanish from the markets in every June.It is the prime minister who has to take a final decision in the country and he has many things to do at a time. When the government thrust is only on revenue collection, business and economy do not find a suitable place in the priority list of the government and life goes on.

What next after tax amnesty scheme T

LAHORE

DR AFTAB AFZAL

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he much-hyped tax amnesty scheme launched by the government to broaden tax net received mixed response from potential taxpayers. The genuine taxpayers criticize the scheme on the ground that it is an attempt to whiten black money and insult to those who regularly Kile their tax returns. But those who favour the scheme count its success as 9,000 returns have been Kiled and Rs 850 million are deposited with the government exchequer since the scheme started. The scheme also resulted into documentation of working capital of up to Rs 85 billion. According to experts, the

government could not achieve 50 percent target, but even then the scheme is not a failure. The government is able to collect good revenue as well as added new taxpayers to its tax base. There is no denying the fact that tax-to-GDP ratio in the country is the lowest in the region and foreign donor agencies want Pakistan to enhance the tax net. However, the government was forced to introduce this scheme to resolve the issue of withholding tax on bank transactions, a step the government took to bring the non-Kiler into the tax net.

As a matter of fact, not all the account holders are traders or businessmen as deduction of 0.6 percent withholding tax on Rs50,000 withdrawal has

brought the common man on its knees. What the government needs to do is to register every business concern, either large or small, in the country. Every business should be member of the chamber of commerce and deposit its annual fees under the head of the government tax. The government has to evolve a working strategy to differentiate between different sections of society. The businessmen and ordinary men should not be treated equally. If a mechanism is enforced there is no need to launch a tax amnesty scheme and the tax net will gradually increase with the passage of time. The government has so far extended the deadline for the tax amnesty scheme up to May 31 and some

economists are of the view that the government is going to wind up this project without announcing it in public.

The main objective of the government is to document the economy, but the scheme has lost its potential. Keeping in view the official working in the country where corruption has been institutionalized, an ordinary businessman prefers to stay away from the government agencies.

Until the government launches a fair and transparent tax collection mechanism, the country will continue to face capital flight or massive tax evasion. Enacting tough laws will serve no purpose as any government scheme will falter half way due to corruption and mismanagement.

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Inflation rate hits 10.2% in Iran TEHRAN: The Statistical Center of Iran has announced that the inflation rate for the 12-month period ended in the last day of the second Iranian calendar month of Ordibehesht (May 20) compared to the same period in the previous year hit 10.2 percent. The inflation rate for the 12-month period ended in the last day of the first Iranian calendar month of Farvardin (April 19) compared to the same period in the previous year was 10.8 percent, according to the Mehr news agency. Meanwhile, the center put the point-to-point inflation rate at 6.8 percent in Ordibehesht, falling from 7.7 percent in its previous month. The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has announced that the inflation rate in the past Iranian calendar year of 1394, which ended on March 19, 2016, compared to its previous year stood at 11.9 percent.

Multan ASO seizes 35,000 litres of diesel, oil tanker MULTAN

IMRAN ALI

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) has confiscated 35000 litres of high speed diesel worth Rs 1.097 million, besides impounding the oil tanker from Muzaffargarh worth Rs 2.5 million. According to the details, the ASO staff intercepted an oil tanker bearing Registration No TKG-366 near Qureshiwala, Muzaffargarh and recovered diesel. The officials asked the driver to show documents regarding the legal import of the item but he could not produce the same; therefore, the officials impounded the tanker with diesel under the customs laws.

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Punjab CM constitutes steering committee LAHORE

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he Punjab is actively removing hurdles in ease of doing business as it is expecting huge investments after upgrading its necessary infrastructure and connecting to state of art industrial estates established throughout the province. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has constituted a steering committee on Ease of Doing Business in Punjab to submit its first recommendations by May 23. The committee was formed after the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) made a presentation to the CM Punjab on change/improvement in regulations both at provincial and federal level that would expedite many approvals needed by an entrepreneur for starting a business. The CM was informed that Pakistan’s ranking in World Bank’s.

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Wednesday May 25, 2016

Chambers

ICCI for doubling income tax threshold in Budget 2016-17 M

ISLAMABAD

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ember National Assembly and Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs Mian Chairman Abdul Manan visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) to discuss matters related to forthcoming budget and promulgation of a new rent control act Islamabad.

He said that the spadework for budget 2016-17 has almost been completed and government was trying to save the common man from any adverse effects of new tax measures. He said the new budget would continue to pursue the aim of facilitating taxpayers in order to promote tax culture in the country.

Mian Abdul Manan said the proposals submitted by trade bodies, chambers of commerce and associations from across the country for budget 2016-17 have been given due consideration by the government and interest of business community as well as the general public would be kept in view while giving Kinal touches to the budget document. He said that the government machinery

was hectically busy in Kinalizing budget 2016-17 and assured that after the budget, draft bill for promulgation of a balanced rent control act in Islamabad, which was presented by him in the National Assembly, would be taken up for its early enactment into a law. Speaking at the occasion, ICCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said that due to devaluation of rupee, our currency has lost sufKi-

cient value and demanded that government should revise threshold of income tax from current level of Rs.400,000/- to make it double. He urged that threshold for tax on rental income for individuals and associations of persons under Sec-155 should also be doubled from its current level of Rs.150,000/- and rate of 10percent tax on such income should be reduced to 5percent. He

LCCI urges govt not to increase taxes LAHORE

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ahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad has said that there is a need to avoid increase in duties and taxes in the federal budget while withholding tax on banking transactions should be withdrawn. “There is a dire need to evolve policies to discourage illegal trade of goods. The government should encourage honest businessmen in the larger interest of the economy,” he said, adding that undue checking of trading goods should be stopped to ensure smooth running of the businesses.

He was addressing a pre-budget consultative meeting and a delegation of traders led by Babar Mahmood, here at the LCCI on Friday.

LCCI Vice President Nasir Saeed, for-

mer president Muhammad Ali Mian and Executive Committee Member Mian Zahid Javed also spoke on the occasion. Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that the business community is the power force to make country economic leader at global leader therefore federal budget should be formed while keeping in view their stakes.

He said that all departments including Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) should be act as facilitator to the business community but unfortunately situation is quite different and trader’s complaints are being multiplied with every passing day that is not a good sign for the economy. He said that measures being taken on the name of controlling smuggling, are actually affecting those traders who are doing their businesses legally. He said that reportedly intelligence ofKicials estab-

lish their own check posts out of the markets, stops all consignments and harass the traders without any reason. He said that there is a dire need to encourage the honest businessmen through stopping raids on business premises. He also stressed the need for a strategy to remove the menace of smuggling. He said that smuggled goods should be stopped at borders instead of conducting raids in the markets. Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that there is demanding since long that interference of government departments in the business activities should be reduced to ensure a business friendly atmosphere in the country. He assured the delegation that Lahore Chamber will arrange their meeting with the customs department for early solution of their custom duty and valuation related problems. He said that the LCCI will continue to highlight the challenges being faced by the trade and industry.

said that 15percent tax on gross rental amount for companies under Sec-155 was too high and stressed that it would be brought down to single digit level in the forthcoming budget. He said government should announce a special concessionary package for regular high taxpayers to give them a new identify in the society which will also promote better tax culture in the country.

Excise generates Rs 86.9 million in 20 days of May he Excise and Taxation Department recovered Rs 98.9 million under the head of professional, property, motor vehicle and other taxes during the first 20 days of May. Raza Khaskheli, an official of excise department, told Customs Today that the department collected Rs 50 million under the head of property tax while Rs 7 million were collected as professional tax. He said that the secretary excise directed all relevant staff to expedite efforts to generate more and more revenue before the end of the current fiscal year. Replying to a question, Khaskheli said that 20,000 notices were issued to defaulters of professional tax while excise department is also taking extra measures to collected motor vehicle tax from defaulters before the start of Ramzan.—Waqar Ansari

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Markets infested with drugs smuggled from India, China Wednesday May 25, 2016

Lahore

LAHORE: Despite the launch of massive crackdown against spurious medicines, dozens of smuggled brands of unapproved, fake and unregistered medicines of different categories, including aphrodisiac, allopathy, Unani and herbal are still available in market. Sources associated with manufacturing of medicines revealed that aphrodisiacs of various brands are smuggled from India and China. At least 34 brands of such medicines are available in market. As per estimation a big market of Rs 3.76 billion belonged to aphrodisiac drugs.

Besides these aphrodisiac medicines, a big number of food supplements, herbal, cosmetics medicines, Ayurvedic medicines, Unani medicines, Siddha medicines, homeopathic medicines, biochemic medicines and Tibi medicines are openly being sold in market without any registration from the Drug Regulation Authority.

Lahore Customs seizes 54 iPhones worth Rs 2m LAHORE

M IMRAN MEHAR

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he customs ofKicials have foiled a bid to smuggle 54 mobile phones worth Rs 2 million into Pakistan at Lahore airport. According to the details, the customs ofKicials deputed at Allama Iqbal International Airport checked the luggage of a passenger who was coming Abu Dhabi but they found no illegal items.

After customs clearance, when he was going out of the arrival lounge, the ofKicials again intercepted him on his suspicious walk and conducted physical examination.

The examination led to the recovery of 54 iPhones, which were pasted on his body in a very technical way.

The customs team conKiscated all mobile phones and started investigation in the case. Meanwhile, The Special Court of Customs, Taxation

APTMA for zero rating regime for textile exports ll Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Chairman Tariq Saud has demanded the government restore zero rating regime for the export of the entire textile value chain. Talking to the media persons, he claimed that the industry would be no more cost-effective due to various taxes, asserting that the exports would remain sluggish unless the end product becomes cost effective. Tariq Saud suggested that the government can tax the products meant for domestic consumption but export of value-added textile industry should be zero rated both for registered and unregistered buyers for the entire textile value chain. The APTMA chairman also demanded introduction of 5 percent DLTL for the entire sub sectors of textile value chain to mitigate the incidentals of local taxes, levies and cess.—M Hayat

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and Anti-Smuggling has disposed of the bail plea of an accused Muhammad Waris who is involved in smuggling of cell phones. Earlier, the court of Chaudary Ameer Muhammad Khan sent him to jail on judicial remand of 14 days. The accused moved his petition to get bail after his arrest from the court but on Monday the customs court rejected his bail plea on strong arguments against the case. Sources told Customs Today that the customs authorities arrested Muhammad Waris at Allama Iqbal International Airport when he tried to smuggle mobile phones from Sharjah. The customs ofKicials checked his luggage and recovered a number of mobile phones of different models. The customs team arrested Waris from the airport for further proceedings and legal action against him. Meanwhile, the customs high ups have strictly directed the subordinate staff to take stern action against smugglers, especially those who are using green channels for clearance of smuggled items.

Farhan Shahzad points out flaws in tax collection system

LAHORE

M HAYAT

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oercive measures as well as illegal and unnecessary action of the tax authorities have discouraged the taxpayers which is evident from the fact that the number of taxpayers has reduced from 1.4 million to merely 0.8

NAB summons Farzana Raja in BISP embezzlement case

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he National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned Pakistan People’s Party leader Farzana Raja in connection with embezzlement in Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) funds. According to sources, the anti-corruption watchdog has formally launched investigation into alleged Rs 3 billion embezzlement in the BISP’s advertisement funds. ExBISP chairman Farzana Raja has been summoned for interrogation.

Farzana Raja was appointed as chair-

person of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) in 2008. The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was launched in July 2008 with an immediate objective of consumption smoothening and cushioning the negative effects of slow economic growth, the food crisis and inKlation on the poor, particularly women, through the provision of cash transfers of Rs. 1,000 per month to eligible families. The monthly installment was enhanced to Rs. 1200 per month.—M Imran Mehar

million while the Voluntary Tax Compliance Scheme (VTCS) has also not produced desired results as just 10,000 returns have been Kiled against the target of 10 million.

These views were expressed by newly elected President of the Lahore Tax Bar Association (LTBA) Farhan Shahzad while talking to Customs Today. He said that suspension and blacklisting of sales tax registration on frivolous ground and without issuance of notices is an un-

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just act on the part of the Regional Tax OfKices (RTOs) which is not only discouraging the taxpayers but also damaging the running business.

The LTBA president believed that suspension and blacklisting should be done only in the case where tax is evaded and fraud is committed by the taxpayers. The LTBA president stated that most of the RTOs ofKicials have engaged most of the taxpayers as their client and only their clients are at peace while all the other taxpayers are harassed and snubbed. Section 182 is being used for recovery which is a violation of law, he said, adding that the section is used as a precautionary measure urging the tax payer if they don’t pay their tax liabilities. While talking about registration of sales tax he said that the registration is made cumbersome and complicated which needs to be authorized at the chief commissioner level and the chief commissioner should decide it within seven days in any case.

Customs Court hears 25 cases

he Special Court of Customs, Taxation and Anti-Smuggling heard 25 cases, which were scheduled for hearing on Monday and adjourned all the cases until the next hearing.

The Customs Court also heard eight pre-arrest bail pleas Kiled by Sayed Jahanzaib Bukhari, Abdul Razzaq, Nadir Ali, Muhammad Ayub Khan, Mian Waqas, Muhammad Iqbal, Shafqat Ali Ihsan and Naseer Butt. All of the bail pleas were adjourned for new dates. The applications were moved by the accused in different cases of sales tax evasion and smuggling. The court also heard

post-arrest bail pleas of Muhammad Waqar and Muhammad RaKique. It also adjourned the cases of Khursheed Ahmad, Sharafat Ali, Ijaz Shaukat and Ghafar Khan.

Meanwhile, The Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling heard 15 different cases, which were scheduled for hearing, including pre-arrest bail pleas and recording of statements of the witnesses. on Saturday. the Customs Court adjourned pre-arrest bail pleas of Muhammad Arslan and Muhammad Shahbaz.

Both are allegedly involved in tax evasion cases made by Gujranwala and Faisalabad regions.—M Imran Mehar

Pakistan imports raw cotton worth Rs 14b from India

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LAHORE

M IMRAN MEHAR

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akistan has imported 0.5 million bales of Indian cotton through Wagah border in Kirst ten months of the Kiscal year 201516, a limit set by Pakistan.

Sources told Customs Today that from July 2015 to 30th April 2016,

Pakistan imported 500,000 bales of Indian raw cotton that valued Rs 14 billion. By import of this huge quantity of raw cotton, the Pakistan Customs Land Freight Unit (LFU) Wagah has collected a huge revenue in the wake of duties and taxes on import. Sources said that suspension of cotton import will halt the revenue of the Pakistan Customs as during the last two years cotton is

the largest source of revenue generation for Pakistan Customs Land

Freight Unit Wagah.

While on the other hand Indian side conKirmed that thousands of cotton bales are loaded on trucks or in warehouses in waiting to cross the border. Meanwhile standing committee of senate has showed concern on huge import of Indian raw cotton and Customs Today has reported last week that Pakistan will suspend the import.

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New strike hits Port of Gothenburg as talks collapse WASHINGTON: Another 24-hour strike will hit the Port of Gothenburg, starting at 4 pm CET on Tuesday, according to a press release from APM Terminals in which the company informs that the talks between the terminal company and labor union Svenska Hamnarbetarförbundet have collapsed. Negotiations between the two parties began on Wednesday last week, and as recently as Friday, word from the talks indicated that the negotiations were progressing in a constructive manner. But this was too optimistic, notes Henrik Kristensen, CEO of APM Terminals Gothenburg, in the press release. “We quickly noted a very limited interest (to put it mildly) to agree on wording that could pave the way, once and for all, to finding a solution for how to work.

King Abdullah Port delegation visits Valencia Port delegation from Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Port recently visited Valencia Port in Spain, Europe’s fifth busiest port, along with teams from other organisations to study and benchmark operational procedures in use. The accompanying organisations included officials from the Economic Cities Authority (ECA), the border guard, the Saudi Customs and the National Container Terminal (NCT), the main operator of the container terminal, said a statement from King Abdullah Port. The delegates explored first-hand the key fea-

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tures of the terminals at Valencia Port, the working and business methods the Port Authority of Valencia employs, and safety and security standards and procedures, it said.

King Abdullah Port officials previously visited the ports of Istanbul, Rotterdam and Antwerp. They selected Valencia Port for this year’s visit on account of it being the largest not only in Spain, but also in the Mediterranean Sea basin, and Europe’s fifth busiest port, it added. “For the past three years, with our partners in the government and the private sector, we have been making visits to major ports to exchange knowledge and experience and utilise best practices at our port,” said Engineer Abdullah Hameedadin, managing director of the Ports Development Company, the owner and developer of King Abdullah Port. He said: “After each visit, we conduct a feasibility study to see how these practices may be utilised at King Abdullah Port by reporting our findings, just like other ports in the kingdom, to the border guard and Saudi Customs.”—CB Report

Ports & Shipping

Harbor patrol involved in international port security WASHINGTON

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team of Harbor Police ofKicers were recently deployed to Jamaica where they provided training to maritime police as part of U.S. efforts to promote maritime security. The Harbor Police Department is sharing their practices with law enforcement agencies around the world to support foreign port security and Kight international crime. During the Jamaica deployment from February 16 through February 25, Harbor Police ofKicers worked other bureaus to observe procedures and inspect police vessels. Harbor Patrol ofKicers responded to the entrance of the bay to assist San Diego Lifeguards with a rescue of two Jet Ski operators that were in distress (stuck in kelp). Upon our arrival, the jet skis were being towed into the bay by the lifeguards. Harbor Patrol ofKicers took the operators aboard their vessel and then towed the skis to the HP Dock.

While on a call for service in a Shelter Island marina, Harbor Patrol ofKicers arrested a subject for an outstanding warrant. Harbor Patrol ofKicers responded to the A-3 Anchorage at Laurel Street to investigate a theft of a dinghy that was taken off of a vessel that was moored. Harbor Patrol ofKicers responded to a dinghy dock behind the Marine Exchange on Shelter Island. The dock had been cluttered with debris, trash and small vessels on top of the dock for a

long period of time. After Harbor Patrol ofKicers spent several weeks posting the items for removal, the items were taken to the trash. Three small vessels (dinghy’s / canoes) were impounded at the Harbor Police dinghy dock in an attempt to locate the owners. The dock will now be receiving necessary repairs.

Harbor Patrol ofKicers responded to the A-3 Anchorage at Laurel Street to investigate a verbal dispute between a few boaters.

Wednesday May 25, 2016

Port of Los Angeles imports up 4.7% for April Import cargo volumes at the Port of Los Angeles increased 4.7% in April compared to the same period last year while overall cargo volume for the first four months of 2016 has increased 8% compared to 2015. “While the pace of global trade and U.S. retailer imports has eased recently, our work and progress on supply chain optimization has put the Port of Los Angeles on track to drive market opportunities.” said Executive Director Gene Seroka. Total April 2016 volumes registered at 656,177 TwentyFoot Equivalent Units (TEUs), a decrease of 1% compared to the same period last year. April loaded imports increased 4.7% to 343,574 TEUs. Loaded exports decreased 1% to 144,103 TEUs. Total loaded TEUs increased 2.9% to 487,677 TEUs. When factoring in a decrease of 10.9% in the movement of empty containers, overall April container volumes were 656,177 TEUs. Meanwhile, Port Tampa Bay recorded significant decreases in cargo for the first half of its fiscal year, signaling Tampa is not immune to the issues plaguing the global import-export business.—CB Report

RTO-II collects Rs 41,345m in first 20 days of May T

KARACHI

WAQAR AHMED ANSARI www.customsbulletin.com

he Regional Tax OfKice-II (RTOII) recovered Rs 41,345 million in the Kirst 20 days of May. This amount is Rs 1,113 million extra than the amount collected during the Kirst twenty days of April. Sources informed Customs Today that RTO-II collected Rs 41,345 million in the Kirst 20 days of May from which Rs 37,616 million were collected under the head of income tax, Rs3,645 million were recovered under the head of sales tax, while Rs 84 million were generated as federal excise duty (FED). It is necessary to mention here that during previous month of April RTO-II collected Rs40232 million in Kirst twenty days of April from which Rs38371 million were collected as income tax, Rs1820 million were collected as sales tax, while Rs41 million were recovered through federal excise duty (FED).

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Faisalabad FIA arrests alleged human smuggler FAISALABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested an alleged human trafficker involved in sending people abroad on fake documents from Jaranwala, District Faisalabad.

Faisalabad FIA Director Chaudhary Mazherulla, Inspector Saeed Imam Zaidi and Sub-Inspector Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, following information, arrested Muhammad Saeed son of Abdul Ghani. The accused was involved in looting people by extorting huge amounts from them in guise of sending them abroad.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

ASO seizes non-duty paid goods worth Rs 40 million in May LAHORE M HAYAT

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he Anti Smuggling Organization of Customs Collectorate (Preventive) on the directions of Collector of Customs (Preventive), headed by Dr. Muhammad Adnan Khan, Assistant Collector and under the supervision of Superintendent Munawar Ahmad Khan, Superintendent Ejaz Rasool Shah, Superintendent Saleem Akhtar and Deuty Superintendent Mazhar Abbas Buttar, has started a campaign against non-duty paid goods and vehicles. According sources during the month of May Customs ASO seized huge quantity of smuggled / non-duty paid goods including cloth, motor cycle parts, Kire crackers, auto parts, wrist watches, injection molding machine etc. and vehicles including Honda Civic Car, Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Mark-X. The value of the seized goods and vehicles is more than Rs 0.00 million. ASO authorities after seizing the goods and vehicles forwarded the cases to Customs Adjudication for further proceedings.

Meanwhile, The Customs Preventive Lahore has established Drug En-

forcement Cell to prevent smuggling of narcotics, sources told Customs Today. It was said that the cell will report to superintendent Customs Preventive anti-smuggling and the cell

would be stationed in headquarters and respond to any speciKic informatio / intelligence pertaining to Kield stations of the collectorate Lahore Land Freight Unit (LFU) Wagah, Air

Freight Unit (AFU), Airport TrafKic, T-10 Railways Station Wagah and IMO (GPO). The jurisdiction of the cell will be the same as that of the Customs Preventive, Lahore espe-

cially for drugs’ interdiction and detection, the source said adding that the cell shall submit a fortnightly performance report to Assistant Collector Dr Muhammad Adnan Khan.

SHC seeks govt remaks on M/s Al Mansoor Petroluem’s plea KARACHI

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to secretary Revenue Division, assistant collector Stateware House, Customs Collectorate Hyderabad as well as deputy attorney general on a constitution petition Kiled by Al-Mansoor Petroleum Services, seeking to Kill the vacancy of the chairman of the

Customs Appellate Tribunal.

A two-member bench, headed

by Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah heard the petition and sought comments from the respondents for June 2, 2016.

Earlier, the petitioner’s counsel stated that petitioner is a lawful owner of HSD of 19,000 liters (approximately) load on of oil tanker but respondents claimed that they intercepted the oil tanker at Tool Plaza Mirpurkhas Road and conKiscated the said HSD oil and tanker on the charges of illegal Iranian smuggled oil. But according to the petitioner, the oil was

purchased by M/s Hascal Petroleum Ltd after fulKilling all the requirements. Petitioner said that against outright conKiscation of his diesel the petitioner has Kiled an appeal before the Customs Appellate Tribunal, Karachi which is pending before the tribunal but after retirement of previous chairman of the said tribunal no new chairman was appointed by concerned authority. SHC had also directed to secretary Revenue Division for Kill out the said vacancy but same in not Killed in. Due to which the large number of people are suffering the huge backlog of

cases. Petitioner pleaded that SHC may direct the respondents to appoint a new chairman and in said post. Earlier, petitioner had approached the SHC in another petition and on April 02,2016 court had restrained the respondents from auctioning the oil tanker and alleged Iranian smuggled 19,000 liters high supreme diesel (HSD) until the appeal is decided before the Collector of Customs (appeals).

SHC also had directed the Collector of Customs (appeals) to decide the pending appeal of the petitioner within 30 days. Meanwhile, The Sindh High Court (SHC) has dis-

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posed of a petition Kiled by M/s Tri Star Industries ( Private) Limited, seeking exemption from withholding tax on import of its plant and machinery and also seeking release of the goods through accepting the bank guarantee of the amount of withholding tax involved in the matter. A two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah heard the petition.

During the hearing, the counsel for the petitioner submitted that the respondents had passed the order on the classiKication dispute, therefore, the court may allow it to withdraw the petition.