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ASSumIng chARgE

Tariq Mehmood Pasha, a grade 22 officer from IRS, has assumed charge of Chairman FBR and Secretary Revenue Division. | SEE pAgE 02 | REvISIng cuSTomS vAluES

ISLAMABAD

TARIQ DERYA

DG Customs Valuation revised customs values of un-coated offset paper for writing, printing and photocopying through VR No 1190/2017. | SEE pAgE 09 |

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arwat Tahira Habib, Chief Collector of Customs, North Region, which comprises Model Customs Collectorates (MCC) Islamabad, Samberial (Sialkot), Peshawar and Gilgit-Baltistan, appreciated the efforts of the Customs Staff of the North Region for achieving the assigned revenue collection target assigned for Financial Year (FY) 2016-17.

The Model Custom Collectorates, North Region, exceeded the monthly (June FY1617) revenue target of Customs Duty (CD). The North Region collected extra revenue of Rs544.42million against the allocated revenue collection target of CD during June FY16-17 whereas the North Region received an extra revenue of Rs583.88million of All Duty and Taxes during the same period of FY16-17.

Talking to Customs Today during an exclusive interview at her ofMice, Chief Collector North Region said that with the grace of Allah Model Customs Collectorates of the North Region worked really hard for the achievement of the tax collection targets and had been able to exceed the monthly Customs Duty target and total tax targets with an outstanding performance during the month of June FY2016-17. In response to a query regarding the tax collection during June FY16-17, she stated that Customs North Region generated Rs2444.86million of CD against the

SuRpASSIng TARgET

Port Qasim collectorate collected highest customs duty of Rs96.582b under supervision of Collector Saeed Akram. | SEE pAgE 03 | SToppIng REvEnuE lEAkAgE

Quetta customs surpassed revenue collection target with extra amount of Rs678.00m under supervision of Collector Saeed Jadoon. | SEE pAgE 04 |

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

earmarked target of Rs1900.44million during June FY16-17 whereas North Region earned Rs4952.82million of All Duty and Taxes against the allocated target of Rs4368.94 million. She added that she would speciMically like to laud the efforts of the ofMicers and staff of the MCC Gilgit-Baltistan who collected Rs2912.02million of All Duty and Taxes during June FY2016-17 whereas the North was assigned with the collection of Rs1802.9million during said period.

She further said the MCC GB exceeded its allocated collection target of all duty and taxes by 61%.

Sarwat Tahira said she would also like to commend the efforts of the MCC Islamabad which exceeded the CD all the way. During FY2016-17, the MCC Islamabad earned Rs6065.01m of CD whereas the collectorate was assigned with collection of Rs5977.88million CD. She told CT that the MCCI generated Rs87.13million extra collection against the target for FY16-17 of CD. The Chief Collector further told CT that it would be unfair not to mention the commendable efforts put in by Peshawar Collectorate as it collected Rs7166.55million CD against the earmarked revenue target of Rs8351million under the same head during Financial Year 2016-17. During the Mirst nine months of FY2016-17 due to prevailing security situation on the borders adjacent to the MCC Peshawar, revenue collection remained slow.

The Chief Collector North also appreciated the efforts put in by the ofMicers and staff of the MCC who helped in achieving the accumulative target of the North Region.

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NATIONAL

JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2017

Islamabad ASo earns Rs85.6m extra revenue by impounding smuggled goods & vehicles in 2016-17

ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Islamabad collected extra revenue of Rs85.6m by impounding smuggled goods and vehicles during Financial Year 2016-17. The worth of total smuggled goods and vehicles was Rs503.00m during FY2016-17 whereas ASO impounded smuggled goods and vehicles valued Rs417.735m during FY2015-16. According to Deputy Collector Ansir Anees while talking to Customs Today, she said the performance of ASO of Model Customs Collectorate Islamabad has been quite satisfactory during FY16-17 as compared to corresponding Financial Year 2015-16.

Multan Adjudication finalises 30 seizure cases worth Rs37.864m in June MULTAN

ImRAn AlI khAn

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Tariq pasha takes charge as fbR chairman Newly-appointed FBR chairman Pasha served on various slots in federal, Punjab level ISLAMABAD

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Deputy Collector Falik Shair assigns new tasks to staff at Faisalabad airport FAISALABAD

nAEEm ShEIkh

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ariq Mehmood Pasha, a grade 22 ofMicer from the Inland Revenue Service, has assumed the charge of Chairman Federal Board of Revenue and Secretary Revenue Division on Tuesday. After assuming the charge, he visited the ofMice of Special Assistant to Prime Minister Haroon Akhter Khan and discussed with him important issues and revenue related matters of the FBR. The Special Assistant to Prime Minister greeted him and hoped that under his leadership and supervision, the FBR would achieve all the set revenue collection targets of the current Minancial year (2017-18).

Haroon assured him of his full cooperation for acquisition of the set budgetary and revenue targets for the current Minancial year. Tariq Pasha also visited Member Operation Inland Revenue Rehmat Ullah Khan Wazir and staff ofMice. He exchanged views with the Member Operation on the tax collection issues.

Members of FBR Board and other senior ofMicials including Member Customs Zahid Khokhar, Member Policy Inland Revenue Dr. Mohammad Iqbal, Member Administration Nadir Mumtaz, Member Human Resources Management Rozi Khan Burki, Member Tax Payers Audit Rukhsana Yasmin, Member IT Nauheen Javaid Amjad, Member Legal HaMiz Muhammad Indhar, Member Accounting Fahim ul Haq Khan and Member FATE Dr. Fazal Muhammad Abrejo visited chairman ofMice and congratulate him on assuming the charge and assured him their full cooperation.

It is expected that next few days a

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

ustoms Adjudication Multan Camp Office has finalized 30 various seizure cases of worth Rs37.864 million for the duration of June during the current Fiscal Year 2016-17.

According to details, Deputy Collector Customs Adjudication Farhat Ali has concluded 18 various seizure cases of worth Rs10.10 million after their trial during the month of June. These decided seizure cases involved cloths, auto parts, liquor, vehicle and other goods. Customs Intelligence and Investigation and AntiSmuggling Organization have formed these seizure cases in their various actions in the jurisdiction. Deputy Collector Farhat Ali has decided all seizure cases in the favor of department after completion of their hearing. There were 41 new seizure cases of worth Rs.28.950 million added for trial in the month of June.

Additional Collector Customs Adjudication Talib Hussain has decided 10 different seizure cases of worth Rs.14.90 million during the month of June.

Additional Collector has settled more seizure cases of smuggled vehicles formed by Customs Intelligence and AntiSmuggling Organization in their actions.

As many as 21 new seizure cases of worth Rs.37.962 million added for trial in the Court of Additional Collector during the month of June.

fbR chairman Tariq pasha major changes can be took place in Meanwhile, Tariq Mehmood Federal Board of Revenue on Board Pasha, the newly appointed chairman levels and in Mield formations. of the Federal Board of Revenue According to FBR sources that all (FBR), has served on various posimajor changes will be on merit and tions in the federal and Punjab govtransparent way. It is pertinent to ernments. He has served as deputy mention here that Tariq Mehmood director of the National AccountabilPasha is very experienced bureaucrat ity Bureau (NAB), general manager of and he started his career as income the Pakistan Electric Media Regulatax ofMicer. tory Authority, secretary of the Pun-

jab government, secretary of the Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department, Lahore, secretary to the Punjab governor, commissioner of the Human Resources Management Regional Tax OfMice, Lahore, joint secretary of the Prime Minister Secretariat and Finance Division, member administration of the FBR and special advisor to FBR chairman, secretary of the Central Board of Revenue, additional secretary in Finance Division, special advisor to the Minance minister and secretary incharge in the Economic Affairs Division.

He also took part in different courses during his career, including Common Training Program from Civil Service Academy, Specialized Training Program from Directorate of Training and Research (Income Tax) Lahore, Micro Computer Application Course from Pakistan Computer Bureau Islamabad and 98thNational Management Course (NMC) from National School of Public Policy Lahore.

He joined the Inland Revenue Service in October 1984 as Income Tax OfMicer in Grade 17 and 13thDecember he had appointed in Commissionerate of Income Tax (Zone D) Karachi. He served as Income Tax OfMicer till September 16, 1992 and then he promoted on the post of Deputy Commissioner and posted at Commissionrate of Income Tax Company Zone II Karachi.

He served as Deputy Commissioner till February 26, 1998 and then he transferred to NAB as deputy director. During Musharraf’s regime, he was appointed as PEMPRA general manager on July 18, 2005.

Later, he was appointed as Joint Secretary in Prime Minister Secretariat and joined as secretary to the Punjab governor. On February 20, 2017 he was appointed as secretary of the Economic Affair Division.

www.customstoday.com he Customs Collectorate Deputy Collector Headquater (HQ ) Falik Shair as assigned new duties to incharge, inspector, and sepoys at Faisalabad International Airport.

According to the notifications issued by the deputy collector, shift-A will be supervised by Shift Incharge Ghulam Murtaza with the coordination of two inspectors and one sepoy.The officials will perform their duties in four shifts at the airport, while each shift will work for 12 hours from 9am to 9pm and 9pm to 9am.

Shift Incharge Habib Mayo has been assigned task in shift-B with two inspectors.

Furthermore, Incharge Shahid Iqbal will perform his duty along with two inspectors in shift-C. Similarly, Asghar Mehdi Naqvi will perform his duty with 2 inspectors and one sepoys in shift-D.The Superintendent Dilawar Hussain will monitor the timings of the shifts and will be overall incharge of the matters pertaining to the airport.

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customs I&I seizes huge quantity of smuggled cumin seeds D LAHORE

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irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) Lahore has seized 240 sacks of non-duty paid Indian cumin seeds (zeera) worth Rs 10 million.

Sources told Customs Today that the Customs Intelligence and Investigation team intercepted a truck loaded with Indian zeera.

The truck was coming from Rawalpindi through Sheikhupura Road and was heading towards Akbari Mandi Lahore.

The sources said that the zeera

I&I Director Rubab Sikandar

was to be supplied to M/s Kashmir Traders at Akbari Mandi.

Sources said that the ASO team intercepted the truck on the information of director and the raiding team was led by Deputy Director Zeb Ali Khan.

The official sources said that the Customs I&I, on the direction of Director Customs Intelligence and Investigation Rubab Sikandar, conducted a number of successful raids and seized non-customs paid items and vehicles worth millions of rupees.

Sources said that Director Rubab Sikandar has directed all customs teams to adopt zero tolerance policy towards smuggling.

Customs Court seeks charge sheet against suspects involved in import of kerosene oil he CustomsTaxation and AntiSmuggling Court directed the investigation officer to complete investigation and submit a final charge sheet against suspects namely Pervaz Ahmed, AdnanTariq, Irfan Ahmed, Muhammad Shahid, Abdul Samad, Sher Ameen and others who were booked for their alleged involvement in misdeclaration and import of kerosene oil under the garb of white spirit. According to the prosecution, information were received in the Directorate General that M/s SMD Sons North Karachi had been involved in clearance of kerosene oil under the garb of import of white spirit. —CT Report

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NATIONAL 03

JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2017

Two accused sent to jail on 14-day judicial remand in cloth smuggling

LAHORE: The Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has sent two accused to jail on the extension of judicial remand of 14 days. According to details available to Customs Today, two accused named Rehmat Ali and Nasir Khan were arrested by the customs intelligence. After arresting the accused, Pakistan Customs Intelligence started investigation against them and got their physical remand as well for this purpose. The customs intelligence had also recovered a huge quantity of foreign made smuggled cloths and related goods from their possession.

DG Customs Intelligence files money laundering case against six importers

port Qasim customs tops with highest customs duty collection of Rs96.582b

ISLAMABAD

muhAmmAD fAIZAn www.customstoday.com

KARACHI

cuSTomS ToDAY REpoRT www.customstoday.com

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ustoms South region collected Rs295.616 billion till June 30 as compared with collection of Rs260.719 billion in the previous year, reMlecting 13.4 percent growth.

Overall, Pakistan Customs collected customs duty of Rs345.297 billion in FY17, which is 14 percent higher than the custom duty collection of Rs303.16 billion in the previous year. Appraisement South comprising Appraisement East, Appraisement West and Port Qasim shined in Miscal year 2016-17 delivering 13.3 percent growth in customs duty collection to Rs262.734 billion compared with Rs231.91 collected in the previous year.

Highest customs duty collection came from Port Qasim collectorate, which collected Rs96.582 billion in FY2017 as against Rs77.84 billion in FY2016. Saeed Akram Collector Port Qasim said the entire staff was commendable for their untiring efforts. He said that Member Customs Zahid Khokhar and Chief Collector Abdul Rasheed Shaikh with their no-compromise policy and dedication enabled such revenue growth.

Customs Appraisement East collected customs duty of Rs84.98 billion in FY2017 as against Rs73.3 billion in FY2016.

Appraisement East Collector Ashad Jawwad East said Chief Collector Abdul Rasheed Shaikh modiMied the assigned target among the collectorates due to which all collectorates achieved their revenue

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

irectorate General Customs Intelligence and investigation has finally framed the money laundering charges against six importers, M/s DastagirTraders, Lahore, M/s IC Master, Lahore, M/s Mustafa Enterprises, Lahore, M/s SBS Group of Companies, Lahore, M/s ShahzadTraders, Lahore, and M/sWorld FashionTextiles, Lahore.

A case has been filed with the Customs Special Court ofTaxation and Anti-Smuggling.

These importers were involved in smuggling of Indian origin grey cloth from dry ports of Lahore, by declaring the same as of Chinese origin and the practice was going on for the last four four years. Import of Indian grey cloth is banned in Pakistan.

The importers are involved in transferring a huge amount of foreign exchange to India through United Arab Emirates.The estimated money laundering amount is US$7 million which is equal to Rs 750 million.The Directorate General has also approached the Financial Monitoring Unit of the State Bank of Pakistan for purpose of money trail to India.

It is pertinent to mention here that during the first week of May 2017 the Directorate General Intelligence & Investigations Federal Board of revenue had been busted an organized group of comprising various importers involved in smuggling of banned Indian origin grey cloth into Pakistan and was intercepted 18 containers loaded with Indian cloths, en route from India to Lahore via Dubai. During initial investigations it had been unearthed that the gang was involved in import of grey cloth from India to Dubai. The Indian cloths were cleared from Dubai Customs and after repacking, the banned item is re-shipped from Dubai to Lahore via Karachi.

collector Saeed Akram

South region collects Rs295.616b with 13.4% growth

collection targets. As the SAPT terminal was under MCC Appraisement East and ships that were to dock at Appraisement West ofMloaded at SAPT terminal, the modiMication in targets was quite appropriate.

Appraisement West collected customs duty of Rs81.17 billion in FY2017 as against Rs80.7 billion in FY2016. Collector Appraisement West Shahnaz Maqbool said they made all efforts and plugged leakages to improve the revenue per container rate, which resulted in increased revenue collection.

Preventive collected customs

duty of Rs27.379 billion in FY2017 as against Rs24.834 billion in FY2016. Hyderabad Customs collected customs duty of Rs2.943 billion in FY2017 as against Rs1.756 billion in FY2016. Quetta Customs collected customs duty of Rs2.29 billion in FY2017 as against Rs1.934 billion in FY2016. Gwadar Customs collected customs duty of Rs3.99 million in FY2017 as against Rs2.36 billion in FY2016.

Overall, Pakistan Customs collected sales tax at import stage of Rs640.77 billion in FY17, which is 3.4 percent higher than the sales tax collection of Rs619.245 billion

in the previous year. Customs South collected Sales Tax at import stage of Rs547.32 billion in FY17, which is 7.04 percent higher than the sales tax collection of Rs511.14 billion in the previous year.

Pakistan Customs collected income tax at import stage of Rs185.3 billion in FY17, which is 6.9 percent higher than the sales tax collection of Rs173 billion in the previous year. Customs South collected Income Tax at import stage of Rs163.82 billion in FY17, which is 7.9 percent higher than the sales tax collection of Rs151.73 billion during the last year.

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04 NATIONAL

JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2017

hyderabad fIu confiscates 399 & 64 cartons of juice & chocolate

HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad FIU seized 399 cartons of non-duty-paid Rani Juice and 64 cartons of chocolate. The impounded items are said to be worth Rs644680 involving duty and taxes of Rs171543. The Customs Investigation and Intelligence, Field Investigation Unit (FIU), confiscated the said non-duty-paid foreign origin Rani Juice and 64 cartons of chocolate in an operation near Hatri Bypass Hyderabad during the month of June 2017. The smuggled items were being transported from Karachi to Multan.

Stoppageofrevenue leakageshowsextraordinary collection,saysDrJadoon TARIQ DERYA

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MULTAN

ImRAn AlI khAn

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

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collector Saud Imran he Customs Collectorate has reopens the investigation in the smuggling of branded cell phones of worth Rs10.553 million from Rahim Yar Khan International Airport.

According to details, Multan Customs has seized huge quantity of foreign origin cell phones at RahimYar Khan Airport last year on the tip off informer. The customs staff thwarted the attempt of smuggling at RahimYar Khan Airport due to their vigilant monitoring of the passengers goods in order to avoid any clearance of suspicious goods and captured cell phones from alleged passenger Muhammad Rizwan who is a resident of mohallah Bara Maiden, Nazimabad Karachi. Customs authorities found during their investigation that alleged accused Muhammad Rizwan was trying to smuggle cell phones with the assistance of customs staff deputed at RahimYar Khan Airport.

The Customs Collector Multan Investigation and Prosecution branch has appointed Inspector Zia Bhatti for the investigation of mobile smuggling case to find culprit involved in the smuggling of cell phones. Multan Customs found that staffs were in contact with alleged passenger on the mobile phone and assisting them during the clearance of their non-customs paid cell phones at RahimYar Khan Airport.

Passenger tried to clear foreign origin non-customs paid cell phones by availing the green channel facility to avoid examination of customs staff.

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— Exclusive Customs Today photo

collector Dr Saeed Jadoon that the revenue realized on account der throughout the FY2016-17. He of disposal/auction of seized or con- said that some of key measures inMiscated goods showed remarkable clude increased checks on clearances growth over the correspondence at customs stations, reinvigorated enthree Minancial years he was adding forcement efforts in co-ordination that during FY2013-14 the MCC with Frontier Crops Balochistan, Quetta earned Rs.197.00 million Balochistan Police and Provincial Govwhereas it collected Rs.328.00 mil- ernment strengthened of customs lion during FY15-16 as for as the Col- check-posts and these efforts made lectorate earned Rs.1113.00 million efMicient and speedy disposal of seized during FY2015-16 he was stated that goods and vehicles through auction the MCC Quetta earned Rs.1360.00 among others. He said that last three million during Fy2016-17. years have seen considerable Dr. Saeed Jadoon told that Collec- progress as they bust organized torate of Quetta made good adminis- smuggling gangs which was a truly trative measures to meet the assigned daunting challenge. The collector said revenue collection target for Minancial that with effective measures the MCC year 2016-17, he was adding that all Quetta promoted the tax culture in the staff worked shoulder to shoul- the province (Balochistan).

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ASlAm AnJum QuREShI

he Field Intelligence Unit (FIU) Hyderabad has impounded a nonduty-paid vehicle Toyota Hiace Van modelled 1994 worth Rs1.5million involving duty and taxes of Rs1013921 during a raid on Fateh Chowk in Hyderabad during the month of June 2017.

Customs Intelligence Deputy Director Waqar Haroon Malik received a tip-off regarding the non-duty-paid vehicle.

He formed a team, comprising Superintendent Qasim Ali Alvi, Intelligence OfMicer Irfan Ghani, Noor Muhammad Shah, Ahmed Hussain Joneju, Sepoys Muhammad Imran, Ghayas Ahmad Shah, Momin Khan, Azam Ali Chandio, Aslam Chohan, Driver Hanif Soomro, Janib Curb and Rao Abdul Sattar, to impound the vehicle.

The team intercepted the said vehicle with registration No: JF-6599 near Fateh Chowk in City of Hyderabad and asked the owner of the vehicle to produce the legal documents of the import and possession of the vehicle, but he failed to do so.

The ofMicials impounded the vehicle under the customs bylaws and registered a case against the suspect.

Now the case will be sent to the Customs Adjudication for further legal action against the accused.

customs preventive ASo impounds 11 non-customs paid vehicles in June C

LAHORE

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ollectorate of Customs Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has impounded 11 non-customs paid luxury vehicles during the month of June 2017.

As per details, different teams of the Anti-Smuggling Organization impounded non-customs paid items worth Rs 11,800,000 from various localities in and out of Lahore city.

The ASO team seized various non-customs paid vehicles including Mitsubishi Pajero jeep, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Mark-X, Toy-

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

multan customs reopens mobile smuggling case

HYDERABAD www.customstoday.com

QUETTA

he Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Quetta has surpassed its revenue collection target with extra amount of Rs678.00million of all duty and taxes set for the outgoing Fiscal Year (FY) 2016-17. The MCC Quetta was assigned with revenue collection target under all the taxes of Rs15.41billion for FY16-17 whereas the collectorate collected Rs16.08billion from (1st July to 30th of June) FY 16-17.

Talking to Customs Today during an exclusive interview, the Collector MCC Quetta Dr. Saeed Jadoon said the revenue analysis of the last three Minancial years indicates that revenue collection in Minancial year 2016-17 was out of ordinary. During FY201314, the MCC Quetta earned Rs4188.00million of all duty and taxes whereas the MCC Quetta received Rs6970.00million under the same head during FY2014-15. He told CT that during FY2015-16 the collectorate earned Rs13941.00million under the same head, adding that during FY16-17, the witnessed landmark collection was Rs.16088.00 million.

The Collector MCC Quetta said that tax-wise break-up indicates that under the head of Customs Duty, the collectorate jumped to Rs5693million during FY2016-17 whereas it jumped to Rs6953m of Sales Tax (ST). The collectorate jumped to Rs2552.00m of Withholding Tax (WHT) and MCC Quetta jumped to Rs270.00million of Federal Excise Duty (FED).

The Collector MCC Quetta added

Hyderabad FIU impounds NDP vehicle worth Rs1.5m during June 2017

collector Zulfikar Ali

ota Crown car, Toyota Crown, Toyota Hilux Surf, Honda Civic Car, Toyota Hilux surf,, Toyota Mark X and other brands during various crackdowns.

The non-customs paid vehicle were mainly impounded from Muslim Town, Gulberg, Model Town Defense, Ravi Road, Johar Town and other places in the city. The vehicles were impounded after their drivers and owners failed to produce import documents. Most of the vehicles were being plied on the city roads on fake documents and number plates.

The vehicle were conMiscated on the information of Collector of Customs Preventive ZulMikar Ali Chaudhary while the operations against

the non customs paid vehicles were conducted by anti smuggling teams comprising Superintendent Nasir Minhas, Sajjad Bukhari and others.

The vehicles were seized after customs authorities were fully satisMied that the vehicles were not properly imported but smuggled.

Sources told that Customs Preventive ASO teams after completing necessary procedure will forward these cases to Customs Adjudication for further proceedings. It is necessary to mention here that Collector ZulMikar Ali Chaudhary already directed all anti smuggling teams to adopt zero tolerance policy towards owners and drivers of the non customs paid vehicles.

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SPECIALREPORT

JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2017

LAHORE

m hAYAT

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he Collectorate of Customs Appraisement has been able to ensure a growth of 24 percent in collection of customs duty during the financial year 2016-17 despite the fact that importers are unhappy over the imposition of Infrastructure Development Cess by the Punjab government.

Talking to Customs Today, Collector of Customs Appraisement Muhammad Jamil Nasir said that the collectorate collected Rs 28,475 million during the financial year 201617 whereas it had collected Rs 23,493 million during the previous financial year. He said that Rs 4,532 million were collected as customs duty against the assigned target of Rs 4,302 million in June 2017 alone, adding that the collectorate ensured transparency at every stage of its operations.

Nasir has extensive experience in customs related affairs while he holds degrees of MA

Economic, MBA and has attended a program in Columbia on Economic Policy Management.

He said that due to the levy of Infrastructure Development Cess at the rate of 0.9 percent, several major importers prefer to clear their goods from Karachi ports, adding that collection of customs duty was a challenge in Punjab.

“Duty collection through administrative measures remained one of the primary areas of concern, especially during the last quarter of the last financial year,” he said.

The follow up of legal cases, recovery of the liabilities, auction of overstayed goods, encashment of financial instruments, finalization of provisional assessments and audit of manufacturing bonds and DTRE users were given particular attention in the last quarter of the last financial year, he added.

He stated that approximately Rs 1,800 million were collected as a result of administrative measures and improvement in assessment and valuation during the last quarter.

Besides optimum collection of customs duty through ad-

ministrative measures, trade facilitation and keeping track of performance of the officers and officials of the Collectorate are some of the major planks of the operational strategy of the Collectorate of Appraisement, Lahore Nasir highlighted saying in this regard, WeBOC registration system has been revamped to make the process of obtaining of WeBOC user ID easier and transparent.

“Moreover, performance of the appraisers and principal appraisers is also being regularly monitored with a view to ensure accuracy of valuation and classification of goods and speedy clearance.

Resultantly, there is significant indication of correctness of valuation and assessment leading to reduction in complaints from the importers and their representatives,” the collector of Appraisement underlined, explaining that the effective rate of duty has also witnessed an increase.

“With transparent and accurate examination process, instances of mis-declaration of description, classification and origin have reduced considerably” Nasir mentioned.

Collector Jamil Nasir, hoped

that as a result of joining of new appraisers and inspectors in the second week of July, 2017, working of the Colletorate will further improve as lack of trained and motivated workforce has been one of the major reasons responsible for below optimal standards of performance.

The Collectorate is also working on certain initiatives aimed at facilitation of trade, reduction of dwell time and cost of doing business, education of the taxpayers and restructuring business processes to make clearance speedy and transparent, the collector said.

One of such initiatives includes more focus on post release verification of imported consignments, education of importers and taxpayers through meetings and workshops with organizations of trade like Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Nasir said.

Education and trainings of the importers will go a long way in improving the quality of customs declarations and bridging trust deficit between the customs department and the importers and exporters, the collector concluded.

JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2017

SPECIALREPORT 07

— Exclusive Customs Today photos

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08 EDITORIAL

JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2017

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

EDIToRIAl

need for structural reforms

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angladesh is a role model for developing economies which increased its exports beyond $30 billion in 2017 despite having the size of the gross domestic products half of Pakistan.

Bangladesh is not a cotton producing country, but has emerged as the second largest textile exporter in the world. On another note, Pakistan has all the resources, energy and ability to create industrial surplus and enhance its exports. Experts believe tax concessions, diversification of products and exploration of new markets, are a few components to increase exports. Bangladesh has concentrated on the textile manufacturing sector which has become the engine of growth for its economy.The world is heading toward unification and restriction on imports is not a solution to the rising trade deficit in Pakistan’s case.The management and administrative failures of the government are visible, but no effort has been made to fix the matters.The country urgently needs structural reforms not only in the bureaucratic affairs, but also in other sectors of the economy. Investors, whether locals or foreigners,are shy of investing in the country.They need concessions on the import of parts and machinery as well as tax relief, but in a country where starting a business isitself an uphill task, how much it will attract investments in prevailing conditions can be any body’s guess.

The first thing first is that the country needs for a paradigm shift in its economic and financial policies as well as structural reforms.The aged old methods of administration and management have lost their utility with increase in the size of the economy and the population.The new administrative units are needed to be established to implement the writ of the government, but closing the eyes to understand realities are adversely affecting the pace of development. Still the policymakers prefer to export food items whereas the country is heading toward food scarcity. Unless the policymakers focus on the export of value-added goods, the country will have to face tough competition from its peers in the region. According to reports, Pakistan received lower prices for clothing items from the European Union as compared to their regional competitors and this should be an area of concern for those who matter.

The prime minister has already announced an export package, but economists believe mere injection of money in the export sector is not enough.The country needs reforms but no one has the time to think over this crucial issue at any stage. One can only hope that God bless this nation which is at odds with itself.

Time to remove suspicions about cpEc I

LAHORE

DR AfTAb AfZAl

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ndia is twisting in pain since the conception and inception of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and is running out of its options to stop this project of the regional importance.

It is equally strange that the Indian media, intelligentsia as well as the political elite is showing sympathy for Pakistan and is creating doubts about the mega project in the region. No doubt India is the wicked, staunchest and the worst enemy of Pakistan and is doing everything possible to harm Pakistan’s interests.

In this situation, it is a million dollar question why India is concerned about the well-being of Pakistan and its media is not tired of warning Islamabad about the possible consequences of the CPEC project. India is aggressively us-

ing media organizations and paid analysts to disseminate negative opinions about China’s much-hyped Belt and Road Initiative and downplay its role in regional connectivity.

Unfortunately, some US analysts have chosen the line of Indian propagandists and are blindly following the Indian chorus against the CPEC. They call the project vague which is launched and promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping to bridge the Eurasian countries with one another.

The political elite in Pakistan is boasting of the CPEC project which it deems will help address chronic electricity generation problem, upgrade rail and road network, construct special economic zones and boost economy. But the Indian media predicts the beneMits of the CPEC will be hardly materialized in the given situation. Instead, the country will be burdened with unserviceable debts and will cre-

A general study and research on the negative implications of the CPEC is necessary to remove the doubts from the minds of the people

ate Missures in its internal security. On another note, Pakistanis also hope that the corridor project will not only resolve electricity shortages, but will also develop infrastructure, boost national economy, bring out the nation from alleged isolation, and diminish the hegemonic role of the United States in the region.

However, the Pakistani government should think over the voices of concern from India and launch a counter-strategy to check pros and cons of the corridor project.

The general view in Pakistan is that India is making a mistake by not joining the project which can give it access to Afghanistan and beyond. But a general study and research on the negative implications of the CPEC is necessary to remove the doubts from the minds of the people. If such a steady has already been conducted, it should be published forthwith.

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NATIONAL 09

JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2017

Deputy collector Asma issues ono in favour of ASo faisalabad

FAISALABAD: The Collectorate of Customs Adjudication Deputy Collector Asma Hameed has issued an Order in Original (ONO) in favour of the Customs Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) Faisalabad on 3.1.2017. As per details, ASO Faisalabad has confiscated imported foreign origin used auto spare parts including different HTV auto with hub 8 stud, HTV auto hub without CWP , HTV auto tube CWP and hub which were loaded on Mazda mini truck. The owner of the items Raja Muhammad Rafique failed to submit any relevant legal documents.

Dg valuation revises customs values of un-coated offset paper

Faisalabad ASO seizes non-customs paid items worth Rs99.390m in FY 2016-17 FAISALABAD

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KARACHI

nAEEm ShEIkh

cuSTomS ToDAY REpoRT

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he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of un-coated offset paper for writing, printing and photocopying through Valuation Ruling No 1190/2017 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969.

Customs values of un-coated offset paper for writing, printing and photocopying were determined vide Valuation Ruling No.827/2016 dated 06.04.2016. It was deemed expedient to revisit the values so as to ensure that the customs values are in line with prevalent prices in the international market. Hence, an exercise was undertaken to re-determine customs value of subject goods under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. Stakeholders’ meeting was scheduled on 14.06.2017. Importers of Thailand attended the meeting.

However, on the request of the other importers, a second meeting was scheduled on 05.07.2017. All participants were requested to invoices of imports during last three months showing factual value. Websites, names and e-mail addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the item in question through which the actual current value can be ascertained. Copies of Contracts made / LCs opened during the last three months showing the value of item in question. Copies of sales tax invoices issued during last three months showing the difference in price (excluding duty and taxes) to substantiate that the beneMit of difference in price is passed on to the

collector muhammad Sadiq he Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) has seized Rs 99.390 million non customs paid goods, articles and vehicles from July 2016 to 30 June, 2017 of financial year 2016-17.

According to details ASO Faisalabad registered 89 cases and seized contraband goods and non customs paid items during the above said period.

The major non customs paid items seized by the ASO included cloth, plastic products, auto parts, iron and steel sheets, electronic goods, toiletries, generators, vehicles artificial leather, skimmed milk powder, cigarettes, fresh ginger etc.The ASO confiscated goods and articles under section 157 of the Customs Act, 1969.

The ASO impounded Rs 90.215 million vehicles and other contraband items in 92 cases during the fiscal year FY 2015-16.

The contraband goods and articles have been seized mostly on the information of Collector Customs Muhammad Sadiq, Additional Collector Customs Ghulam Mustafa, Deputy Collector Customs UsmanTariq.

T

wRITE To uS YouR gRIEvAncES: Through cuSTomS ToDAY platform hElp DESk, now you have chance to DIREcTlY write your problems to top govt. functionaries.

If you have any grievances, queries, questions or suggestions, you can write in this section as it provides easiest access to you to approach Customs and Revenue authorities. who can write in this section?

Importers & Exporters, Customs Agents, Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations and Customs Officers To whom you can write?

Honourable PM, Minister/Secretary for Finance & Revenue, Minister/Secretary for Ports and Shipping, FBR Chairman, Member Customs and Chairperson Senate/National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance & Revenue.

Send your letters at: newsdesk@customstoday.com.pk

valuation Dg Suraya butt

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

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DGValuationcustomsvalueofdrybatterycellvideVRNo1189/2017

local buyers.

The meeting was attended by importers, representatives of All Pakistan Paper Merchants Association and local manufacturers. The matter was discussed at length and the import evidences/invoices available on record were shown to importers.

Some importers submitted their invoices, the other requisitioned documents were however not submitted by the participants.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of dry bat-

tery cell through Valuation Ruling No 1189/2017 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969.

The aforesaid Valuation Ruling and Order-in-Revision were challenged before the Customs Appellate Tribunal, Karachi vide Customs Appeal No K-672/2017. The Customs Appellate Tribunal, Karachi set aside valuation ruling of dry battery cells and valuation department also directed to take appropriate measures and issue a fresh valuation ruling in accordance with the principles laid down in Sections 25 and

25-A of the Customs Act, 1969, after giving hearing opportunity to stakeholders. Hence this Directorate General initiated fresh investigation.

A meeting with stakeholders was held on 15-06-2017. Importers had been requested to furnish the invoices of imports during last three months showing factual value.

Websites, names and e-mail addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the item in question through which the actual current value can be ascertained.

Copies of contracts made / LCs opened during the last three months showing the value of item in question. Copies of sales tax invoices issued during last four months showing the difference in price (excluding duty and taxes) to substantiate that the beneMit of difference in price is passed on to the local buyers.

No documents were submitted in this Directorate General on or even after the said scheduled meetings.

Resultantly numerous surveys were conducted for determination of the customs values. Valuation methods given in Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969 were followed to arrive at customs values of dry battery cell.

Transaction value method provided in Section 25 (1) was found inapplicable owing to wide variation in the values being declared to the customs. Identical / similar goods value methods provided in Section 25 (5) & (6) were examined for applicability to the valuation issue in the instant case which provided some reference values of the subject goods but same could not be exclusively relied upon due to wide variation in declared values of subject goods.

ICCIwantsdrasticreformsintaxationsystemtoimproverevenue To

Tariq Mahmood Pasha Chairman, FBR Islamabad

Dear Sir, It is to urge you to introduce drastic reforms in the taxation system with the consultation of private sector as the prevailing tax regime has failed to improve tax revenue and achieve annual tax collection targets.

Unfortunately, despite applying all tactics and means, the tax collection target was missed which was a cause of concern as it would create new problems for the economy. The Parliament had approved tax collection target of Rs3.621 trillion for FY201617 while the Federal Finance Minister had revised it downward to Rs3.521 billion, but FBR reportedly collected Rs3.330 billion till 30th June 2017 which showed that the tax

authority has failed to achieve even the revised tax collection target.

The shortfall in tax revenue has surfaced despite the fact that the federal government had levied additional taxes and charged higher sales tax on petroleum products. This state

of affairs showed that the present tax system is not helpful in promoting business activities and strengthening the economy.

To show improved tax revenue, the tax authority used to withhold billions of rupees of tax refunds of

business community every year, which was unfortunate. The tax refunds of around Rs300 billion were still stuck up with the FBR due to which the exporters and businessmen are facing liquidity problems.

The FBR should clear all tax refunds on urgent basis that would facilitate in improving country’s falling exports. The high tax rates and large number of taxes in Pakistan are major hurdle in promoting tax culture in the country. The FBR should bring down tax rates and reduce number of taxes that would be instrumental in encouraging tax culture and improving tax revenue. Instead of putting more burden on existing taxpayers, FBR should focus on expanding tax base that is the best approach to enhance tax collection.

Regards, Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, ICCI

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10 NATIONAL

JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2017

peshawar customs Intelligence & Investigation seizes drugs worth Rs7.4m during 2016-17

PESHAWAR: The Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) Peshawar seized different kinds of narcotics worth Rs07.4million during Financial Year (July to June) 2016-17. The smuggling trend of narcotics is almost changed due to adoption of new policies as smugglers are avoiding carrying narcotics within jurisdiction of I&I Peshawar. The Intelligence and Investigation confiscated narcotics worth Rs196.9million during corresponding Financial Year 2015-16.

peshawar collector Qurban directs to curb smuggling to get more revenue PESHAWAR

IRfAn bAhADuR

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T

he Collector of Customs Collectorate has directed ofMicers to cut off ways for odd entry of foreign currency in order to stop the leakage in the revenue collection which results into loss to the national exchequer.

Sources told Customs Today that during a meeting of Collector Qurban Ali Khan with the high ups of customs the collector said that its vital duty of customs force to tackle the smuggling of currency, drugs and arms which has been used for destructive purposes of human kind. He also stressed upon the need to increase the raids to check non customs paid vehicles and non duty paid products of commercial use in the markets.

The collector was informed by the Director Trade and Transit to take notice of various Customs Stations which remained closed for more than Mive years. Among which there was Customs station at Mohmand Agency which remained close for more than 8 years. On which Collector Customs expressed concerns and said that soon these issues will be highlighted. He was also informed that Rs 23m of revenue has been gen-

erated by anti smuggling division Peshawar during the Minal month of budget FY 2016-17 while a number of attempts were foiled committed to smuggle currency and certain other market products from Afghanistan to Pakistan.

Qurban Ali Khan added that measures will be taken to introduce e-auction cell in order to save stuff and create a much bigger

market for people in order to sell the seized items.

He also stressed upon the need to leave no space for letting the traders to suffer on the main trade and transit route of Torkham.

He added that Torkham route has been included in China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which will increase the chances of trading through this route.

He directed the warehouse to provide opportunities in order to generate more revenue of the impounded products in less use of time. The Collector lauded the roles of ofMicers of Customs Peshawar for intensive efforts due to which the MCC Peshawar has collected record duties in June FY 2016-2017.

Qurban Ali Khan also said that

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

the ofMicers need to address the problems been faced by workers of Customs in order to eliminate the very threat of corruption due to depravity of rights.

To stop corrupt ways its vital that corruption has to be ended from the department and harsh steps would be taken against those found involved in corruption, he added.

maersk cyber attack: Importers suffer Rs10b losses due to delay in clearance of shipments D

KARACHI

wAQAR AhmED AnSARI/ ImRAn AlI khAn www.customstoday.com

anish shipping giant Maersk said it had restored its major applications, as it brought its IT systems back online after being hit by a major cyber attack last week.

The company, which handles one in seven containers shipped globally, said it expects to have all its 1500 applications fully functional this week. Maersk's port operator APM Terminals said all terminals had resumed operations and said it would continue to increase productivity and available services. Importers in Pakistan are suffering considerable losses due to the cyber attack and delay in the delivery of shipments.

While talking to Customs Today, an importer of raw steel and CEO of M/s Unique Steel, Amjad Bukhari said “this is a very critical situation and we have talked to the company’s ofMice located in Karachi regarding this matter. The company ofMicials have ensured that the problem will be solved. But we have seen no progress until now.”

Since the cyber attack the importers have faced a gross loss of Rs10 billion and the servers are still not responding properly. Responding to a question, Customs ofMicial at Maersk ofMice Nasir Jamshed said the shipping line is aware of issues and loss of importers and striving for every possible solution of the problem.

Chief Commercial OfMicer of Maersk, Van-

cent Clerc, said that the shipping line is looking for alternates to release the tension of its customers. The company has lost more than 80% of its data in the said cyber attack and stopped booking till the solution of the problem. Till the latest update, the shipping line is not taking booking in 76 countries including America, Spain, Netherlands, Australia, China, India and others.

Meanwhile, importers of South Punjab especially Multan region are facing delay in the clearance of their import consignments at Port Qasim. According to details, import shipments coming for clearance are facing delay due to multiple reasons. Director Saim Mobeen of M/s S.M Foods Company told Customs Today that poor automation system and lack of infrastructure including road network from Port Qasim to Multan also causes delay in the import clearances. Overcrowding of import shipments also causes delay in clearance of their import containers.

Multan based importers are paying high fares and handling charges for the clearance of their import consignments and they are reaching to their destination late after payment of high freight charges.

President Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) Khawaja Jalaluddin Roomi told that MCCI received regular complaints against unnecessary delay in the clearance process of their import. Multan Dry Port Trust Manager Sabir Shah told that there are technical issues normally when server links are down in PRAL and Web based Customs at time of handling shipments.

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CARTOONSSPECIAL 11

JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2017

Quetta customs seizes 100 fake number-plates, electronic items worth Rs01m

KARACHI: The Customs Intelligence and Investigations Quetta took action against smuggling during the month of June. Only yesterday, Directorate General of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Quetta, during its crackdown on smuggling, confiscated 100 fake number plates and electronics items. The team recovered LED monitors, key boards, LED TVs and so many other things. Sources told Customs Today that Deputy Collector Junaid Mehmood received a tip-off that some smugglers are trying to smuggle a big number of electronic items.

Islamabad customs fetches Rs149.795m through four auctions during June 2016-17 ISLAMABAD

TARIQ DERYA

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he Auction Cell of Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Islamabad fetched Rs149.795 million from Holding Tax (WHT) and Customs Duty (CD) during the month of June Financial Year 2016-17.

The collectorate held four auctions during June FY16-17.

According to details told by Assistant Collector Auction Cell Majid Hussain Gadd that during said period, the Auction Cell held three auctions here at State warehouse G-11 and the other one was held at the State Warehouse Islamabad Airport. During the Mirst public auction, the Auction Cell earned Rs49.7million by selling various kinds of conMiscated goods and impounding Non-Duty-Paid (NDP) offending (vehicles used for carrying smuggled goods) vehicles on June 8 of Financial Year 2016-17.

He said the second auction was held at the State Warehouse (SW) Airport Islamabad during June which received Rs7.15million of revenue through open public auction of various conMiscated goods

held on the premises of the Air Freight Unit (AFU) building on 15th of June’s Financial Year 201617.

He said through 3rd auction

held during June FY16-17, the Customs Auction Cell Islamabad got Rs49.825million through said public auctions of impounded vehicles and seized smuggled goods. Dur-

ing 4thauction, the Auction Cell generated Rs43.12million in the same month of June FY16-17.

During the last month of Financial Year 2016-17, the Auction Cell

multan customs Intelligence seizes 60,000 litres smuggled furnace oil

contributed a handsome amount to the CD and WHT which provided a big support to meet the assigned revenue collection target for June FY16-17.

Gwadar Customs surpasses revenue collection to Rs3947.385m KARACHI

mubEEn huSSAIn www.customstoday.com

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MULTAN

ImRAn AlI khAn

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irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan Range OfMice has seized foreign origin furnace oil of Hascol Petroleum on smuggling.

According to details, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan received information from their credible sources that huge quantity of fur-

nace oil will be transported from Dera Ghazi Khan region. Deputy Director Abdul MueedKanjoo formed special team including Superintendent Fareed ud Din Masood, Inspector Farzand Ali, Inspector Umer Ali and others to carry out operation against smuggled furnace oil.

Customs Intelligence Unit Dera Ghazi Khan enhanced the monitoring and patrolling of the region to intercept any attempt of smuggling.

Customs Intelligence unit Dera Ghazi

Khan intercepted the Hino oil tanker during the examination of the goods which was Milled with furnace oil near Sakhi Sarwar region in the suspect of smuggling. The Hino oil tanker having registration number 903/Lasbella were taken into custody by Customs Intelligence staff.

Customs Intelligence asked the driver Hayatullah who was resident of Landi Kotal to produce the import documents of the said oil tanker to prove their legal possession.

he Customs Collectorate Gwadar surpasses revenue collection Rs3947.385 million against the assigned target for financial year (FY) 2016-17. According to the details Customs Collectorate Gwadar was assigned to achieve over all targets of duty and taxes worth Rs22494.41 million for financial year 2016-17 but it has surpassed the revenue collection.The overall target of duty and taxes Rs22494.41 million was assigned to the Collectorate during the financial year 2016-17 and the achievement stood Rs26441.795 million with the increase of Rs3947.385 million during the same period.The increase of Rs3947.385 million which stands surplus eighteen percent in the overall revenue collection during the FinancialYear 2016-17.The head wise break up of duty and taxes collected during the financial year 2016-17 stands as customs duty Rs6938.005 million, sales tax Rs16957.136 million, withholding tax (WHT) Rs2522.605 million and federal excise duty (FED) Rs24.049 million. On surpassing the revenue collection of worth Rs3947.385 million against the assigned target for financial year 2016-17, the Collector Customs Collectorate Gwadar has appreciated the team and has directed to continue the same eorts in the future as well.

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www.customstoday.com

12

JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2017

Islamabad Afu generates Rs937.6m more revenue than allocated target in 2016-17

ISLAMABAD: The Air Freight Unit (AFU) Islamabad earned Rs937.6m more revenue during Financial Year 201617 under the head of Customs Duty (CD) than assigned revenue collection target for same period. The AFU received Rs2396.60million of CD during FY 2016-17 whereas it was assigned with Rs1459.00million of revenue collection under the same head during July to June FY2016-17. According to Shahid Jan, Deputy Collector AFU, performance has been tremendous during FY2016-17 under the head of CD against the allocated revenue target of CD.

Islamabad Customs goes surplus with Rs87m CD during 2016-17: Dr Arslan collector Arslan lauds superintendents, appraisers’efforts in surpassing tax collection target ISLAMABAD

TARIQ DERYA

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he Model Customs Collectorate Islamabad surpassed its assigned revenue target of Rs5977.88million of CD (customs duty) during 2016-17 whereas the collectorate received Rs6065.01million under the same head against the assigned target for FY16-17. So the collectorate has achieved the plus amount of Rs87million.

The collectorate was assigned very hard target during the last four months (March to June) FY16-17 of Customs Duty (CD). However with equal efforts of the staff of the MCC Islamabad, the collectorate met its extra added assigned revenue target of Rs166.00million of CD during said period. Collector MCC Islamabad Dr. Arslan named the ofMicers as Additional Deputy Collector AFU Khawaja Khuram Naeem, Deputy Collector Shahid Jan and Assistant Collector Islamabad Dry Port Amanat Khan for giving him full support to meet the huge revised revenue target for the last four months of FY16-17.

According to details told by Collector MCC Islamabad while giving an exclusive interview to Customs Today, he said his whole team worked shoulder to shoulder during the Financial Year 2016-17 to meet the revenue target. During his tenure, the collectorate of Islamabad surpassed the assigned revenue collections for corresponding FY2015-16 and during FY16-17.

The Collector MCC Islamabad told CT that during FY2016-17, the collectorate achieved its allocated collection target with 99% under the head of All Duty and Taxes. During said period, the collectorate earned millions of rupees through recoveries. During June FY2016-17, the MCC

Islamabad recovered pending amounts from Pakistan International Airline (PIA), Passport OfMice and Cabinet Division. During June FY1617, the collectorate recovered Duty and Taxes from defaulters .i.e. Al-Haj Traders, Haideri Beverage and Venus Bounded Carriers.

Dr. Arslan said that during (July to June) FY16-17, the collectorate earned Rs5203.11million Sales Tax (ST) whereas it collected Rs2735.57million of Withholding Tax (WHT) and the MCC Islamabad generated Rs470.31million. Ex-Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Dr. Arshad wrote a letter of appreciation to the MCC Islamabad on meeting the hard revenue collection target for Financial Year 2016-17. He told CT that the Chairman wrote in his words “it gives me immense pleasure to congratulate you and your team on outstanding performance for the FY1617. I feel really proud of seeing the results of your efforts which reMlects

your command on administrative and technical skills for such an accomplishment”. He said all the customs stations, working under the umbrella of the MCC Islamabad including Islamabad Dry Port (IDP), Air Freight Unit (AFU), Car Section, Bonded Warehouse, Unaccompanied baggage and Accompany Baggage, surpassed their allocated revenue collection targets for June FY16-17 under the head of CD. He further said all the said customs stations were assigned with the revenue collection targets of Rs867.64million for June FY16-17 whereas all the stations earned Rs950.88million of CD during said period. All the stations collected extra Rs83.24million of CD during June Fy16-17. During the month of June to meet the earmarked revenue collection target, the MCC Islamabad earned Rs109.00million by holding four auctions of conMiscated goods during the month of June FY16-17.

Meanwhile, a “Revenue target Financial Year 2016-17 surpassed party” was arranged in the honor of superintendents and appraisers working under the jurisdiction of the Model Customs Collectorate.

Addressing the participants, Collector Arsalan lauded the efforts of the ofMicials for achieving the assigned target of the last four months (March to June) FY 2016-17. Collector Arsalan highly appreciated the performance of Air Freight Unit (AFU) Additional Deputy Collector Khawaja Khuram Naeem, Deputy Collector Shahid Jan, and Islamabad Dry Port Assistant Collector Amanat Khan. He added that said ofMicers made extraordinary efforts to meet the assigned revenue collection target for the month of June of FY2016-17.

He said that the MCC Islamabad surpassed its assigned revenue collection target under head of customs duty with 101.45 percent growth during the Minancial year

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

2016-17, adding that the Collectorate surpassed its assigned revenue target of Rs 5977.88 million during the said period under the head of customs duty by collecting Rs 6065.01 million.

He said that the Collectorate was assigned very hard target during the last four months (from March to June FY2016-17) with regard to the collection of customs duty. However, with equally efforts of the staff of the MCC Islamabad the Collectorate met its extra added assigned revenue collection target. He said that he always have Mirm believe in Pakistan Customs and today that believe has become stronger. He said that Customs Department is such a department which can achieve any given task.

At the end of the ceremony, he advised the ofMicials to continue their efforts during the next Minancial year 2017-18 with the same zeal and fervor to achieve the assigned revenue collection target.

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HYDERABAD

ASlAm AnJum QuREShI www.customstoday.com

he Model Customs Collectorate, State Warehouse Hyderabad, earned Rs28million during June through auction and collection of duty and taxes of vehicles and miscellaneous items impounded by Ant-Smuggling Organization Hyderabad.

Following strict instructions by Hyderabad Customs Collector Akhlaq Ahmad Khattaq under the supervision of Additional collector Rehmatulah Vistr, the ASO

team conducted various antismuggling activities to check the trafMicking.

The Hyderabad Customs presented a number of vehicles for auction and generated Rs4.3million during April 2017 while other goods attracted suitable bids.

Other miscellaneous goods, including white cumin and nonduty-paid different brands of cigarettes and smuggled item of cloths, black pepper, electronic item of LED, tea and tyres, were presented for open bids of auction and customs duty following all duty taxes including customs

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

hyderabad customs earns Rs28m thru auction & duty collection

collector Akhlaq Ahmad khattaq

and import duty of Rs08.4million, sale proceed of Rs05.8million, regulatory duty of Rs01.9million, fine and penalties of Rs02.9million, Motamar Alam-E-Islami (MI) deposit of Rs988904, total customs duty of Rs01.7million, sale taxes on imports of Rs03.0million, sale tax on imports (Net) and federal excise duty on imports goods (FED) of Rs01.4million and advance income tax of Rs02.6million. So the total collection is Rs28million during the first July 2016-17 to June 30 FY 2017.

The tax evasion was detected

by Hyderabad Customs State

Published by M S Raza Off# 42, 3rd Flr Gull Plaza M.A Jinnah Road Karachi, Printed by (Ibne Hassan Offset Printing Press, Shops No. 33 to 36 , Hockey Stadium, Karachi).

Warehouse under the supervision of Deputy Collector (SWH). MCC Hyderabad Mushtaq Shahani and his team comprised Superintendent Nadeem Ahmed Usmani, State Warehouse In-charge Inspector Abdul Rauf Qureshi, Inspector Tariq Ghani, Sharif sheikh, Aslam Khan, Mola Bux, Muhammad Yousuf, and Havaldar Muhammad Hussain. They added that the anti-smuggling campaign was in full swing in the region following the direction of the Federal Board of Revenue Collector Akhlaq Ahmad Khattaq to streamline the national economy.