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26 ABC Certified vol 75 issue no. 21
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Federal Finance Minister Asad Umar says tax anomalies will be removed in mini-budget. | See PAge 10 | getting SCAnneRS
Chinese Embassy donated 4 X-Ray scanners to Member Customs Dr Jawwad Uwais Agha. | See PAge 02 | SHoWing PeRfoRMAnCe KARACHI
ASAD KHARAL
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Customs I&I showed tremendous and historical performance under guidance of DG Zahid Khokhar. | See PAge 02 | BReAKing neW gRounDS
DGDrArslanSubuctageensays inter-agencyrelationscanbreak newgroundsforCustomsIPR enforcement. | See PAge 06 |
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llegal appointment of Indians at Pakistan’s strategic sea port Qasim International Containers Terminal (QICT) without the Ministry of Interior’s (MOI) clearance could pose security threat to the country. Indians are spying on the QICT as it is controlled by M/s DP World Group with 75% shares and, many of the management staff and directors of board are Indian nationals. Through such a discreet control of the QICT, Indians could achieve their alleged nefarious activities to destroy peace and stability in Pakistan. The CIJ Pakistan informed the Chairman of Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) through complaint/letter No. 165/CIJ/11/2018 dated November 12, 2018 regarding the above and speciSically in
terms of high security risk to our nation due to malpractice and illegalities of ofSicials of PQA, QICT Pakistan Limited, M/s DP World Group and others. SECP, in its reply through a letter vide reference No. CLD/CCD/Misc./C&Q/20166300 dated December, 4, 2018 issued with the stamp and signature of Khurram Shahzad, Assistant Registrar of Companies admitted that “in regards to the appointment of Indian nationals in the M/s QICT Pakistan Limited, please be informed that the returns pertaining to the appointments have not yet been accepted by the concerned Registrar and the case has already been forwarded to the Ministry of Interior (the “MOI”) for clearance. Further course of action will be decided after the receipt of the clearance from MOI.” It is surprising that whereas SECP admits that they have not yet accepted returns pertaining to the appointments by the concerned registrar then under what law they have
allowed operations of QICT to continue despite the fact that SECP has already acknowledged the irregularity of QICT whereas also admittedly clearance of MOI is pending as forwarded by SECP itself. Being a regulator, SECP is bound by law to deregister QICT Pakistan Limited immediately or at least halt the operations till such time that MOI gives its clearance/No Objection CertiSicate (NOC). Furthermore, if clearance is denied by MOI forthwith then the irregularities/damages caused by QICT Pakistan Limited in such period where SECP allowed its operations without MOI clearance would solely be laid upon SECP. The accused persons are powerful and rich people while apparently these companies can easily pressurize and buy government ofSicers/ofSicials and no action is perceived under the situation except with the indulgence of the Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan. Continued on page 11
Rizwan Sultanali Soomar, Chairman of M/s DP World Karachi
Devang Mankodi, Director of DP World Karachi
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JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 21, 2019
SHC issues notices on petition filed by M/s Happy garments
KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to the customs department and deputy attorney general on a petition filed by M/s Happy Garments seeking de-freezing of its bank account seized by FBR alleging that it is a commercial importer and misusing the facility of SRO No 1125/2011 by showing itself as a manufacturer. A two-member bench also directed them to make sure file their para-wise comments on next date of hearing. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner stated in his petition that petitioner is engaged in the business of manufacturing.
ISLAMABAD
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uditor General of Pakistan report has expressed dismay on the performance of Directorate General of Broadening Tax Base (BTB) Federal Board of Revenue and recommended for enhancing the tax base as there is need to evolve a mechanism for those persons, industrial and commercial consumers who are liable to compulsory registration under the tax laws. In a special audit report on Broadening of Tax Base, Auditor General has said that the task of broadening tax base was taken up in the year 2013 by the Federal Board of Revenue. While making assessment of tax provision of section 111 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 regarding concealment of resources may also be invoked in letter and spirit. The primary objective of the BTB was to contribute towards tax system which was based on equity and public trust. However, results indicated dismal progress. Report mentioned that data bank of Federal Board of Revenue stored six million transactions for identification of new tax payers, FBR issued notices to 465,165 potential taxpayers and enforced 132,559 new returns and collected Rs1769 million from new taxpayers.
China hands over Rawalpindi i&i 4 x-Ray scanners to shows outstanding Member Customs performance
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Multan Adjudication decides 50 cases worth Rs75.172m MULTAN
irectorate General of Customs Intelligence and Investigations showed tremendous and historical performance under the guidance of Director General Muhammad Zahid Khokhar during the first six months (July to December) of the Current financial year (2018-19). Sources told Customs Today that Member Customs Dr.
vehicles worth Rs7405 million. Rawalpindi Directorate has impounded non-duty paid smuggled goods including vehicles, cloth and electronic items worth Rs7700.46 million while during the same period of last financial year (2017-18), Rawalpindi Directorate seized the smuggled goods worth Rs240.55 million. Rawalpindi I&I also recovered smuggled goods including electronic items and miscellaneous goods worth Rs14.99 million in July 2018 while during the same corresponding period in last Sinancial year 2017, they seized goods worth Rs7.83 million. Like-
Jawwad Awais Agha has lauded the performance of the directorate. The biggest action in the history of Rawalpindi directorate was seizure of Qatar dignitaries
wise in August 2018, anti-smuggling team of the Directorate seized non-duty paid goods worth Rs 47.6 million as compared to Rs.34.49 during the same period in 2017.
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— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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ISLAMABAD
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hinese Embassy donated four X-Ray scanners to the Custom Wing of Federal Board of Revenue. The equipment was handed over by Mr Chen Wei, Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Federal Board of Revenue Member Customs (Operations) Dr Jawwad Uwais Agha in the presence of other senior ofSicers of Pakistan Customs. The donated scanners, having value of one million RMB, shall be instrumental in supporting the Customs authorities at the airports
to effectively utilize non-intrusive technology in preventing smuggling of contrabands especially currency. The gift of 4 X-Ray scanners will reafSirm the immutable bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the people of Pakistan and China, to strengthen the unbreakable and timeless China-Pakistan friendship, and to promote Customs clearance facilitation in Pakistan.
The scanners will support Customs authorities at airports in preventing smuggling of contrabands especially currency
iMRAn ALi KHAn
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
AGP expresses displeasure on BTB for not broadening tax base
www.customstoday.com ollectorate of Customs Adjudication Multan Camp Office decided 50 seizure cases of worth Rs75.172 million during the month of December 2018-19. Sources told Customs Today that Customs Adjudication decided 50 seizure cases formed by Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) and Customs Intelligence and Investigation during the above said period. Customs Adjudication has decided more seizure cases during December as compared to corresponding period of Fiscal Year2017-18. Customs Adjudication settled 13 various seizure cases of deputy collector formed by Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) and Customs Intelligence and Investigation in their various anti-smuggling activities in the jurisdiction.These seizure cases were related to evasion of customs duty to the tune of Rs4.108 million for the duration of December 2018-19.These seizure cases include vehicles, tyres, auto parts and miscellaneous goods. Almost 17 new seizure cases of worth Rs10.295 million added in the court of DC Adjudication.
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Doors of Collector’s office always open for businessmen: Mubashir T
ISLAMABAD
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he doors of the ofSice of Collector Customs are always open for resolving issues of the businessmen. These views were expressed by Collector Customs Mirza Mubashir Baig during an exclusive interview with Customs Today in his ofSice. He said businessmen would be facilitated to every possible extent to enhance and increase economic activity and revenue hereby. Importers came to me and discussed their issues and they were given solution to their problems immediately in order to keep the process of smooth trading through the port intact. To a question, he said that
Collector Mirza Mubashir Baig
throughout the year Faisalabad Collectorate adopted an open door policy and importers and exporters felt free in discussing their traderelated issues. Mirza Mubashir Baig
said that importers had to face difSiculties in getting their goods and articles cleared from the Faisalabad Dry Port as per unit cost of the goods shot up due to double freight and carriage charges. In current circumstances, the importers would prefer Sialkot, Samrial dry port for clearance of their imports which will play havoc with port revenue and labour. Mubashir said employment opportunities at the Faisalabad dry port are directly proportional to business activities. He urged the businessmen to register their complaints to ofSicials concerned in case of facing any hurdles in clearance of their consignments. He, however, wished that if the dry port is linked with railway line its productivity would be enhanced up to a remarkable extent.
Quetta foils bid to smuggle plastic dana worth Rs7 million irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation foiled a bid to smuggle plastic dana worth Rs7 million during special checking. Director I&I Muhammad Akram Chaudhary received a tip-off that some smugglers are trying to smuggle Plastic Dana from Quetta to Afghanistan. He constituted a raiding team under the supervision of Inspector Imran Mehmood, Kamran Lashari and others. The team enhanced the surveillance in Quetta near exit highway and started searching the vehicles. During the search operation, the team intercepted a truck bearing registration no: GBB-5405 which was going out of Quetta. During the checking, the customs team recovered 80 big packets of plastic dana worth Rs7 million including truck being used in smuggling. —CT Report
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NATIONAL 03
JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 21, 2019
Customs Court approves bail of suspect in betel nuts smuggling
KARACHI: The Customs Court granted bail to suspect Asmat Ullah son of Khan Muhammad, who was arrested in a case of attempting to smuggle 9205 kilograms betel nuts under the cover load of gravel (crushed stones) etc. Xounsel for the accused filed bail petition and argued that his client is innocent and is falsely implicated in this case, who is giving assurance that he will appear on each and every date of hearing before the court, therefore, the court may grant his bill till final judgment in this case.
fiA asked to recover billions from PiL, Pacific Delta in demurrage & detention scam KARACHI
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he Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has received an application against PaciSic International Lines (PIL) and its agents in Pakistan, M/s PaciSic Delta Shipping (Pvt) Ltd in a mega scam of demurrage and detention worth billions. The complaint received by the FIA demanded legal action for recoveries of amounts looted and recovering losses of Rs. 610 billion to the national exchequer per year while also stopping such further losses from the accused persons of these companies including S.S.Teo, Peter Chang, Tan Chor Kee, William Tay, Teo Tend Seng, Tony Teo, Choo Wee Teo, Kuan Kim Kin, others of PIL Ltd; and Bakhtiar Khan, Naveed Ahmad Khan, Tay Kian Phuan William, Teo Chew Seng, Teo Siong Seng, Qamar Naqi, Baig Mirza Mueez, Khan Imran and others of M/S PaciSic Delta Shipping (Pvt) Ltd. Sources said PaciSic International Lines is a shipping company incorporated in Singapore in 1967. The founder of PIL is the Chinese entrepreneur Chang Yun Chung. While Bakhtiar Khan is owner of Delta Group of Companies and Chief Executive OfSicer at Delta Transport (Pvt) Ltd engaged with businesses like transportation, trucking and railroad. Sources said PaciSic Delta Shipping (Pvt) Ltd is also a company of Delta Group and working as agents of PIL in Pakistan. Sources further said that main beneSiciary of the PaciSic Delta Shipping is Adil Khan and he is also key planner of mega scam of demurrage and detention through which his company is looting and bleeding the genuine importers of Pakistan and robbing billions of rupees from them annually. As per the complaint received by the FIA, the nexus of some Customs staff, Port Qasim and shipping lines like PIL Ltd and its agent
M/S PaciSic Delta Shipping (Pvt) Ltd are making illegal money through malpractice. “Firstly, customs department delays goods of majority of containers that arrive in red channel. 80% of the goods cleared in red channel take a duration which is more than the free days provided by the port terminals. Hence, the port terminals take huge amounts from the importers on each consignment thus delayed. These shipping lines also force the importers to pay huge illegal sums. All these three: the customs staff, port terminals, shipping lines as mentioned above delay the clearance and delivery of the goods to the importer. Due to this delay, the revenue collection of duty and taxes is slowed down drastically of the actual speed. Like where these goods were to be cleared and delivered in 2 days then it takes an average of 20 days
to clear and deliver,” the complaint said. The complaint received by the FIA said, “The total revenue collection by customs department is Rs. 610 billion. If the process of revenue collection is not slowed down by the above-mentioned parties then at least the revenue collections could be doubled. Hence, total loss to national exchequer due to above nexus and illegal acts of the subject accused is Rs. 610 billion”. “The terminal ports and shipping lines are not allowed to collect any demurrage and detention amounts from the importer when the importer provides ‘delay and detention certiSicate’ under section 14 A of the Customs Act, 1969. Despite this, the port terminals and shipping lines blackmail and harass the importer to collect hundreds of thousands of rupees per single consignment.
Since this is illegal money demanded from the citizens of Pakistan and hence it can be termed as an ‘extortion’ amount,” the complaint said. The complaint said, furthermore, under rules 603 (Q), 603 (R), 604 (Q) and 607 (E), others of SRO 1220 (I)/2015, the shipping lines cannot charge any demurrage or detention charges where it is not speciSically written on the B/L. But still in violation of these rules and laws, the shipping lines fearlessly hold the containers of the importers and charge them exorbitant detention charges. These detention charges even exceed the actual cost of container by a whopping 1,000%! “The shipping lines charges only 30% of its cost from the importer to allure importer to give his containers to them. All remaining 70% of cost and huge profits are made through illegal means and black money. Like China-Pak cost of shipment for a 40HQ container is charged USD 300 whereas the actual cost to the shipping company is USD 1,000. Pak-China freight is almost USD 0 to USD 10 which is even more surprising. When white income of these shipping lines is only 30% of their cost then it is obvious that they are indulging in many illegal and black activities to cover cost and also make huge proSits,” the complaint said. “When complaints are made to Customs department then they do not take action against the accused which is mandatory under sections 156 (1) 7A of the Customs Act, 1969 and also rules 603 (Q), 603 (R), 604 (Q) and 607 (E), others of SRO 1220 (I)/2015. The nexus of some Customs ofSicials, PIL Ltd and PaciSic Delta has made these active provisions of law entirely redundant and they should be severely punished for the same,” the complaint said. The complaint demanded from the FIA to take legal action against the subject accused persons, recover amounts looted by them, recover losses suffered by national exchequer to the tune of Rs. 610 billion per year and stop further losses.
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04 NATIONAL
JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 21, 2019
fBR to take action against taxpayers for evading Rs 45 billion
ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has traced dozens of taxpayers involved in collectively Rs45 billions of tax evasion by violating Section 26 & 31 of Sales Tax Act 1990. Official sources told Customs Today that FBR has traced during Fiscal Year 2013-14 and Fiscal Year 2015-16 that at least two dozens of taxpayers submitted different sales details and figures while filing their income tax returns where they showed less sales tax in their sales.
Peshawar Customs seizes smuggled goods worth Rs19.6 million
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Collector Mohammed Saeed Jadoon
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ustoms Collectorate committed to eradicating smuggling of non-duty paid goods and foiled 14 attempts during 10 days of January worth Rs19.6 million. Sources told Customs Today that under the supervision of Collector Customs Mohammed Saeed Jadoon, the Collectorate is doing its best to fulSill the missions assigned by chairman FBR to eliminate the risk of smuggling and
to facilitate the genuine traders. The chairman FBR directed the collector to enlarge the tax net by recovering revenue lost due to smuggling. According to further details, the MCC Peshawar thwarted the Sirst attempt of smuggling when car loaded with NDP goods was impounded at Karkhano check post. The Customs staff also seized a Corolla car loaded with hashish and opium. The Customs staff at Matni check post foiled an attempt of smuggling when three cars were seized loaded with foreign origin cloth. The Customs sources informed that the anti-smuggling unit
irectorate of Customs Valuation Karachi has revised the Customs values of phenolic resin, polyurethane resin, melamine resin and epoxide resin vide Valuation Ruling No.1351/2019. Earlier the Customs values of Phenolic Resin, Polyurethane Resin, Melamine Resin, Alkyd Resin and Epoxide Resin were determined vide Valuation Ruling No. 1278/18. Several importers filed revision applications under section 25-D of the Customs Act 1969. The Director General vide Order-inRevision referred back the case to the Director of Customs Valuation for reconsideration. Meanwhile, various representations from different stakeholders were also received. Keeping in view the prevailing prices in the international market, the Directorate General initiated an exercise for re-determination of the Customs Values of the subject goods. Meanwhile, Directorate of Customs Valuation Karachi has revised the Customs values of various spices and nutmeg vide Valuation Ruling No.1350/2019. Earlier customs values of various spices and nutmeg were determined through Valuation Ruling No. 1047/2017. There were several representations from importers and clearance formations, wherein they contended that customs values determined in the existing Valuation Ruling are not reflective of prices in international markets, therefore required to be revised in line with the prevailing prices in the international market. Therefore, the Directorate General initiated an exercise for re-determination of customs values of various spices and nutmeg.
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of Mardan foiled three attempts of smuggling and recovered drugs, cloth and foreign origin cosmetics. The anti-smuggling unit Kohat arrested three people over charges of smuggling of NDP goods loaded in vehicles near Kohat terminal. The sources added that collector appreciated the performance of Customs anti-smuggling division and said that customs department is showing outstanding performance. The collector directed the deputy collector to pay surprise visits to different customs stations in order to encourage the staff to further increase the operations against trade of non-duty paid goods.
Customs intelligence & investigation foils bid to smuggle betel nuts worth Rs30 million D LAHORE
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irectorate of Customs Intelligence & Investigation team has seized 23 tons of smuggled betel nut worth Rs30 million and arrested two persons. Sources told Customs Today that information was passed through Director Rubab Sikander that smuggled goods would be moved. Deputy Director Usman Tariq alerted the staff and subsequently a 22-wheeler truck loaded with betel nuts was intercepted. The truck was intercepted at
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
ational Accountability Bureau (NAB) sent suspect Rauf Akhtar Farooqi, ex-chairman for Karachi Port Trust (KPT) to Central Jail on judicial remand, who was arrested in a NAB reference of charges of corruption, corrupt practices and abuse of authority for illegally appointing 940 employees in KPT. investigation officer produced him before the court and informed that Rauf Akhtar Farooqi was arrested from outside Supreme Court of Pakistan-Islamabad after rejecting his pre-arrest bail application. He submitted that investigation has been completed and reference has been filed before the trial court, therefore, prosecution having no need for physical remand, therefore, the court may send him to jail on judicial remand. Rauf Akhtar Farooqi had escaped from the Sindh High Court (SHC) after rejection bail application by a division bench. According to the NAB reference that during the investigation, it was revealed that the above mentioned suspects and others are fully involved in charges of corruption, corrupt practices and abuse of authority for illegally appointing 940 employees in KPT in connivance with (the MQM’s) Babar Ghauri, the then minister for ports and shipping, he further informed that appointments were made in violation of KPT law, rules and regulations“without advertisement of vacancies, competitive process, age criteria, medical examination of appointees and in violation of basic formalities”. Investigation officer had submitted that a large number of those people appointed who had a criminal record in serious cases such as“terrorism, premeditated murder and robbery”and that the illegal appointments resulted in losses to the national exchequer to the tune of Rs2.8 billion.
KARACHI
WAQAR AHMeD AnSARi
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
NAB Court sends ex-chairman KPT Rauf Akhtar Farooqi to jail in mega corruption scam
DG Customs revises values of various types of resins thru VR NO 1351
Saggiyan bridge and found fully loaded with smuggled goods.
Two cars of smugglers were also piloting the truck.
The smugglers came out of the car and threatened the staff of dire consequences. Due to the presence of police and rangers officials at Saggiyan interchange, smugglers fled from the scene hurling threats. The impounded goods were brought to the office with the assistance of police and rangers officials. Total 23 tons of betel nuts packed in 200 bags were recovered. Two persons have been arrested. FIR has been registered against prime accused Gul Khan and investigations are still underway till the filing of this report.
www.customstoday.com JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 21, 2019
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SPECIALREPORT
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irectorate-General Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Enforcement Customs Director-General Dr. Arslan Subuctageen said that inter-agency relations can break new grounds for Customs IPR enforcement. He was addressing a seminar on Inter-Agency Coordination in IPR Enforcement in collaboration with Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) of Pakistan. The DG said that Directorate General of IPR Enforcement was created as an anti-counterfeit agency of Pakistan Customs to enforce IPR laws at import and export stage. He said that the IPR became operational in 2017 and it has now the centralized contact ofSice at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for settling IPR related issues with national and international organizations and trade & industry. He said that regional directorates
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 21, 2019
at Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi are functioning with a mandate to interdict import and export of IPR-violating goods through targeted investigations and operations. Dr. Arslan said that one of IPR’s core functions is to collaborate with other counterpart organizations in strengthening IPR enforcement mechanism. He added that this seminar is also a result of coordination with Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO) of Pakistan. The seminar was attended by representatives from IPR enforcing agencies including police, DRAP, PEMRA and ofSicers from Customs Sield formations. The speakers spoke on the measures taken to safeguard national interests and the need to enforce a balanced IPR regime, since Pakistan is signatory to the WTO so it is obliged to fulSill its legal obligations. This makes it imperative to understand how different agencies can coordinate in shaping up Pakistan’s IPR regime, the speakers said. Executive Director Intellectual Property Organization Meesaq Arif also addressed on the occasion while
Dr. Wasif Ali Memon Chief Collector of Customs North was the chief guest on the occasion. Kanwal Ali Deputy Director IPR Enforcement convened the seminar while the performance of Directorate General of IPRE was presented by Irfan ur Rehman Khan Director, Directorate General of IPRE (North). It is pertinent to mention here that the Directorate General of IPR Enforcement (Pakistan Customs) has been created for enforcement of IPR laws of Pakistan especially at the import and export stage. The Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) is one of the three pillars of WTO and include Copyright, Industrial designs & IC layouts, Trade Marks, Patents, Geographical indications etc. The Govt. has already taken the essential step of combining the IPR related work in different ministries into one organization called Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPOP) with ofSices in Islamabad and Lahore. However, there is need for active collaboration and training and the Directorate General of IPR Enforce-
ment will provide necessary help in all facets to the public, IPOP and the Ministries. Directorate General of IPR Enforcement (Pakistan Customs) charter of functions includes: •Interdict import/export/smuggling of IPR violating goods through targeted investigations and operations •Providing direction and opinion on cases of IPR referred by Customs Collectorates/Directorates etc. •Formulate, review and implement intellectual property enforcement rules and procedures. •Represent FBR & Pak Customs internationally and nationally on intellectual property right enforcement as focal ofSice. Attend foreign funded international forums, conferences, meetings or training programmes as approved by the Board •Collaborate with other international & national organizations. •Conduct capacity building seminars/training etc. in collaboration with Directorate General of Training & Research (Customs) as well as IPOP.
there enforce a regime, is signato so it is ob its lega
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is a need to a balanced iPR since Pakistan ory to the Wto bliged to fulfill al obligations
JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 21, 2019
SPECIALREPORT 07
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08 EDITORIAL
JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 21, 2019
Founder & Chairman Zulfiqar Ali CEO and Chief Editor Asad Kharal 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
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Avoiding fAtf grey list
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he latest consultations between the Financial Action Task Force and Pakistani officials have, according to claims made by the Pakistani side as reported in the media, resulted in reasonable progress towards the country being removed from the FATF grey list later this year. If that is true, if the FATF does pronounce Pakistan’s efforts against money laundering and terrorist financing to be adequate, and therefore deserving of removal from its grey list, the current PTI-led government would have achieved a notable success. The months of February, May and September will be crucial for Pakistan quickly re-exiting the FATF grey list, where it was previously placed between 2012 and 2015. The concern has been that because Pakistan was put on the grey list again relatively soon after last being removed from it, FATF could take a harder line against Pakistan and perhaps even nudge the country towards the black list. A report prepared by the Pakistani side ahead of the consultations with FATF in Australia this week have indicated the complexity of the task involved in meeting FATF criteria. Particularly emphasis was put on measures along the Pak-Afghan and Pak-Iran borders to curb money laundering and terrorism financing. In addition, nearly 1,200 transactions were identified in 2018 relating to terror financing and money laundering that may appear to be a large number, but it is minuscule compared to the overall financial transactions in the country in any given year. Akin to finding a needle in a haystack unless sophisticated systems are put in place, the identification of suspect financial transactions requires the commitment of adequate resources, the building of institutional capacities, and vigilance and coordination. Similarly, Pakistan’s extensive borders with Iran and Afghanistan have historically been minimally governed spaces, a reality that has changed somewhat for the better in recent times — but what the state is combating along its borders with Afghanistan and Iran are entrenched smuggling, criminal and militant networks. It is clear that the FATF demands in terms of combating money laundering and terrorist financing are significant. It is hoped that the organisation will evaluate Pakistan fairly and consistent with its approach to other countries. What is somewhat reassuring at this stage is that the Pakistani side appears to have finally grasped the gravity of the situation and is assembling a professional response. FATF demands require Pakistan to coordinate its action against a range of federal and provincial agencies and bodies. That onerous task has been potentially complicated by the arrival of a first-time federal governing party that is mired in political fights with the opposition. However, if the most recent consultations are an indication, the Pakistani side appears to have a greater grasp of the issues than before. Smart policy and continuity could help Pakistan achieve a quick turnaround with FATF.
technology must to increase remittances T
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he Governor State Bank of Pakistan while launching online payment platform for remittances operated by Ani-Financial Services in collaboration with Telenor MicroSinance Bank and Valou Malaysia emphasised the importance of remittances in the country's economy. There is no doubt that remittances are a major source of 'desired' foreign exchange earnings, other than exports, and accounted for 19.3 billion dollars in 2016-17. There is an upward trend in remittance inSlows and the State Bank of Pakistan website indicates that during July-November 201617, the inSlow was 7.9 billion dollars, and rose to 8 billion dollars in 2017-18 while in the comparable
period in the current Siscal year (2018-19) remittances have increased to 9 billion dollars - a 12.5 percent rise. Saudi Arabia remained the largest source of remittances at an average of around 400 million dollars each month though there was a seasonal dip in November 2018 at 395 million dollars followed by the United Arab Emirates with 343 million dollars in November 2018 with 461 million dollars in August 2018. Other Gulf Cooperation Countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman have witnessed a decline of negative 6.78 percent during the Sirst Sive months of 2019 (July-November) compared to the comparable period of the year before. To date, the PTI government has focused on acquiring loans to meet the country's signiSicant foreign exchange requirements - around 11 billion dollars in interest/repay-
ments in the current Siscal year as well as to strengthen the foreign exchange reserves that are not enough to meet even two months of imports at present - while little attention has been paid to generate foreign exchange earnings from 'desired' sources, notably exports and remittances. Technology can play a critical role in raising remittances, pointed out the Governor, as it would not only make remitting money convenient but also reduce the time and the cost of legally sending money back to Pakistan. This observation is relevant for the large amount of remittance inSlows. Thus one would hope that the Imran Khan administration's focus on 'economic diplomacy' shifts from merely procuring loans to negotiating jobs for Pakistanis in GCC countries which, as aforementioned, ac-
count for a marked decline as a source of remittance income. Additionally, given the large expatriate population in Saudi Arabia with Pakistan's share at 10 percent only, and in UAE, there is scope for expansion and one would hope that the PTI government negotiates proactively on this front. But at the same time, given some horrendous recent footage on the electronic media, it is necessary for the government to work towards getting better treatment for Pakistanis working in the Arab world. To conclude, to raise remittances requires not only facilitating the remitter through the use of technology but also for the government to negotiate more jobs for Pakistani workers and the Pakistani embassies must ensure that the rights of Pakistani workers are adequately protected.
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NATIONAL 09
JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 21, 2019
Customs Court accepts challan in smuggling of HSD oil case
KARACHI: The Customs Court accepted interim challan against suspects namely Muhammad Ishaque, Muhammad Imran and Jamal Abdul Nasir, who were arrested in a case of attempting to smuggle/ non-duty paid HSD. Investigation officer of Anti-Smuggling Organization has submitted interim charge sheet against the above-mentioned suspects and informed the court that on a actionable information, prosecution intercepted 10 wheeler Hino oil tanker bearing registration no: TKV-777 and 10 wheeler Hino oil tanker bearing registration no: TKM-553 which was coming from Balochistan.
Chief Collector Zeba Hai Azhar lauds retiring Superintendent Nasir Minhas services
‘Curbing indian goods smuggling thru Kashmir trade remained top priority’
LAHORE
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www.customstoday.com hief Collector of Customs Central Region Zeba Hai Azhar has said that the retiring Superintendent Nasir Minhas has proved himself a thorough professional of Pakistan Customs Service (PCS). A bash was held in honor of retiring Superintendent Nasir Minhas in which a good number of customs officers and Collector of Customs Lahore Preventive Faiz Ahmed were present. Addressing the gathering Chief Collector Zeba Hai Azhar said that Superintendent Nasir Minhas has spent a fully professional period of his life in the customs department. She said that Minhas like officers have always added to the prestige of the department and the newcomers should always follow the footsteps of such professional officers and learn from them to better execute their duties. Nasir Minhas said that he has spent a golden period of his life in the department and enjoyed a lot. He said that the customs department has given him a lot and he will always do his best for promoting the image of Pakistan Customs. Other officials including Additional Deputy Collector Abbas Baber, Additional Deputy CollectorTayyeba Kayani, Superintendent ASO Agha Qadeer Haider, Inspector Nasir Saeed and others also joined the party.
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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
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
ISLAMABAD
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he Customs ofSicers of MCC arranged a farewell party in honor of the outgoing Collector Dr. Zulifqar Ali Chaudhary who is transferred as chief collector Quetta. As per details, the collector will join Customs Collectorate Quetta
during next week a farewell function was organized in honor of departing collector at Preventive department of the Collectorate where all the ofSicers of BS-17 and above were participated. Talking with Customs Today Collector ZulSiqar Chaudhary said that he wants to show more better performance as he showed during his stay at MCC Islamabad, he added that he was working to achieve two targets when he joined MCC as a collector, the Sirst was to
curb smuggling of Indian smuggle goods through Kashmir and the 2nd was to give a lesson to the smugglers like Shakeel Phapa. He notiSied that he succeeded to achieve both targets “I arrested the renowned smugglers and send them behind the bars because they fought with my Customs staff” the collector quoted. He said that shifting from old Islamabad airport to New Islamabad International Airport (NIIA) was a big task for me when I joined MCC Islamabad
which I did very smoothly. He said that he made all efforts to control the smuggling activities as well as made all his efforts to chased all the allocated revenue collection target assigned by Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), he added that he Sind all the Customs staff and ofSicers working at MCC Islamabad very hard working and dedicated while asked all the Islamabad Customs staff to continue their efforts to make the Customs department more better and respectable.
Don't come under tough IMF dictations To,
not we can? IMF prescriptions like hike in utility prices, withdrawal of subsidies, rise in number of tax audits and hike in discount rates for the industry. Discount rate in Pakistan is already at the higher side and further increase would hamper new investments and unemployment graphs would go up. The availability of cheaper money for the businesses is a must to expedite the process of industrialization. Cost of doing business would swell if strict conditions of IMF are accepted. There are 10 indicators for Ease of Doing Business about government’s rules andregulations. Doing business has become a most difSicult task in the presence of these rules. The country would be able to overcome its economic challenges even without IMF.
Asad Umar, Federal Minister for Finance, Islamabad, Dear Sir,
I want to draw your attention towards tough IMF conditions which would ultimately shrink economy and jack up unemployment graph. If funding from IMF is necessary, then harmful conditions like increase in discount rate, more audits for business community and utility price hike should not be accepted at any cost. It would not be wrong to say that most of Pakistan’s economic woes are just because of haphazardly borrowing from IMF as previous governments accepted their strict conditions without keeping in view the ground realities. IMF is working for squeezing the developing countries, not for their economic development. When Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand were facing economic crisis, Malaysia rejected IMF
Yours sincerely, prescribes and came out of the mire within their resources. If Malaysia can do it then why
Almas Hyder, President LCCI, Lahore
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10 NATIONAL
JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 21, 2019
trade deficit shrinks as imports decline & exports go up
ISLAMABAD: Government’s policy measures have resulted in shrinking of trade deficit, decline in imports and increase in exports which augurs well for overall balance of payment of the country. The trade deficit that stood at US$ 17.7 billion in July- December 2017 has shrunk by 5% to US$16.8 billion in the corresponding period in 2018. The overall imports from July-December 2018 have shrunk by over 2% from US$ 28.7 billion in July – December 2017 to US$ 28 billion in July – December 2018.
govt to present mini budget on January 23: finance Minister Asad umar ISLAMABAD
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ederal Finance Minister Asad Umar said that the government wants to improve the ease of doing business in the country and incentivise investments. He announced that the Finance Bill or mini budget will be presented on January 23. Speaking to the business community in Karachi, he emphasized the importance of the private sector in the country’s economy. The private sector runs the economy but it needs to see improvement to increase its investment, he said. No matter how patriotic a person is, he will only invest to a certain extent if the terms aren’t right, said Umar. Speaking about the situation before his government came into power, he said it was difSicult to invest in Pakistan. Taxes and electricity prices were barriers to investment, he said, adding that the way tax was being charged was creating problems for investors. Lauding the PTI for being the Sirst Pakistani party to include ease of business improvement in its election manifesto, Umar said the Board of Investment is setting up a cell at PM House to improve this. If you look at the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index, half of it is in Karachi, he said. In the January 23 Finance Bill you’ll see the steps we have taken to improve our ease of doing business ranking, he explained.
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
finance Minister Asad umar The Sinance minister said that other administrative measures to make it easier to invest in Pakistan will be announced towards the end of the month. We will continue to try to make it easier to invest in Pakistan, he promised. He said there was very little investment in Pakistan, just
consumption. No investments or savings, means our imports were capital Sinanced, he explained. He clariSied that his government is not trying to incentivise consumption, especially not imported consumption. We want to control it, Umar added. The government is working to incentivise investment. We want
savings and investments to increase, he said. The government’s duty is to bring in a policy that beneSits everyone, but especially the underprivileged, said Umar. All the decisions made by the PTI government in the last Sive months have been in line with this duty, he said, counting changes in the electricity tariffs, gas and taxes
among measures taken by the government to beneSit the underprivileged. Giving the example of East Asia, he said countries there have massive investment now and brought their people out of poverty by engaging in intraregional trade. However, he counted the political relationship with India as a barrier to this.
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PESHAWAR
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ollowing the instructions of Additional Collector Wajid Ali, the Customs I&I staff recovered heroin 3.500 kilograms worth millions of rupees from a Toyota Corolla near Aman Ghar district Nowshera. Sources told Customs Today that Additional Collector Wajid Ali received credible information about smuggling of narcotics. He immediately constituted an anti-smuggling squad to foil any attempt of smuggling. Sources told that the staff of I&I held a secret ‘naka’ near Aman Ghar GT Road Nowshera. The suspected Toyota Corolla car bearing regis-
tration no:VD-914-Islamabad was coming from Peshawar side when it was signaled to stop but the driver ignored the signal and successfully Sled away from the scene. The Customs I&I staff chased the vehicle and after impounding it brought the same to the premises of the Directorate of Customs I&I where through search led to the recovery of 3.500 kilograms Sine quality heroin powder (gross) along with carrier vehicle. Additional Collector Wajid Ali told that the estimated value of the aforementioned seized narcotics and vehicle is around Rs3.2 million (narcotics Rs1.7 million and vehicle Rs1.5 million). He said that the case has been registered against unknown persons and further investigation is underway.
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
Peshawar I&I seizes fine quality heroin near Aman Ghar
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CARTOONSSPECIAL 11
JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 21, 2019
Look after charge assigned to two accounts officers
LAHORE: Secretary Management Customs-II Haroon Waqar Malik assigned look-after charge to two accounts officers with immediate effect and until further order. According to notification no: 0102/C-II/2019, Accounts Officer Rizwan Ullah Khan presently posted at Directorate of Internal Audit (Customs), Lahore is assigned look after charge at Collectorate of Customs Appraisement, Lahore. Accounts Officer Rana Mohammad Amin currently performing his duties at Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation FBR, Lahore is also assigned look after charge at Collectorate of Customs Preventive Lahore.
Customs Court approves physical remand of accused in betel nuts smuggling KARACHI
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he Customs Court sent suspects namely Ziaullah, Qayoom Khan, Wajid Ali, Haseebullah, Israr and Allah Bux to Customs Collectorate Appraisement East on physical remand, who were arrested in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid 9180 kilogram betel nuts. Investigation ofSicer of Appraisement East produced the above mentioned suspects and informed that on a credible information, customs team intercepted seven oil tankers bearing registration number TTC-132, TUD-418, TTD-237, TTC-793, TMD-310, TUD-412 and TTD-180 and recovered betel nuts containing 197 kattas. He further submitted that during the investigation, suspects told that they are labourers and doing the job of loading and un-loading of the Iranian HSD, on physical checking/ examination four underground tanker were installed there which were found
empty, 07 empty oil tankers with fake logos and number of reputable oil marketing companies were also parked there, 14 generators of different companies and 197 kattas and two drums of foreign betel nuts were
also recovered. He argued that prosecution needs further investigations from them for arrest of other culprits, therefore, court may grant their physical remand, after the hearing, court sent them to physical remand and directed investigation
ofSicer to produce them on next date of hearing along with progress report. According to the prosecution, case was registered for violation of section 2(s) 16, 157 of the customs act, read with section 3(1) of imports and exports control act, 1950
Illegal control of QICT by Indians without MOI clearance poses high security threat
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eportedly, some directors of holding company of QICT Pakistan Limited are Indians who have been handling Indian Ports in the past like Rizwan Sultanali Soomar who is an Indian national and now Chairman & Director of M/s DP World Karachi has been head of APM Terminals investments in India, also served as Director of Gujrat Pipavav Port Limited, India and also served as Managing Director of Maersk Line India & Sri Lanka. Also Devang Mankodi, an Indian national, is Director of DP World Karachi and he has served as Director of Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal India and also worked in Logistics Company in India. This implies that QICT Port of Pakistan is controlled by Indians. Ports are highly sensitive and strategic assets of Pakistan which cannot be given in the hands of nationals of hostile countries. Ports are highly sensitive and strategic assets of Pakistan which cannot be given in the hands of nationals of an arch rival. With such management holding of Indians, electronic
data and sensitive information like in and out movement at the Port and other classiSied information of Pakistan can always be shared with India. In addition, Pakistan Army is fully capable to defend the country’s territorial integrity against any Indian aggression. Recently it shot down two Indian spy drones, or “quadcopters”, along with the Line of Control (LoC). Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor says Pakistan armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any Indian misadventure. The Pakistan Army, he said, holds an impregnable ability to defeat India. Any misadventure by India would be given a beSitting response, he added. Earlier, Pakistan thwarted spying attempts of India, arrested its spy Kulbushan Jadhav and broke the backbone of his network. Now the Pak army is apprised of other spying activities of Indians through discreet control of strategic QICT. Copies of the letter in this regard already sent to high ups including the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the DG ISI, the DG MI, the DG ISPR, the DG Pakistan Rangers Sindh, the DG Intelligence Pakistan Navy, the DG Pakistan Maritime Securities Agency (PMSA), the Minister for
Interior, the Minister for Maritime Affairs, the Chairman NAB and the DG FIA to take action against dangerous anti-state activities of Indian through QICT. The CIJ demanded legal action against accused including Yuvraj Narayan, Deepak Parekh, Robert Woods, Abdulla Ghobash, Mark Russell, Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Nadya Abdulla Kamali, Mohammed Al Muallem, Suhail Al Banna, Rizwan Soomar, Mathew Leech, Abdulla Bin Damithan, Devang Mankodi, Rashid Abdulla, Mohammad Al Hashimy, Habibullah Khan, Nusrat Khan, Aly Khan, Junaid Zamir, Changaz Hassan Niazi, Farhan Mithani, Masoud Noori, Mohammad Al Mannaei, Omer Al Mohairi, Cyrus R Khursigara, Shahid Iqbal, Uzair Qureshi, Fasih Haider, Faraz Aziz, Abdul Aleem Mirza, Saad ZulSiqar and others of DP World/ QICT Ltd. The Supreme Court needs to issue orders to the Government Agencies/Organizations like National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Federal Investigative Agency (FIA) and others to expedite action against such alleged nefarious acts of QICT as discreet control of this highly sensitive port could pose a serious risk to national security.
further read with SRO 499(1)/2009 dated 06.06.2009 and SRO 566(1)/2005 dated 06.06.2005 punishable under clauses (8) & (89) of section 156 (1) of the Customs Act, 1969 and section 157 (2) of the Customs Act, 1969.
faisalabad Customs collects Rs1019.040 million FAISALABAD
nAeeM SHeiKH
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ustoms Collectorate of Appraisement collected Rs1019.040 million in wake of duty and taxes against the assigned target of Rs1703 million in December 2018. As per details, the Faisalabad Customs Appraisement has achieved its target by 60 percent. It has collected Rs476.407 million under the head of customs duty against the assigned target of Rs510 million and achieved the target by 93 percent. It also collected sales tax to the tune of Rs526.995 million against the set target of Rs1182 million by achieving the target by 45 percent during the said period. Similarly, the Customs Appraisement has collected Rs15.638 million against the set target of Rs11 million under the head of income tax and achieved its target by 142 percent. In wake of federal excise duty (FED) the Collectorate could not collect any taxes. Collector Customs Appraisement Mirza Mubashir Baig urged upon the customs officers to make strenuous efforts for optimum revenue collection through trade facilitation and quick clearance of import consignments.
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12
JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 21, 2019
Multan Customs seizes smuggled HSD from Sahiwal
MULTAN: Customs Collectorate Anti-Smuggling Organization seized 10,000 liters of smuggled High Speed Diesel (HSD) during their operation near Sahiwal. Sources told Customs Today that Multan Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization received credible information from their source that oil tanker loaded with smuggled High Speed Diesel will move from Sahiwal region to Multan. Assistant Collector Omer Bin Zafar Chattha formed a special team of Anti-Smuggling Organization to intercept smuggled High Speed Diesel.
NAB shows excellent performance under dynamic leadership of Justice Javed Iqbal ISLAMABAD
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AB under the dynamic leadership of Honorable Justice Mr. Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB has been rejuvenated and geared through its proactive anti-corruption strategy by adopting “Accountability for All” policy. Today NAB has become a vibrant and reports and surveys of different reputable national and international organizations like PILDAT, Mishal Pakistan, Gallop and Gillani Survey, Transparency International and World Economic Forum have not only appreciated performance of NAB but also indicated that 59 percent Pakistanis have trust upon NAB due to its across the board actions. NAB strongly believes in self accountability, transparency and merit as per law and has opened its doors for citizens related to their corruption related complaints. Chairman NAB during public hearings on every last Thursday of month not only listen public complaints himself but has disposed off 2500 complainants through personal hearings as per law. The performance of NAB under the dynamic leadership of Honorable Justice Mr. Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB remained excellent. NAB not only received 44315 complaints in 2018 which were almost double from the previous year 2018 and after due process scrutinized complaints in its complaints scrutiny committees as per law but on the basis of prima Sicia evidence, 1713 complaints were converted
into complaint veriSications which were against scrutinized and after complaint veriSications 877complaints converted into inquiries. During inquiries, NAB after obtaining point of views of both complainants and accused persons converted into investigation and subsequently 227 investigations were ungraded and 440 corruption references were Siled during in respected Accountability courts during the last one year which is an excellent achievement as compared to last Sive years of NAB. On the basis of across the board accountability under its Enforcement policy, NAB has not only arrested 503 accused persons during one year but also recovered Rs. 2580 million from corrupt elements and deposited all amount in national exchequer and not a single rupee has been taken by any NAB employee as NAB ofSicers/ofSicials considered it their national duty. The recovery made by NAB during the last one year was then returned to hundreds of effectees and some government departments but not a single rupee has been received by any NAB employee as NAB ofSicers/ofSicials consider eradication of corruption from the country as their national duty. NAB has convened 20 Executive Board meetings during the last one year in which various complaint veriSications, inquiries, investigations and references authorized and approved. Today, more than 1210 corruption references of NAB are under trial in various respected Accountability Courts of the country and approximately total amount is Rs. 900 billion. Besides being apex anticorruption organization, Today NAB is role model institution among
Justice Mr. Javed iqbal, Chairman nAB
SAARC countries due to its effective anti corruption strategy of Enforcement, Awareness and prevention. NAB on bilateral cooperation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China to streamline and structure and cooperation in the Sields of anti-corruption. In the context of CPEC this cooperation will further boost conSidence in projects undertaken in Pakistan. NAB has established its Sirst state of the Art Forensic Science LAB (FSL) in NAB
Rawalpindi which has facilities of Digital Forensics, Questioned Documents and Fingerprint Analysis. NAB has rationalized its workload and timelines have been prescribed for efSicient, effective and expeditious disposal of cases putting a maximum limit of 10 months – from complaint veriSication-to-inquiryto-investigation and Sinally to a reference in the Accountability Court. NAB has also introduced Combine Investigation Team (CIT) system in order to beneSit from the experience
and collective wisdom of senior supervisory ofSicers. This is not only lending quality to the work but also ensuring that no single individual can inSluence the ofSicial proceedings of NAB. AB is the only organization in Pakistan which has approximately 70 percent conviction ratio. This is just because of the proactive AntiCorruption Strategy not only chalked out by Honorable Justice Mr. Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB but also implemented across the board. Today, NAB is the only organization in Pakistan who has established more than 50 thousands Character Building Societies in Colleges/Universities in order to aware our youth which is our future about the ill effects of corruption. Due to across the board actions of NAB, today eradication of corruption has become voice of whole nation and NAB under the dynamic leadership of Honorable Justice Mr. Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB has perfected its procedures and geared up to come up to the expectations of the nation for corruption free Pakistan. Honorable Justice Mr. Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB has strongly believes that NAB is not for victimization against anyone. NAB has no afSiliation with any party as NAB ofSicers are only the servants of the state. Their Sirst and last afSiliation is with state of Pakistan. Due to the hard work put in by all NAB ofSicers/ofSicials and the feedback received from all segments of society, people of Pakistan are appreciating the initiatives taken by the present management of NAB under the dynamic leadership of Honorable Justice Mr. Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB who is man of action and is committed to nab all corrupt elements with iron hands on the basis of solid evidence as per law.
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ustoms Collectorate Collector Asharaf said that the Collectorate collected more than Rs13 billion under all heads and surpassed the target of revenue collection by 26% during Sirst half of Fiscal Year 2018-19 due to a comprehensive strategy. Talking with Customs Today during an exclusive interview, the collector said that the revenue collection during the Sirst six months (July-December 2018-19) surpassed its allocated revenue col-
lection target under all heads by 26% percent. He said the Collectorate collected revenue of Rs13.28 billion under heads of customs duties (CD), sales tax (ST), withholding tax (WHT) and federal excise duty (FED) against allocated collection target of Rs11.87 billion whereas MCC Quetta’s revenue collection during the same period of last Sinancial year (FY17-18) was Rs10.54 billion. Collector Ashraf Ali said that the growth in the revenue collection is evident of better enforcement and assessment measures taken by the Collectorate. He told that tax-wise break-up of the revenue collection
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
Quetta Customs surpasses assigned revenue collection by 26pc through effective strategy: Collector Ashraf Ali
was customs duty Rs4.17 billion and sales tax Rs4.57 billion while the collectorate showed increase
in federal excise duty by 43% and increase in income tax/withholding tax by 30%. Ashraf Ali also
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praised the performance of AntiSmuggling Organization of the Collectorate and appreciated the role of business community and taxpayers for their support. Answering a query about goods seized during 2nd quarter (October to December) FY18-19, he said that during the second quarter goods recovered through mobile squads and customs check posts .i.e Darakhsha Manikhwa, Yaroo, Shella Bagh, Lakpass, Baleli, and Kulpor whereas, the major goods seized during this period included smuggled tyres, cloth, diesel, spare parts, cigarettes Pan Parag and non-customs paid vehicles.