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26 AbC Certified vol 75 issue no. 43
Karachi, tue June 18 - mon June 24, 2019
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tigHtening nooSe
Govt proposed several amendments to income tax laws to tighten the noose around offshore tax evaders. | See pAge 02 | SuRpASSing tARget
Chief Collector North Region Asif Jah says Customs North region collected Rs3.89b against target of Rs3.1 billion | See pAge 04 | ACHieving tARgetS
Collector Seema Bokhari says Islamabad Collectorate achieved targets of customs duty and other taxes. | See pAge 03 | SHowing peRfoRmAnCe
Peshawar Customs Preventive showed outstanding performance with NDP goods seizures worth Rs274m | See pAge 09 |
KARACHI
ASAD KHARAL
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he Qasim International Containers Terminal (QICT) at Port Qasim is allegedly looting and bleeding the genuine importers of Pakistan. Importers question complicity of Port Qasim Authority’s chairman Asad RaSi Chandna and QICT CEO Junaid Zamir in country’s biggest demurrage and detention scam. Importers claim that these high-ups of PQA and QICT work hand in glove to allow illegal activities at the terminal as they shut their eyes and appointed Indians who reportedly carried out clearance of dangerous materials and restricted goods. These Indian ofSicials including Rizwan Sultanali Soomar and De-
vang Mankodi might have shared electronic data and sensitive information like in and out movement at the Port and other classiSied information of Pakistan with Indian authorities, importers asserted. Besides, unnecessary delay in the clearance of shipments causes heavy losses to importers and raise business cost so importers allege that nexus of PQA, QICT and a few customs ofSicials deliberately slows down the clearance process of shipments to make illegal money through malpractice. Under rules 603 (Q), 603 (R), 604 (Q) and 607 (E), others of SRO 1220 (I)/2015, shipping companies & terminal operators cannot charge any demurrage and detention where speciSically it is not agreed and also speciSically not mentioned on the B/L (Bill of Lading). As per Customs Act, 1969, the port cannot charge any
demurrage or detention charges if Customs gives a certiSicate to importer titled ‘Delay and Detention CertiSicate’. But despite this certiSicate, importers say their goods are held illegally at the terminal and they are charged with heavy demurrage while the shipping lines also fearlessly hold their containers and charge them exorbitant detention charges. Moreover, Customs Rule 442 reads as: “Release of imported goods — Customs release message will be electronically communicated to the importer, his agent and the Terminal Operator. The goods will be released by the Terminal Operator subject to fulSilling of any condition speciSied by Customs in electronic message to the Terminal Operator. The Terminal Operator shall submit all collected documents requisitioned through electronic message to Customs at the end of
the day.” Importers say, “Contrary to such clear rules mentioned under the law, it is a normal practice of the terminal that they do not release the goods even after release of those goods by the Customs Department. They hold the goods, arm twist and blackmail the owners of the goods and illegally make them pay huge amounts of additional money. The terminal is a private company and not authorised under the law to seize goods of importers which they are regularly doing without any fear of the law. Port Qasim Authority is a primary regulator and bound by law to stop the illegal activities of the terminal operator but the PQA seems to be involved in the mega scam and hence it has not taken any action even after coverage of the issue in the past many months”. Continued on page 09
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NATIONAL
JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2019
m/s pakistan mobile Communications approaches SHC for restraining order KARACHi: m/s pakistan mobile Communications Limited approached the Sindh High Court (SHC) seeking restraining order for any coercive action from customs department. Counsel for the petitioner stated in his petition that respondents issued a show cause notice to the petitioner alleging that the petitioner’s company by mis-declaring the pCt Heading as 8507.2010 (which is a specified hearing for ‘lead acid batteries used in telephones exchanges’ chargeable to CD@ 10% instead of the correct pCt Heading 8507.2090 chargeable to CD @20%) had deliberately and willfully evaded an amount of Rs71,850,248 (customs duty Rs56,973,264, sales tax Rs9,685,455 additional sales tax Rs1,709,198 and income tax Rs3,482,331).
FBR eyes revenue of Rs2b through amendments in super tax
fbR decides to tighten noose around offshore tax evaders
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has estimated additional revenue of Rs2 billion through proposed changes in law related to super tax. According to the details, the changes have been introduced to Section 4B of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 through Finance Bill 2019. The FBR in explanation to the Finance Bill said that presently brought forward depreciation and business losses are excluded while computing income for calculating liability of super tax. However, such losses are not excluded in the case of banking, insurance, oil and mineral exploration companies. In order to ensure similar tax treatment, brought forward business and depreciation losses have been excluded from income computed to calculate super tax in the case of the abovementioned sectors. FBR sources said that LargeTaxpayers Unit (LTU) Karachi had submitted its proposals related to super tax with estimated revenue generation of Rs2 billion.The LTU Karachi in its proposals said that the proposed amendment would bring uniform chargeability of super tax to all taxpayers including taxpayers falling within the purview of Fourth, Fifth, Seventh and Eighth Schedules of IncomeTax Ordinance, 2001.
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ADC Asma issues notice to owner of smuggled auto parts FAISALABAD
nAeem SHeiKH
www.customstoday.com ollectorate of Customs Adjudication Additional Collector Asma Hameed issued a show cause notice to owner of smuggled foreign origin auto parts worth Rs 2 million including truck being used in smuggling. Sources told Customs Today that Deputy Director Rana Irfan Shouqat received credible information that a truck along with smuggled different types of smuggled engine parts is heading towards Faisalabad and the vehicle will pass through Samundari Bypass. Accordingly, a customs team established check post near Samundari Bypass and intercepted truck bearing registration no FDW-7955. During checking customs team recovered various types of engine parts. The owner of the goods who was later identified as Asif Ali failed to produce any documentary evidence of legal import or possession of the goods. The Customs I&I team impounded the items and forwarded the case to the Customs Adjudication for further proceedings.
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he PTI-government has proposed several amendments to the income tax laws to tighten the noose around offshore tax evaders. According to media, under the proposed amendments, tax evasion via offshore accounts will be deemed as a punishable crime and those found guilty will either have to pay hefty Sines or face jail time of up to seven years. The amendments are in line with the Financial Action Task Force recommendations and will be made part of the Finance Act 2019 after approval from the parliament. The amendments introduce various changes to the legal framework governing tax evaders, absconders, abettors, ofSicials and individuals involved in malpractices and real estate transactions. The bill, presented by the government empowers commissioners to freeze domestic assets of individuals who are deemed a Slight risk or are likely to dispose their assets to avoid penalties. The bill also includes three other sections: 192B, 195A and 195B to deal with concealment of offshore assets and individuals working as an accessory to concealment of assets through offshore accounts or companies. The government has also proposed to deem concealment of offshore assets worth more than Rs100,000 as an offence punishable with imprisonment up to seven years or a Sine of up to 200 per cent of the amount of tax evaded or both.
fbR Chairman Shabbar Zaidi
Additionally, it has also been proposed that names of those individuals who have evaded offshore tax equal to Rs2.5m will also be published in the country’s print and electronic media. Furthermore, a penalty of two years of jail time or a Sine of up to 2pc of the total offshore asset’s worth not declared under the statement of foreign assets under Section 116A will also be imposed upon the guilty individuals. Regarding those aiding and abetting in guiding or advising the offender to design, arrange or manage transactions or declarations in a manner that results in tax evasion can also face jail time of up to seven years or a Sine of Rs5m or both. The names of these enablers will also be published in the print and electronic media. The Finance Bill 2019 has
also empowered commissioners to raid premises where there is reliable information of availability of undeclared gold, bearer securities or foreign currency to conSiscate these assets by enforcing the provisions of the ordinance. On the other hand, in order to ensure maximum declaration of assets under the Assets Declaration Act 2019, the government has also barred proceedings in cases of declarations made under the act. The government has also introduced a scheme whereby every individuals deriving business income even below the taxability threshold will be mandated to register with themselves with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) through the National Database and Registration Authority’s (NADRA) e-sahulat
Customs i&i seizes huge quantity of smuggled goods D
ISLAMABAD
tARiQ DeRYA
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irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) Deputy Director Abdul Mueed Kanju has said that during the month of May 2019, the I&I seized huge quantity of smuggled goods. Talking with Customs Today he said that on the instructions of Director General Muhammad Zahid Kokhar, anti-smuggling activities throughout the country have been geared up resulting in many phenomenal seizure cases in the month of May 2019. The regional ofSice Peshawar of this Directorate General made a seizure case of 2.25 kilograms heroin powder valuing about Rs 22.5 million dated 15.05.2019. The heroin powder was
Deputy Director Abdul mueed Kanju tactfully concealed in the trunk of Suzuki Cultus car. Kanju said that besides this ASO Peshawar also inter-
cepted two Mazda trucks which were carrying four non-duty paid vehicles worth Rs 6.0 million dated 17-052019, adding that Faisalabad I&I also constituted an exceptionally high value seizure case of 26,050 kilograms prime quality smuggled betel nuts valuing around Rs 104 million along with trailer worth Rs8 million. The said case registered on 13-052019. Deputy Director Customs I&I head quarters said that the Regional ofSice Gawader of this Directorate General made seizure case of smuggled Iranian diesel (110,000 liters approximately), tyres, betel nuts, cigarettes and cloths valuing about Rs 28 million dated 14-05-19. In another instance, Regional ofSice Lahore raided a godown as a result of which 7,500 mobile phones, mother boards valuing about Rs 25 million were seized which were being smuggled on 25-5-19.
centres. At present, only taxpayers are required to register with the FBR whereas those individuals deriving business income who are not required to Sile their returns as they fall below the taxability threshold are not required to register at all. The scheme would help government generate a database to identify new tax payers in the future. Moreover, in order to quickly process refund claims, the government has also proposed to setup FBR Refunds Settlement Company for payment of refunds under Income Tax Ordinance through bonds similar to the Refund Settlement Company under Sales Tax Act. The characteristics of proposed bonds will also be similar to those of the Sales Tax Bonds. The bill also proposes initiation of criminal proceedings against those ofSicers and taxpayers who indulge in Sinancial malpractices. Furthermore, in order to minimise personal interaction between taxpayers and ofSicials, the FBR has also been empowered to design Automated Impersonal Tax Regime. In order to ensure documentation of real estate transactions and to ascertain actual value of a transaction to purchase an asset, individuals purchasing immovable property of fair market value greater than Rs5m and Rs1m or more in the case of any other asset would now be required to make payments for the said purchase through a crossed banking instrument so that transaction can be clearly identified from one bank account to another. In case of non-compliance, the deductions under the depreciation and amortization in respect of such assets shall not be allowed.
Sargodha FIU impounds non duty paid Hino truck he Field Investigation Unit (FIU) Sargodha of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation impounded a non-duty paid Hino truck bearing registration no: RIS-17-3008 model 1997 worth Rs 5 million. Sources told Customs Today that Deputy Director Rana Irfan shouqat received information about some non-customs paid vehicles which are plying on the roads. He constituted a team under the supervision of Superintendent Muhammad Tahir Iqbal. The FIU team intercepted Hino truck near Shadia Sargodha Road Mianwali and asked the owner of vehicle who was identified as Zahid Mahmood to produce legal documents regarding possession of the truck but he failed to provide any relevant documents. FIU team impounded the truck and forwarded the case to Customs Adjudication for legal process. —CT Report
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NATIONAL 03
JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2019
Customs Court approves remand of suspect in betel nuts, liquor smuggling case KARACHi: the Customs Court sent suspects namely nawab Shahrukh son of Abdul Sattar and ghulam moduddin son of Abdul Salam to customs department on physical remand, involved in a case of attempting to smuggle betel nuts, liquor, etc. investigation officer produced the above-mentioned suspects before the court along with first information report and submitted that a credible information was received in the Collectorate regarding import of contraband goods under the garb of scrap/importable items, therefore, examination staff concerned was made vigilant during the examination, particularly items being imported as scrap. He further disclosed that consignment of muhammad Adil proprietor of m/s mak tanoli int’l pvt Ltd, nawab Shahrukh, murtaz Jan brohi and ghulam monuddin was brought for examination.
SHC directs not to take any coercive action against M/sTelenor Pakistan
islamabad Customs surpasses revenue collection target: Seema
KARACHI
m.b RAnA
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ollectorate of Customs Collector Seema Raza Bokhari has said that the Collectorate has achieved targets of customs duty and other taxes assigned by the FBR for month of May 2019 and Islamabad Collectorate’s both stations Air Freight Unit AFU and Islamabad dry port (IDP) contributed immensely in realization of this success by attaining the targets. In an exclusive interview with Customs Today, she said the collectorate has uploaded details of 4.5 kgs heroin seizure on RILO (Regional Intelligence Liaison OfSices) of the WCO for further investigation as the case was detected by Islamabad Customs where 4 parcels were detected with heroin booked for UK and Bangladesh. The Collector urged all the ofSicials and staff members to perform their duties with devotion whereas she appreciated the overall performance of the ofSicials/staff of the MCC Islamabad and advised them to continue their efforts to enhance the revenue. Ms Bokhari said, “We have initiated new dialogue with the high-ups of Islamabad Motorway administration for coordination and sharing of information to cope with the smuggling activities and we have asked the Motorway Administration to perform joint seizures and intercept the vehicles (carrying smuggled goods)”. She attributed the achievement of revenue targets to Allah’s kind-
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
he Sindh High Court (SHC) passed an interim order and restrained customs officials from taking any coercive action including blockage of NTN of the petitioner till next date of hearing on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Telenor Pakistan Private Limited and M/s Ahbab Enterprises against blocking of its NTN/user ID by the Collector of Customs of Appraisement East due to alleged disputed recovery. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi was hearing the matter. Court also directed customs officials to file their comments with advance copy to learned counsel for the petitioner. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner stated in his petition that user ID of petitioners was blocked by customs officials to stop clearance of the consignments imported by/cleared through petitioners and when they approached the customs officials then petitioners were informed that NTN/user ID of the petitioners was blocked in pursuance of the recovery proceedings initiated by the Collectorate vide demand notice dated May 07, 2019 issued in pursuance of an order-in-original no 280/2017-2018 dated Dec 22, 2017 passed by the Collector of Customs (Adjudication-II). He further argued that copy of the impugned demand notice along with the copy of referred order-in-original was never served on/ever received by petitioners. Citing chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Director, Directorate of Post Clearance Audit, Collector of Customs (GrVI) and Collector of Customs Adjudication-II as respondents, he pleaded the court to suspend the operation of impugned order-in-original dated Dec 22, 2017.
ness and the untiring efforts and hard work of the ofSicers and staff of Collectorate. She expressed conSidence that they will continue to strive for such success in future as well. Telling the revenue details, she said that MCC Islamabad during the month of May 2019 has surpassed the assigned target by Rs 564 million under head of (CD) Customs Duty by collecting more than Rs 821.80 million. Similarly under the head of ST
Collector Seema Raza bokhari
(Sales Tax) an amount of Rs 1117.21 million was collected against the assigned target of Rs 662 million. The MCC Islamabad also achieved and surpassed its progressive target for last eleven months (July to May FY18-19). During the said period, MCC Islamabad earned Rs 7432.61 million under head of CD against the assigned revenue collection target of Rs 6823 million. Seema Raza said that the MCC Islamabad earned Rs10080.21 mil-
lion under head of ST against assigned revenue collection target of Rs7770 million for July to May FY18-19. Against total target of duty and taxes of Rs18869 million, the Collectorate was able to collect revenue to the tune of Rs 22704 million exceeding the assigned target by Rs3835.27 million during Sirst 11 months thus MCC played a major role in revenue collection of North Region comprising (Peshawar, Sialkot, Gilgit, Baltistan and Islamabad).
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04 NATIONAL
JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2019
fbR issues notices to three builders on non-payment of minimum tax iSLAmAbAD: federal board of Revenue (fbR) has issued a notice to three builders and developers on non-payment of minimum tax which resulted in loss to the government revenue amounting Rs 38.14 million. According to Section 113 of income tax ordinance, 2001; minimum tax @ 0.5 or 1 percent is payable by a resident company which declares loss for the year. three taxpayer companies including Dolemen (pvt) Ltd national tax number 0710245-3 , mohammad talha (King’s Real estate) national tax number 2309961-5 and Atlas Developers and builders pvt Ltd under the jurisdiction of two field formations of federal board of Revenue showed loss in their returns for various tax years but did not pay minimum tax under section 113 of income tax ordinance, 2001 at the time of filing of returns.
‘north Region shows outstanding performance by collecting Rs3.89b’ ISLAMABAD
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SHC bars customs from action against M/s Ayoub Steel Traders & M/s Ali Steel KARACHI
m.b RAnA
www.customstoday.com he Sindh High Court (SHC) restrained customs officials from taking any coercive action against the petitioner pursuant to the order passed by National Tariff Commission on a petition filed by M/s Raja Steel, M/s Ayoub Steel Traders and other importers seeking restraining order for no coercive action for disputed recovery of ant-dumping duty. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi also issued pre-admission notice to customs officials as well as deputy attorney general for next date of hearing. During the hearing, counsel for the M/s Raja Steel, M/s Ayoub Steel Traders, M/s Ali Steel, M/s Bismillah Industry, M/s Z & D Metal Corporation, Supreme Steel Forming, M/s O.S Corporation, M/s Riaz-Ud-Din Engineering argued that petitioners are importers of the products from several foreign manufacturers, for the purpose of construction, packing/ drums, fixtures, hoardings, transportation appliances, HAVC (heading ventilation and air conditioning), furniture, containers packaging etc. He submitted that disputed issue regarding anti-dumping duty is pending before anti-dumping appellate tribunal, however, it has come to their knowledge that the tribunal has become non-functional and now remains vacant with several appeals pending before it, petitioners are, hence, left deprived of the statutory remedy and right of appeal, hence, having been denied a forum of redress against this completely arbitrary imposition of duty, the petitioners have hereby preferred the instant petition. Citing secretary of Commerce, secretary Ministry of Law, Sectary Ministry of Finance, Chairman NTC, chairman FBR as respondents, court may declare the coercive measures as illegal.
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— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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hief Collector North Region Asif Mehmood Jah has said that the Customs North region collected Rs3.89 billion during May 2019 against assigned revenue collection target of Rs3.1 billion. He said that North Region which comprises (Islamabad, Peshawar, Gilgit Baltistan and Sialkot) showed outstanding revenue collection performance during month of May 2019. He said that Customs North Region surpassed monthly revenue target before the end of month of May 2019. He added that Customs North Region not only achieved but surpassed the target under head of customs duty (CD) along with other duty and taxes. Asif Jah said that during May, the North Region surpassed the target of CD by Rs438 million with revenue collection of Rs1405 million against assigned target of Rs 968 million, similarly an amount of Rs 1612 million has been collected under head of sales tax (ST) against the assigned revenue collection target of Rs1445 million with increase of Rs167 million against the target. The North Region has earned Rs3889 million against the assigned target of Rs3139 million with extra amount of Rs 750 million, moreover Customs North Region during July to May FY18-19 earned gross collection of Rs17396 million under head of CD against assigned target of Rs14102 million while under the head of ST it earned Rs16821 million. North Region earned Rs46103
Chief Collector north Region Asif Jah
million against the assigned target of Rs40404 million under head of all duty & taxes. He said that hopefully the North Region will surpass its revenue collection target for month of June FY18-19 as well. He added that about the anti-smuggling side the North Region performed extraordinary while covering vast area of its jurisdiction.
During the month of May 2019, the Anti -Smuggling Organization of North Region seized huge quantity of smuggled and non-duty paid vehicles along with narcotics, foreign currencies and gold etc, to the tune of Rs216 million while during the corresponding period of May 2018 the North Region had seized smuggled goods worth Rs 155 million.
Asad Qaiser asks FBR not to pass on burden of FED to tobacco growers ISLAMABAD
muHAmmAD fAiZAn www.customstoday.com
ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Shabbir Zaidi has informed the speaker national assembly that the finance bill clearly states that the effect of Federal Excise Duty (FED) should not be passed on to growers and the burden should be entirely borne by the cigarette manufacturers. It was also highlighted that the FED was intended for tracking and tracing of tobacco purchases in order to prevent tax evasion. Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser stressed the need for protecting the interest of the tobacco farmers and ending their exploitation. He urged the FBR that the burden of tobacco taxation should not be passed on to growers and that the tobacco farmers should be provided maximum relief as they constitute the most vulnerable segment in the entire tobacco value chain. He was chairing a meeting at Parliament House to discuss the budget proposals for giving relief to the tobacco growers. A working group on tobacco growers concerns constituted by the Speaker National Assembly and headed by the Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce Ms Shandana Gulzar Khan, briefed the panel about the concerns of tobacco growers with reference to the current tax regime. Ms Shandana Gulzar Khan underlined the need for striking a balance between revenue collections, health concerns and interests of the farmers. Apprising the Members of the Special Committee on Agricultural Products, Members from tobacco growing districts, and provincial ministers, the panel maintained that the entire economy of tobacco growing districts revolve around single crop, tobacco, which serves as their sole source of livelihood.
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AsadChandna,JunaidZamirworkhandinglove E
from page 01
xperts say Port Qasim Authority is the regulator but is least bothered to check on the illegal activities of the terminal, adding that the private company has been allotted the terminal based on the terms and conditions mentioned in the Implementation Agreement (IA) signed between Port Qasim Authority and the private terminal. According to the very basic spirit of the Implementation Agreement, the terminal at Port Qasim is supposed to abide by the law of the land but cannot diverge from the rules laid down
under the law. Questions are being raised on the personal involvement of PQA chairman Asad RaSi Chandna himself in the mega scam due to his inaction on the issue. After so much exposure by the media, why he has not taken any action against all those accused in the scam? Why did he not ensure implementation of the agreement? Why did he allow the terminal to make merry while looting the importers? Why did he allow the foreign companies holding the terminal to bulldoze the law of Pakistan? Why did he allow the terminal to carry on taking the illegal demurrage and detention charges? Why did he allow the terminal to disturb
Pakistan’s importers to such extent to shift their businesses to other countries? FBR and Customs Department should have taken prompt action against the QICT due to blackmailing of genuine importers and demanding illegal demurrage and detention charges, importers said and added it is utmost duty of the FBR to facilitate them to promote country’s trade and earn much-needed revenue for the exchequer. This negligence on the part of the FBR high-ups should not be ignored by the government, the FIA and the NAB, they demanded. Recently the premier investigating agency FIA had taken up the issue and directed Port Qasim Authority for personal
presence of its ofSicer with all the relevant record pertaining to the issue. FIA Corporate Crime Circle Karachi had launched the enquiry of issue of blackmailing and cheating by the terminal in connivance with Port Qasim Authority by issuing a letter to its ofSicer to ensure his personal appearance with all the relevant record of the issue.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by the writer are his own and do not necessarily reSlect the views and policies of Customs Today. We invite all relevant parties to any speciSic story to send their version/stance to us with valid justiSications & documents. newsdesk@customstoday.com
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SPECIALREPORT 07
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ISLAMABAD
ASAD KHARAL
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ational Bureau of Pakistan (NAB) has proposed to create a statutory body, a “Pakistan Accreditation Council for Professional Investigators” to regulate the conduct and business of Professionals and Institutions dealing with all types of Crimes Intelligence, Awareness, Prevention and Enforcement. Chairman NAB Justice Javed Iqbal said the sophistication and modernization in the crimes has posed the serious challenges to the Investigators and Prosecutors involved in the investigation and prosecution of the blue color and the white color crimes in the globalised world today. The more globalization the world has achieved, more the criminals have modernized the modus operandi of the crimes. We have to cooperate and assist each other in eliminating the crimes through modern tools & techniques. Chairman NAB further said it is unfortunate that we lack the strategic mechanism to develop and maintain the skills and aptitude of Investigation ofSicers coming from diverse educational background and qualiSication. Pakistan, being the victim of poor governance, terrorism, and high rate of corruption almost in all the departments, needs to prepare the specialized Investigators equipped with the requisite skills, capacity, and security to counter the serious challenges, given the changing dynamics of crime. Geared towards the future, we hope that the proposed reform of establishing an ‘Accreditation Council’ would help in settling down several social, institutional, and national level integration issues. Investigators working in all categories of departments need to be brought under one umbrella of accreditation and competent handling of sensitive, and the state –trust symbolizing profession of investigation.
Therefore, I would be looking forward a sit-together session of all heads of the Investigation Agencies to move forward for setting up a common platform to make the professional strength robust against the Sinancial and competence odds as well as joining for mutual welfare and integration, he added. “I appreciate the efforts of Training and Research Division for carrying out extensive needs assessment research for NAB as well other Investigation Agencies,” the Chairman NAB added. Mirza Sultan M. Saleem, Director General, (T&R), HQ NAB Islamabad, said this Concept Paper aims to create a statutory body, “Pakistan Accreditation Council for Professional Investigators” to regulate the conduct and business of Professionals and Institutions dealing with all types of Crimes Intelligence, Awareness, Prevention and Enforcement. The ‘Council’ shall also act as an unifying umbrella for all these cadres, inter-alia, investigators of white collar crimes, blue collar crimes, tax frauds, banking crimes, custom embezzlements terrorist Sinancing ,drugs and narcotics trafSicking. Concurrently, the Council will integrate and coordinate all professionals and institutions dealing with of investigations of all crimes, including the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Police, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), Anti-Corruption Establishments (ACEs), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Customs, Income tax, SECP, Prisons, Intelligence Bureau , NACTA and Wafaqi Mohtsib. He said the Council will accredit the investigators after testing their competence in major subjects of law which includes but not limited to Pakistan Penal Code, Law of Evidence, Criminal Procedure Code, and special laws of SECP, Customs, Income Tax, Banking, AMLA, ANF, NAO 1999, SBP, FIA, ACEs. Candidate Investigators will also be examined for professional ethics, conduct, psycho stability, aptitude and physical Sitness to ensure their professional performance periodic review against appraisal and
up gradation to next higher level. The Council will be made sustainable through Sinancial self-sufSiciency realized from all concerned institutions and individuals detailed in the present proposal. Without burdening the public exchequer, additional Sinances for IOs remuneration will be obtained from the in process E –transformation reform of public procurement system and from new mechanism of asset management to be authorized through legislation proposed hereunder in this proposal. Moreover, the elected body of the investigators will mutually look after welfare of the colleague professional under contributory regime, he added. Mirza Sultan M. Saleem, Director General (T&R), NAB Islamabad, said the Council will also act as a ‘Think Tank’ to set the standards of education and research for crime preven-
The ‘Council’ shall act as an unifying umbrella for all these cadres, inter-alia, investigators of white collar crimes, blue collar crimes, tax frauds, banking crimes, custom embezzlements, terrorist financing, drugs and narcotics trafficking, says Mirza Sultan M. Saleem, DG T&R NAB
tion in collaboration with the HEC and academia. The Council will represent the community of investigators throughout the country and act as a bridge between the governments, the public, education institutions of similar professions both locally and internationally.
Summary of the Proposal The world is changing rapidly which has also brought changes in the patterns, incidence, manners and sophistication of the offenses. As such the investigation processes also need to be adapted accordingly to the changing scenario. The accreditation of the investigators belonging to NAB, FIA, Police, Anti-narcotics, anti-corruption establishments and other similar institutions by an ‘Accreditation Council’ would equip them with the latest knowledge, skills, and expertise of the highest standards. Further, the MOUs, collaborations, and exchange programs with the international investigation organizations are required to be linked with the international organizations in order to bring home the international best practices. The proposed ‘Accreditation Council’ would be comprised of a chairman and its members. The Chairman NAB, being retired justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan shall hold the position of the Chairman Accreditation Council whereas its members would be heads of the organizations from federal and provincial institutions i.e. Police, IB, FIA, NACTA and ANF. It is proposed that in long run an immediate retired justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan may head the Council. There will be committees’ under the accreditation Council to carry out administrative functions, curriculum development ,welfare measures, International Integrations, Asset Management and mechanism will be devised to grant the accreditation to the Investigators and its periodic review. Continued on page 09
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08 EDITORIAL
JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2019
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An unrealistic budget?
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he government has presented a harsh budget and must now perform the high-wire act of keeping its balance while adhering to its targets. The revenue target is a significant challenge; there is minimal room for slipping up, in view of the expenditure cuts already undertaken and the IMF programme. If the aggressive tax plan that the budget is built around does not yield the revenue increases they are counting on, the rulers will have no option but to raise taxes on fuels and power, or other quick-yielding heads, since they have already given a commitment to not rely on printing currency via State Bank borrowing. This would have been the only other avenue to plug potential shortfalls in collection. With inflation already projected to be in the range of 11pc and 13pc on average all next year according to the budget documents, this could further aggravate matters for the citizenry. In other words, the budget is ambitious and risky, and with the real GDP growth rate projected to fall further to 2.4pc by next year, things could turn even more dismal as the fiscal year unfolds. At a time of rising prices and falling job opportunities, the government has made a decision to rely extensively on income tax increases in order to meet its ambitious target of Rs568bn in fresh revenues (aside from the nearly Rs1tr it will be raising from existing measures). The withdrawal of sales tax exemptions enjoyed by industry for many years is likely to generate more noise in the days to come, but what the government will actually have to answer for is the increased burden of income taxes in every household where incomes are declared and within the tax net. The budget may help reduce the imbalances in the economy in a way to put a smile on the face of the IMF, but the people of Pakistan have very little to cheer about. Even the schemes touted in the budget speech of the youthful junior minister for revenue, Hammad Azhar, pale into insignificance next to the gruelling taxation measures and the crushing burden of inflation and unemployment. The government made a conscious choice to front-load its adjustment, in the parlance of the IMF, and undertake the bulk of its revenue increases and expenditure cuts in the first year. This is contrary to the direction in which former finance minister Asad Umar seemed to be moving. His preference was to stretch the adjustment out over a longer period of time in order to mitigate its adverse impact on the people. Having made the choice to let Pakistanis feel the pain first, the government has asked they make a large sacrifice for the sake of the macroeconomic health of the state. Now it must wait for their answer as the budget measures are implemented.
economic Survey 2018-19 A
LAHORE
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Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance, Dr Hafeez Sheikh, as is the tradition a day before the announcement of the budget in parliament, launched the Economic Survey 2018-19. His statement to the press before copies of the Survey were distributed focused on laying the blame squarely on the previous administration though he facetiously claimed he did not want to indulge in a blame game. The advisor's claim that the economic policies going forward would ensure that the poor remain unaffected, due to a 216 billion rupee subsidy to those using up to 300 units of electricity and the Ehsaas programme may be more than offset by the rise in
the price of oil, which he claimed was due to the rise in the international market ignored Pakistani administrations' - past and present - heavy reliance on petroleum and products as a signiSicant source of revenue. Be that as it may, the opening remarks reveal what won the Prime Minister over to economic policies for which the Prime Minister will pay a very heavy political price and which have already sent the markets in this country reeling - the stock market (negative 7.8 percent during the Sirst nine months of the current year), the foreign exchange market (with rupee erosion continuing) and markets in which productive sectors operate with many operating on a cash basis subsequent to the threats by the Prime Minister against those not availing the amnesty scheme. A default
was imminent, the advisor stated, due to the incumbent government inheriting: (i) a current account deSicit of 20 billion dollars; (ii) a budget deSicit of 2.3 trillion rupees which includes 1.3 trillion rupees annual injections for white elephants including railways; and (iii) exports showing zero growth for the past 10 years (which incidentally includes his own three years as Sinance minister during the PPP tenure from 2010-13). Fiscal deSicit, the Economic Survey projects, is widening due to revenue shortfall and rising expenditure demand. The PTI government did not focus on narrowing the budget deSicit, with revenue generation lower than projected due to: (i) lower GDP growth due to curtailment of PSDP; (ii) failure to generate the amount earmarked due to technical improvements by the
Asad Umar-led Sinance ministry; (iii) 40 billion rupee industrial promotion package revealed in the second amendment to the Sinance bill 2019; (iv) relief on taxes on petroleum and products compared to the year before; (v) import compression; and (vi) defence spending rise by 20 percent during the year. How would there be growth and higher export revenue when these incentives are withdrawn in the budget today was again a key question that remains unaddressed. To conclude, one would have hoped that the advisor had eased market concerns by revealing the IMF conditions he has agreed to and instead of presenting a doomsday scenario if he had simply come clean and identiSied the way forward given the constraints of being on an IMF programme the markets may have reacted positively.
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NATIONAL 09
JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2019
Customs Court approves remand of accused in mobile phones smuggling KARACHi: the Customs Court sent suspects namely muhammad Ali son of muhammad Rafiq to customs department on physical remand who was arrested in a case of attempting to smuggle 229 branded mobile phones. investigation officer of customs preventive produced the above mentioned suspect before the court and informed that on an actionable information, customs officials intercepted suspect holding pakistani passport arrived from Sharjah to Karachi by Air Arabia flight no: g9-547 and was asked to declare whether he was carrying any contraband goods in his baggage. He further submitted that after his denial, he was diverted to customs scanning machine along with his baggage and during the search, customs officials found 15 used Samsung mobile phones, 11 used motorola mobile phones and 203 Dismantle motorola mobile phones worth Rs345,7900.
NAB proposes accreditation council for investigators from page 06
peshawar preventive earns Rs274m through raids & enforcement activities PESHAWAR
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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
iRfAn bAHADuR
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ollectorate of Customs Preventive showed outstanding performance by earning Rs274 million by seizures of non-duty paid items in operations across the province during past forty days. According to the details, Customs Preventive impounded smuggled goods and vehicles worth Rs274 million during the month of May 2019 in different raids and enforcement activities. Under the supervision of Collector Asif Saeed Khan Lughmani, the Collectorate impounded 21 non-duty paid vehicles in different operations while 40 vehicles used in smuggling were also conSiscated. The Collectorate seized cloth around 75000 yards worth Rs30 million and twenty tons of dry fruit worth Rs40 million. The Customs staff also seized tyres worth Rs11 million and mobile phones worth Rs20 million. The customs squad deputed at Torkham border seized gold platinum worth Rs6 million and miscellaneous goods worth Rs75 million were also seized collectively. These seizures have been made from eight divisions of Preventive with limited resources in terms of logistics and human resource in order to completely eliminate smuggling. The collectorate got services of only 4 assistant collectors, 8
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
he Accreditation Council is supposed to strengthen the building blocks of criminal justice system i.e. ‘investigation’ by ensuring excellence through skill development workforce, transparency, fairness and bringing home the international best practices through accreditation. For this, the steering committee will ensure that administrative functions and the affairs of the accreditation Council are being run in line with the objectives and broader policy guidelines. The ‘Curriculum Committee’ will devise the professional courses, their curriculum, and the testing mechanism along with testing schedules. The minimum qualification of the IOs is proposed to be 16 years education. The curriculum committee will ensure that the professional and testing curricula are in line with the objectives and tasks. The Curriculum, Quality Assurance and Audit Committee’ will ensure that the investigators possess the requisite skills, competence, and qualification under the auspices of accreditation Council. The Committee will also be responsible for performance/ rating of investigators. An accountability committee to hear the complaints and performance appraisal for up gradation of level The formation of the accreditation Council will be established through an enactment of the legislation .The legislation has been proposed and drafted. It is expected that through its formation and enactment, the Accreditation Council will prove a hallmark towards the competent, independent corruption-free investigation culture in the criminal justice system in Pakistan.
superintendents, 62 inspectors and 205 sepoys for conducted operations across whole Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The customs authorities have to work hard for thwarting planned operations of mega cross border
Collector Asif Saeed Khan
smuggling due to low number of enforcement Sield ofSicers. Still the number of seizures made by Customs Preventive is high in Pakistan which shows efSiciency and commitment of customs ofSicials at Preventive
Peshawar. The chairman Federal Board of Revenue needs to insure full logistic support and manpower to support enforcement of duties and generate extra revenue by curbing smuggling at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Early payment of refunds urged To,
sector enterprises is a good step as these are eating-up huge money of the taxpayers. Steps like increase in minimum wages, crop insurance and cut in salaries of the cabinet are appreciateable. Now government should ensure early payment of refunds as delay is not only causing hardships to the business community but also promoting trust deSicit. Assets Declaration Scheme was idea of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Business community must avail this opportunity. Prices of vehicles would go up after increase in excise duty on vehicles that would affect auto industry development plan.
Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, PM Advisor on Revenue & Finance, Islamabad Dear Sir,
I want to thank you for accepting all proposals submitted by Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry in the federal budget. Zero-rate of duties on 1600 items including raw materials reduce the cost of doing business. It is a very good step and was joint proposals of all chambers of commerce & industry of the country. After good reforms, current account deSicit would be reduced from $ 12 billion to $ 7 billion. Government has allocated collectively Rs 100 billions for dams/water projects that shows the
Thanking you, seriousness of present regime. It would help rid of water scarcity
and generate cheap hydel power. Privatization of loss making public
Almas Hyder, President LCCI, Lahore
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10 NATIONAL
JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2019
tax target set at Rs5,500b in upcoming budget iSLAmAbAD: the proposed budget strategy paper estimated the next year’s federal current expenditure at more than Rs6 trillion, following which the federal expenses are expected to reach Rs4 trillion. As the federal government is set to announce the federal budget for the upcoming financial year 2019-20 on June 11, it has set a target of Rs5,500 billion in tax revenue, with an expected increase of approximately Rs1,400 as compared to the previous year. with an increase of one percent in the sales tax, the government has set a target of collecting Rs90 billion additionally. furthermore, the imposition of additional sales tax on petroleum products, Rs60 billion would be collected.
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
DgtR holds training sessions of Customs Central Region
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he Directorate General of Training& Research (Customs), Regional OfSice, organized three training sessions on diversiSied topics for ofSicers and ofSicials of the customs department posted in Central Region during the last two months. A training session on “Pakistan’s Anti-Money Laundering Apparatus and Current Challenges” was held on April 12, 2019. The session was conducted by Director (In-service training), NPA Islamabad. He has a wide experience of anti-money
laundering activities, having worked in Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU), FIA and NAB. He delivered an informative lecture on the concept and offence of money laundering, sources of anti-money laundering obligations and FATF Action Plan (pertaining to customs department). He also shed light on national legal framework and existing apparatus for antimoney laundering. He presented various case studies to clarify the concepts of the participants. In the month of May, a training session on “Strategic Export Control Enforcement (STCE)” was conducted by Tahir Habib Cheema, who is a WCO accredited trainer for STCE. Mr. Cheema is a Fulbright Scholar currently posted as Deputy Secretary
(Economic Affairs) in Prime Minister’s OfSice. He enlightened the participants about the concept and importance of strategic goods (weapons of mass destruction, conventional weapons and related items). He also shed light on the international legal framework for Strategic Trade Control and United Nations Security Council resolution (UNSCR) No. 1540. He explained Pakistan’s international commitments and treaties pertaining to strategic goods. Participants were also enlightened about the UNSC embargoes and sanctions, currently in place all over the world. He explained the role of Customs in the light of International commitments particularly UNSCR 1540.
Earlier, Dr. Muhammad Tayyab Safdar delivered a lecture on “Impact of CPEC on Pakistan’s Economy”. Dr. Tayyab Safdar is a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Centre of Developmental Studies, University of Cambridge. His research at Cambridge investigates the effects of increasing Chinese investment in infrastructure projects on economic development in countries located along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with a particular focus on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Dr. Safdar briefed the participants about the Belt and Road Initiative and its constituents in the backdrop of China’s external trade. He explained Pakistan’s economic and trade situation and the likely impact of CPEC on
different sectors of Pakistan’s economy, mainly, energy, transport and industrial cooperation between Pakistan and China. He shed light on the challenges and achievements of CPEC. All these lectures received a very good feed back by the participants. The Director, Directorate General of Training & and Research (Customs), Saima Aftab shared that the Directorate will continue to arrange training on diverse topics to broaden vision and enrich knowledge of ofSicers/ofSicials. She stated that the aim of the Directorate is to keep the ofSicers and ofSicials of Customs updated on developments all around and the ways which can be utilized for achieving departmental goals.
Customs Preventive busts smuggled cloth worth Rs100m LAHORE
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CuStomS toDAY RepoRt
ollectorate of Preventive recovered huge quantity of smuggled cloth worth Rs100 million in a successful raid. According to the details, in pursuance of policy lines given by Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Shabbar Raza Zaidi and the directives of the Member Customs Operations Jawwad Owais Agha, Customs Preventive has intensiSied the information based operations against transportation and trade of smuggled goods in the territorial jurisdiction of the Collectorate. The sources informed Customs Today that acting upon one such information to the effect that a huge quantity of smuggled high quality fabrics including men’s suiting
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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has been brought into the city and stored in a private place located in the area of Delhi Gate Lahore. The Collector Ahmed Rauf constituted a team under the headship of Deputy Collector, Anti-Smuggling to conduct a raid and recover the smuggled goods stored in a private place located in the area of Delhi Gate. The team responding in wee hour conducted a successful raid on the said private place and recovered a huge quantity of smuggled imported cloth. During raid, the owner of the belongings was asked for the legal documents which he failed to produce, added source. Not a single import document in respect of the recovered goods weighing more than sixty tons was produced by the owner, therefore all the smuggled goods were seized under the relevant provisions of law. The value of the seized cloth is said to be approximately Rs100 million in international market.
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CARTOONSSPECIAL 11
JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2019
Customs Court extends remand of suspect involved in gold smuggling KARACHi: the Customs Court extended physical remand of suspect namely muhammad Hussain son of Kabir Ahmed and sent him back to customs lack-up, who is allegedly involved in a case of attempting to smuggle one gold bullion (10 tola, 24K) bearing marks ARY SR no. 116518 worth Rs710,000. investigation officer of Customs Collectorate Jinnah international Airport produced above mentioned suspect before the court and informed that he was engaged in clearance of baggage of outgoing passengers of various flights bound for different international destinations, meanwhile Airport Security officials including Adeel bhutti, AD/ incharge Sector Commander came and handed over one gold bullion along with an outgoing passenger muhammad Hussain leaving for bangkok by thai Airline.
Customs i&i detects tax evasion of Rs474.7 million by m/s Cmpak Limited KARACHI
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irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) detained two consignments imported by M/s CMPak Limited, Islamabad in association with their off-shore supplier and clearing agent. According to the details, Director Irfan Javed received information that M/s CMPak Limited, Islamabad (NTN-711579) involved in the import and clearance of telecom equipment through mis-declaration/ oncealment of actual import (CFR) value on the basis of manipulated invoices and contracts. Pursing the information, the team of I&I detained two consignments cleared vide GDs No. KPPI HC-66552 and KPPI-HC66564, dated 6.3.2019 from Customs Port Mohammad Bin Qasim, Karachi and warehoused with M/s DHL Global Forwarding Pakistan (Pvt) Limited situated at Port Mohammad Bin Qasim. Relevant import documents
including packing lists, invoices, copies of contract bills of quantity and price lists were procured from the importer. During the scrutiny and comparison of procured documents with the declaration made
in the GD as well as physical examination of the consignments, it transpired that Remote Radio Unit (RRU3959a) for multi-mode 1800 MHz/2100 MHz and Baseband Process Unit E3 worth
US$8,043/pc along with other telecommunication equipment had been cleared by suppressing actual CFR value @ US$309/US$331/pc and US$976/pc respectively. The detection of
Multan Customs earns Rs8.475 million through auction of vehicles & goods
evasion of duty and taxes worked out to Rs343 million and Rs131.6 million total amount of tax evasion stands Rs474.7 million which is still recoverable from M/s CM Pak Limited, Islamabad.
Customs Court convicts suspect in betel nuts smuggling case MULTAN
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MULTAN
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ollectorate of Customs earned Rs8.475 million through auction of conSiscated goods and vehicles lying at State Warehouse. According to details, Multan Customs offered eight conSiscated vehicles in the second monthly auction and sold out 7 out of
presented vehicles. These vehicles were belonged to different brands and models including Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus, Toyota Altis, Toyota Hilux Surf, Toyota Vitz, Honda Civic, Suzuki Pick Up and others. These conSiscated vehicles were sold out in Rs7.62 million from auction of vehicles. All conSiscated vehicles were impounded by Anti-Smuggling Organization in their different actions from jurisdiction
and they disposed for auction after proper trial of seizure cases from Customs Adjudication. Multan Customs has also sold out Sive lots of miscellaneous goods in Rs0.855 million during the auction. Assistant Collector Muhammad Fahad Jamil has supervised the whole auction of conSiscated goods and vehicles along with Inspector Qaiser Rasheed Khan at Multan Dry Port to ensure transparency.
he Customs Court convicted suspect namely Abdul Sattar son of Abdul Ghaffar who was booked in a case of attempting to smuggle 5000 kgs betel nuts.The above mentioned suspect appeared before the court along with his counsel and moved petition and argued that applicant is ready to surrender before the court. After the hearing, court convicted him for one month imprisonment with benefit of Section 382 of CRPC and imposed fine of Rs200,000, if the fine amount is not paid the accused shall suffer for two months more.The accused has not paid the fine amount, therefore, accused shall suffer for two months more. Earlier, investigation officer of customs preventive submitted interim charge sheet against the above mentioned suspect and arrested suspect namely Abdul Sattar son of Abdul Ghaffar and informed the court that on an actionable information, customs team intercepted one Renault Truck bearing registration noTLE-200 and during the search found 250 PP bags containing foreign origin betel nuts weighing 5000 kgs, valuing of Rs1,029,000.
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faisalabad i&i seizes auto parts worth Rs2 million fAiSALAbAD: Directorate of Customs intelligence and investigation (i&i) seized different parts of vehicle engine worth Rs 2 million including trucks being used in smuggling. Sources told Customs today that Deputy Director Rana irfan Shouqat received credible information that a truck along with different types of smuggled engine parts is heading towards faisalabad and the vehicle will be crossed through Samundari bypass. Accordingly, a customs team established check post near Samundari bypass and intercepted truck bearing registration no fDw-7955. the vehicle was stopped and after checking found various types of engine parts including vehicle shower and other things in the truck. the claimants of the goods failed to produce any documentary evidence of legal import/possession of the goods.
Sadiqullah Khan’s Hyderabad I&I seizes huge quantity of smuggled goods HYDERABAD
ASLAm AnJum AuReSHi www.customstoday.com
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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he Directorate of Customs Intelligence & Investigation, by continuing its drive against smuggling, has seized huge quantity of smuggled various items including 150,000 litres of smuggled Iranain diesel, three vehicles, 2 NDP tampered vehicles, 6-huge Indian medicine cartons, 1040 packets smuggled Indian gutka, 1390 kgs foreign origin betel nuts, 10 tyres for vehicles worth Rs 30.897 million in 20 seizure cases during the month of May 2019. Talking with Customs Today, Director I&I Dr. Sadiqullah Khan said that the Directorate has performed exceptionally well as compared to corresponding time period of the Siscal year 2017-18. The director made 20 seizure cases worth Rs 30.897 million during the month of May in Siscal year 2018-19 whereas the directorate recorded 17 seizure cases worth Rs 20.255 million during May of FY 2017-18. The percentage of seizure cases has almost doubled and value of the cases has increased almost 52.5% percent during the current Fiscal Year. The Directorate made out 200 seizure cases as against 109 cases in the corresponding period showing an increase of 83.48% while the value of the goods seized is 80% higher than previous year recording Rs 364.863 million against Rs 203 million. During the month of May, 2019, the Directorate received an information that non-customs paid vehicles are plying on the roads of
District Dadu, therefore, surveillance was done and a joint operation with assistance from District Police Dadu was conducted, which resulted into interception of two non-customs paid vehicles i.e a Toyota Surf model 2005 and Suzuki Jimny model 2007 and value of these vehicles is around Rs 4 mil-
Director i&i Dr. Sadiqullah Khan
lion. During the same operation, following another credible lead a truck was stopped which was carrying non-duty paid smuggled Iranian origin ceramic tiles worth Rs 2.7 million. This joint operation went successful. The Director said this Directorate is making all-out efforts to prevent smuggling of
contraband goods. Information based operations are being planned in other parts in liaison with law enforcement agencies under the jurisdiction of this Directorate. Similarly, the directorate, on speciSic information, made out seizure of Chinese Salt and Cumin Seed worth Rs 12.75 million. The
Supreme Court of Pakistan has imposed a ban on import, sale, purchase of Chinese Salt (Monosodium Glucomate). During the period under review, the Directorate made seizures of Iranian POL 982,000 liters. A strategy has been devised with the law enforcement agencies to detect and curb the menace of smuggling of POL. The Directorate conducted several operations jointly with District Police in various districts regarding non-duty paid vehicles. A total of 33 NDP tampered vehicles have been conSiscated as against 25 in previous year showing increase of 132%. The Directorate has conducted several auctions of the conSiscated goods. A total of Rs 119.025 million has been realized through public auctions during the current Siscal year as against Rs 20.608 million in the previous year showing increase of 595%. The Hyderabad I&I team, following instructions of Hyderabad customs I&I Director Dr. Sadiqullah Khan, conducted various raids in Hyderabad Sukkur range ofSice areas to conSiscate smuggled goods & items under the supervision of Additional Director Syed Naeem Akhter. Hyderabad I&I team comprised deputy director Shah Faisal Sahu, Deputy Director Mukhtiyar Ali Sheikh from Sukkur, superintendents Tariq RaSique, Fariuddin Masood, intelligence ofSicer Syed ShaSique Ali, Inspectors Syed Zaigham Ali Shah, Munir Ahmed Bhanbharo, Irfan Ghani Sukkur range ofSice, sepoys, drivers and other staff took part in the operation. Director Dr Sadiqullah Khan appreciated the performance of his subordinates for conducting successful operations.
MULTAN
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ollectorate of Customs collected revenue of Rs34473.688 million against assigned task of Rs45358 million during Sirst eleven months (July-May) of current economic year 2018-19. The Collectorate was assigned different revenue collection targets for customs duty (CD), sales tax (ST), federal excise duty (FED) and withholding tax (WHT) for the on-going year 2018-19. The Federal Board of Revenue had assigned revenue collection target of Rs12520 million under the head of customs duty from
(July- May) 2018-19 while Multan Customs collected Rs13574.520 million under the head of customs duty so far. Multan Customs accomplished the customs duty task in Sirst eleven months of the Siscal year 2018-19 and posted 8 percent excess growth in the collection of customs duty. Multan Customs was able to achieve collection of Rs71.9 million under the head of customs duty during Sirst two months of the current monetary year 2018-19. Chief Collector Customs Central Region Zeba Hai Azhar allocated customs duty and other collection targets after assessment of trade situation in South Punjab regarding imports clearances through Multan Dry Port.
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
multan Customs collects Rs34473.688 million The FBR had assigned revenue collection target of Rs32424 million to Multan Customs under the head of sales tax for the Sirst eleven months (July-May) of the existing Siscal year 2018-19. On the other hand, Multan Customs has collected Rs.20448.968 million in wake of sales taxes for the period of July to May 201819.Multan Customs facing shortfall in the Sales tax Collection due to less clearance of High Speed Diesel from Multan Dry Port. The Collectorate was assigned collection target of Rs174 million under the head of federal excise duty (FED) from July to May and the Collectorate has poised Rs.174.668 million from collection of federal excise duty (FED)
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during July to May 2018-19. The Collectorate attained 100% allocated revenue task during July to May 2018-19. Multan Customs was allocated revenue collection target of Rs240 million under the head of withholding tax (WHT) for first eleven months of economic year 201819, while it has collected Rs256.927 million as withholding tax in said period. Multan Customs has also collected additional sales taxes of Rs.18.875 million in the first eleven months of fiscal year 2018-19. Multan Customs Collectorate has accomplished all major revenue tasks under the supervision of Collector Ambreen Ahmad Tarar due to effective collection strategy.