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26 Abc certified Vol 75 issue no. 30
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Karachi, tue mar 19 - mon mar 25, 2019
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AutHoRiSing inquiRy
NAB authorised inquiry against SRB, QICT and Maersk Pakistan in biggest shipping scandal worth Rs 400b. | See pAge 06 |
LAHORE
ASAD KHARAL
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ReStRuctuRing economy
Asad Umer says govt working on restructuring of fundamentals of economy and strengthening the regulatory regimes. | See pAge 02 | ReDiStRibuting tASKS
Multan Customs Collector Ambreen Ahmad Tarar redistributed tasks among ACs and DCs of the collectorate. | See pAge 12 | impounDing cLotH
PeshawarCustoms Preventiverecovered hugequantityofNDP clothnearKarkhanoMarket. | See pAge 04 |
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s the government responsible for the crisis in the media industry? Why newspapers and TV channels are not receiving advertisements? Why was Midas Advertising Agency Chairman Inam Akbar arrested? Facts are revealed by senior analysts, journalist organisations and people afQiliated with the advertisement industry. Sources said Midas Advertising Agency Chairman Inam Akbar had a tussle with Naveed Qamar, son of the then NAB Chairman Qamar Zaman, who was running an advertisement Qirm, and as a result, Inam Akbar was arrested by the NAB. Naveed Qamar had taken away many ads from Inam Akbar’s Qirm and when the latter resisted to another advertisement, he was arrested. Senior journalist and owner of the Pakistan Today newspaper Arif Nizami says the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has arbitrary laws for arrest. “It summoned
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif in the Saaf Pani case but arrested him in the Ashiana Housing Scheme scandal,” he elaborates. Former Federal Information Secretary Taimoor Azmat Usman says a large number of people lost their jobs when Waqt TV channel was shut down. “The government should have looked into the issue. The situation does not favour anybody,” he added. Former Information Secretary Rashid Chaudhry said Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry wanted to eliminate the role of advertisement agencies between the government and media houses. “However, he must understand the Press Information Department (PID) lacks capacity to Qill the role of the advertisement agencies,” he added. Senior journalist Mujeeb-urRehman Shami says if owners of advertisement agencies were arrested without any reason, their businesses would be affected. “In the situation, who will Qill the gap and provide advertisement to the media industry?” Noted journalist Umar Cheema
reminded the government of its promise to provide 10 million jobs. “Instead, it has deprived thousands of people of their jobs in the media industry by targeting owners of media houses and advertisement agencies,” he regretted. Renowned journalist Zaheer Babar says Inam Akbar was arrested in a fake case. “He was implicated in a case, in which many others were also involved. All should be arrested or he be released,” he demanded. Former Information Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan believes the media industry was suffering from weaknesses in its base and it would suffer more losses in future. Noted analyst Orya Maqbool Jan says the new policy of the government would force an accountant of a newspaper to spend the whole day in the AG ofQice to get cheques signed. Noted anchor Asma Sherazi says many people have lost their jobs in the media industry after the government slashed advertisements. “The government should have taken measures to prevent people from losing their jobs,” she added. Senior anchor Junaid Saleem says the government could
probe corruption in government ads but it should not have arrested innocent people because of corruption of politicians. Senior analyst Arif Hameed Bhatti says the media houses would shut down if the new advertisement scheme of the government is enforced. “The media houses will have to pay over 60pc of advertisement payment to the bureaucracy. It will deteriorate the media industry crisis which would result in more job losses,” he added. Analyst Siddique Jan says most owners have set up media houses to cover up their crimes and evade taxes. “When the PTI government opened their Qiles of corruption and tax evasion, they started sacking people from their business to create a crisis-like situation,” he observed. Former Lahore Press Club President Azam Chaudhry says BOL media group chairman Shoaib Sheikh was arrested without any proof and later he was released by the FIA. “The same is the case with Inam Akbar. These incidents have not only damaged their reputation in society but also the media industry,” he observed.
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NATIONAL
MARCH 19 - MARCH 25, 2019
m/s Al-tajjar Logistics moves SHc seeking restoration of license
KARACHI: M/s Al-Tajjar Logistics approached the SHC seeking restoration of its customs clearing & forwarding agents’ license suspended by customs officials. Counsel for the petitioner stated in his constitutional petition that petitioner is sole proprietorship which is engaged in business of customs clearing & forwarding agents, and carries an unblemished record in the local and international markets. He further submitted that on April 8, 2010 and April 21, 2010; investigation and prosecution branch lodged two FIRs against petitioner.
AFU foils bid to smuggle crystal meth worth Rs96m from Peshawar airport
Applying it solutions to check tax evasion, says Asad umar
PESHAWAR
ISLAMABAD
iRfAn bAHADuR
www.customstoday.com ollectorate of Customs Preventive, Air Freight Unit (AFU) posted at Bacha Khan International Airport foiled an attempt of smuggling 950 gram ice to Saudi Arabia. The sources informed Customs Today that during checking of accompanied baggage of passengers departing for Saudi Arabia flight no G9825(32A). An individual, identified as Jamshed from Swabi, was caught trying to smuggle 950 grams of the narcotic substance – hidden in his luggage – during a routine baggage check. Sources told that the individual was attempting to board a flight to RAK. A FIR 171 was was lodged by local police. A stimulant drug, crystal methamphetamine triggers the release of two neurotransmitters – dopamine and noradrenaline – in the brain. These chemicals speed up communication between the brain and the body – enabling one to feel alert and excited. Commonly known as‘ice’, it comes as small clear chunky crystals that look like ice. The drug has powerful euphoric episodes with increased energy, feelings of invulnerability, confidence and pleasure and an increased sex drive.
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FBR to impose 70pc sales tax on supply of maize ISLAMABAD
SHAHiD minHAS
www.customstoday.com ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to impose at least 70 percent of sales tax on the supply of maize, it is learnt here. Official sources told Customs Today that the board has reviewed and sought suggestions from the stakeholders including commerce ministry and advised them to provide feedback prior to the next ECC meeting. The board has also asked the relevant stakeholders to inform the board regarding their suggestions on the issuance of refunds to the taxpayers. Sources told that the top officials of the board will attend the meeting of all related stakeholders for the imposition of 70pc sales tax on the supply of maize; however the approval will be sought in the next ECC meeting. It is important to mention here that Pakistan produced 6.13m tonnes of maize in Fiscal Year 2017, while exceeded by 16.3pc from last year’s 5.271m tonnes. Whereas the area under cultivation increased to 1.334m hectares from 1.191m hectares in FY16. The crop’s yield also went up to 4,595kg per hectare from 4,426kg per hectare.
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M
inister for Finance Asad Umer said that government is working on restructuring of fundamentals of economy and strengthening the regulatory regimes by putting the best professionals of the country as well as overseas Pakistanis on their policy boards. Addressing a two-day “Leaders in Islamabad Business Summit”, he said that government had formed a Qive-member committee to select best professionals in a transparent manner to improve the working efQiciencies of government organizations. He said it will eventually improve functional efQiciency of all national institutions to attain sustainable long-term economic development in the country. He informed that regulatory regime has been strengthened as best professionals of the Qield were taken on the policy board of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. In order to promote the friendly tax culture and facilitating the tax-payers, for the Qirst time members from the private sector had been included in the policy board of FBR, he added. Besides, he said that the government had also appointed overseas Pakistanis as heads of different national organization including National Bank of Pakistan, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited, NIT and other national institutions on merit without any political consideration. Asad Umer said that small and medium sector enterprises were
finance minister Asad umer facing access-to-credit issues and government was taking steps to address these problems by facilitating the supply and ensuring the provision of easy loans. The Finance Minister said that government is also upgrading the technology in order to overcome tax theft issue and by the next month track and trace system would be installed. In the Qirst phase, the system would be applied in tobacco sector to check the under-invoicing, he added. He said that communication among the data collecting authorities including National
Registration and Database Authority and FBR would be further strengthened to bring the potential tax payers under tax net. He said that government had provided facilities to export sector and the outcomes from the textile sector would commence by April and it was expected that exports would increase, adding the agreement with China would also be Qinalized which would also help in promoting the local exports. The minister said that long term Qinancing for textile sector would also be increased which currently stood at Rs1.5 billion.
ASo foils bid to smuggle iranian diesel near moachko check point C
KARACHI
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ollectorate of Customs Preventive, Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has busted huge quantity of smuggled Iranian origin High Speed Diesel (HSD) worth millions of rupees. According to the details, on the tip-off, Customs Preventive, Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) constituted a team to conduct a raid to bust a dumper containing huge quantity of smuggled Iranian origin High Speed Diesel (HSD). During the search of the several vehicles, a truck bearing registration no: TMD-196 was intercepted by the ofQicer of the Pakistan Customs Preventive, Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) at the Moachko
Choke Point. The team of Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) inquired about the legal documents but driver failed to provide.
Deputy Collector Customs Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Headquarters Muhammad Faisal who was accompanied with the team ordered to conduct search of the said vehicle after which huge quantity of the smuggled Iranian origin High Speed Diesel (HSD) was recovered from the said vehicle loaded with cement bags inside 20 feet container. According to ASO sources, Customs Preventive, Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) recovered smuggled diesel weighing 10,000 liters worth Rs 900,000/- in the market. The smuggled goods and conveyance have been seized along with arrest of one accused person. Total value of seized goods container and vehicle is estimated at Rs 3,150,000. The case has been Qiled and further investigations are underway.
Speaking on the occasion, Advise to Prime Minister on Commerce and Textile Industry said that government was taking steps to promote SMEs and reduced taxes on the import of raw material used in these SMEs. He said that government is making amending in Duty and Tax Remission Scheme (DTRE), adding draft of the amendments are Qinalized and soon it would be approved. He said that government is also taking steps for industrial sector development to produce export surplus and discouraging the imports which was putting extra burden on foreign exchange reserves.
Broadening tax net: 200 govt officers to get FBR notices n a bid to broaden the tax net, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to serve notices to the government officers on high level positions and earning millions of rupees. According to the details, on the directive of the higher authorities Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has now decided to serve notices to 100 government officers who are not registered and are not filing the tax returns. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has also decided to serve notices to 2,000 real estate builders earning billions of rupees. Broadening the tax net department has urged the citizens of Sindh province to file tax returns and pay taxes so that to avoid any action. People receiving notices of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) may face problems or their bank accounts can be freeze in second attempt. —CTReport
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NATIONAL 03
MARCH 19 - MARCH 25, 2019
customs court issues nbws against suspects in HSD smuggling case
KARACHI: The Customs Court issued non bailable warrants against suspects namely Amanullah and Khuda Dost, who are absconders in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid 12,000 liters High Speed Diesel (HSD). Investigation officer submitted interim charge sheet against the above mentioned suspects and informed the court that on actionable information, customs team intercepted a Hino oil tanker bearing registration no: TTD-528 and recovered 12,000 liters High Speed Diesel.
NAB approves another probe against Agha Siraj Durrani
govt implements benami Act to document economy: Hamid Ateeq
KARACHI
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ISLAMABAD
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ational Accountability Bureau (NAB) executive board gave approval for initiation of another inquiry against Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani to investigate suspicious transactions from his bank accounts. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader is already in NAB custody, in a case pertaining to assets beyond known sources of income as well as allegations of embezzlement. NAB Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal also approved a similar inquiry against Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar. The executive board also approved the filing of a corruption reference against Mehtab Ahmed Khan Abbasi, the former governor of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, for making illegal appointments in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) during his time as special adviser to prime minister on aviation. The corruption reference includes former secretary of aviation division Erfan Elahi, Muhammad AliTabba and others for illegally appointing Musharraf Rasool as the chairman of the state carrier and causing losses to the national exchequer.The appointment of Rasool had already been declared illegal by the apex court. Approvals were also given for inquiries against former federal ministers Liaquat Ali Jatoi and NawabYousufTalpur. A statement issued by the anti-graft watchdog stated that the two were under investigation over suspected transactions made from their bank accounts. In total, the executive board gave approval of filing three references and two inquiries against various suspects, including a corruption reference against Kamran Ali Qureshi, the former chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), and others over alleged abuse of authority.
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he government on implemented the much awaited Benami Act – in line with its efforts to document the economy allowing tax ofQicials to conQiscate whole properties, expensive vehicles and bank accounts registered with Qictitious individuals. According to media, FBR Member Inland Revenue (IR) Policy Dr Hamid Ateeq Sarwar said that in the Qirst phase three approving authority will be established in three cities (Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi) with clear jurisdiction. The jurisdiction of these authorities will be notiQied in a day or two, the ofQicial added. The conQiscation will involve all kinds of immovable and movable assets registered with Qictitious individuals in order to avoid taxes. The implementation of the law will now come into effect after a delay of more than two years. The term ‘benami’ refers to the practice of holding property/assets in the name of one person for the beneQit of another. However, benami is often aimed at concealing ownership of assets acquired through illegal means, defrauding creditors, and/or evading payments of government fees, charges or taxes. Under the rules, the government has also announced hefty cash rewards for the whistle-blowers of the benami movable and immovable assets. The legislation was made through an act of parliament in Jan 2017 – Benami Transactions
(Prohibition) Act, 2017 – but was put on the back burner owing to delay in Qinalisation of rules. On Monday, the FBR has notiQied the rules through a notiQication SRO326 of 2019. Under the Act, the commissioner of income tax will exercise the powers and perform the function of authority. Initially, the ofQicers designated will investigate the available data to identify benami assets. “We will provide these ofQices data of property trans-
member iR policy Dr Hamid Ateeq Sarwar actions and mapping of plazas in the Qirst phase,” the tax ofQicer said. In the Qirst instance, the ofQicer will issue a notice for attachment of the benami assets for a period of 90 days. During this period, the tax ofQicer will investigate the case to make an FIR following identiQication of benami property or bank accounts etc. The FIR will then be referred to the adjudicating authority. “The law is meant for creating deterrence, not to generate revenue,” Mr Sarwar said.
Asked whether government will provide amnesty to individuals who registered their assets in Qictitious person’s name before the enactment of law, he said he was unaware of any such decision at the moment. The government has also announced cash awards for whistleblowers in detection of benami property. Three slabs of cash award have been notiQied. However, the amount of rewards will be sanctioned after conQiscation of the benami property.
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04 NATIONAL
MARCH 19 - MARCH 25, 2019
customs ASo impounds nDp Land cruiser
LAHORE: Collectorate of Customs Preventive, Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) impounded a Toyota Land Cruiser worth Rs10 million. Sources told Customs Today that Collector Preventive Ahmed Rauf received credible information that some non-duty paid vehicles are plying on roads. He immediately directed Deputy Collector Naveedur Rehman to take necessary measures to impound these vehicles. Anti-smuggling squad comprising Superintendent Nasir Mehmood Tarar, Inspector Intikhab Alam and other enhanced patrolling on the main roads of the city.
peshawar customs impounds smuggled cloth near Karkhano market
Multan Adjudication finalizes 41 cases involving Rs103.321 million MULTAN
imRAn ALi KHAn
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m.b RAnA
www.customstoday.com heSindhHighCourt(SHC)directed customsofficialstoconsiderthe requestofthepetitionerforprovisionalreleaseoftheconsignment,subject tosecuringthedutiesandtaxesinthe shapeofpayorder/bankguaranteebefore theconcernedCollectorate,inaccordance withlawonapetitionfiledbyseveral importersincludingM/sSufiyanSteel. Whilehearingthepetition,atwomemberbenchalsoissuedpre-admission noticestocustomsdepartmentand directedthemtofiletheirpara-wisecommentsonnextdateofhearing.Duringthe hearing,counselforM/sSufiyanSteel,M/s GoganSteelandM/sPioneerSteelargued thatpetitionersimportedvariousconsignmentspertainingtoironandsteelproducts ofsecondaryquality,someofwhichhave arrivedandgoodsdeclarationfiled, whereasothersareen-route,tillthefiling ofthispetition. Counselfurtherarguedthatcustoms officialsissuedaValuationRulingNo1213/ 2017dated27/09/2017assessingsuch goodsasimportedbythepetitioners,however,therulingwaschallengedbyvarious localmanufacturers/importersunder section25-DoftheCustomsAct,1969on groundsthattherulingtransfersthe increaseindiscountstofreightcharges, focusingonenhancementinrevenuecollectionratherthanvaluationmethodology underSection25ofCustomsAct,1969. Importersstatedthatpetitionershad requestedtherespondentsforreleasingthe goodsprovisionallyandmakingthegoods declarationorassessthegoodsofthepetitionersunderSection25ofCustomsAct, 1969,whichwasvehementlydeniedbythe customsdepartment.CitingchairmanFederalBoardofRevenue,CustomsCollecorate EastandDGValuationasrespondents,petitionerspleadedthecourttodeclarethatact oftherespondentsasillegal,malafideand arbitraryandcourtmaydirectthemtoreleasetheirconsignmentsimmediately.
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PESHAWAR
iRfAn bAHADuR
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ollectorate of Customs Collectorate Preventive team recovered huge quantity of non-duty paid cloth near Karkhano Market. Sources told Customs Today that Collector Customs Preventive Asif Saeed Khan received information about the presence of huge quantity of
non-duty paid goods upon which deputy collector anti-smuggling unit was made in charge to take action against the smugglers on non-duty paid cloth. Deputy Collector Najib Arjumand conducted a raid which was carried out upon suspicious information about safe houses of non-duty paid goods. The customs squad raided and impounded several trucks loaded with non-duty paid cloth worth Rs60 million. The deputy collector further informed that after Collector Customs Asif Saeed Khan took over
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
SHC directs to release iron & steel products consignments imported by M/s Sufiyan Steel KARACHI
ollectorate of Customs Adjudication finalized 41 seizure cases involving Rs103.321 million during the month of February 2019. According to sources of Customs Today, Customs Adjudication Multan Camp Office disposed 41 cases formed by Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) and Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation during their actions. Customs Adjudication has issued Orderin-Original (ONO) in 41 seizure cases after completion of legal proceedings. Customs Adjudication settled 11 seizure cases worth Rs2.150 million after legal proceedings. Deputy collector settled all seizure cases in favor of taxpayers during the month of February. Almost 17 seizure cases of Rs9.812 million added in the month of February in the Customs Adjudication. Additional Collector Adjudication Talib Hussain decided 24 seizure cases worth Rs41.609 million throughout the month of February 2019. Additional Collector has decided all seizure cases in the favor of Customs department after examining facts during trial. About 75 new seizure cases of Rs134.174 million were added for trial in the court of Additional Collector Adjudication during February. Collector Adjudication Dr. Muhammad Adnan Akram settled six seizure cases worth Rs 58.562 million for the duration of February. All these seizure cases were decided in the favor of Customs department. These seizure cases were registered for violation of rule, misuse of DTRE export facility cases and others. As many as 18 different seizure cases worth Rs.193.912 million were added during month of February for trial.
the charge, he directed to eliminate the known safe heavens for storage of non-duty paid cloth. The deputy collector added that a team consisted of Customs inspectors and superintendents along with sepoys was constituted for conducting raid upon godowns containing non-duty paid goods at Karkhano market well-known for import and export of illegal goods. The Customs squad was also accompanied by local police of Peshawar. The Deputy Collector said it is a huge seizure of non-duty paid cloth during current month.
chief collector Asif Jah directs to facilitate importers at pak-Afghan transit & trade route C
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hief Collector Customs North Region Dr Asif Mehmood Jah visited Customs Collectorate with a delegation and directed to facilitate importers at Pak-Afghan Transit & Trade route. Sources in Customs House informed Customs Today that after assuming the charge of chief collector North, it was Asif Jah’s Qirst visit to Customs House. Flanked by Collector Customs Preventive Asif Saeed Khan and Collector Customs Appraisement
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
cuStomS toDAy RepoRt
Ihsan Ali Shah he placed Qlowers wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada. He also planted sapling in the Customs House premises. Later, he
along with high ofQicers of Customs visited Customs Station Torkham. Assistant Collector Sajid Khan briefed the chief collector about
operations of Customs at Torkham border. The Chief Collector lauded the efQiciency of work at Torkham customs station and said to further facilitate the importers at Pakistan Afghan trade and transit route. The chief collector was informed about issues being faced at Dry Port Peshawar on which the chief collector ensured to provide all necessary support. Customs Collector Preventive Asif Saeed Khan informed the Chief Collector about anti-smuggling drive. The collector showed commitment to get rid of the menace of smuggling who causes loss to the national exchequer.
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06
SPECIALREPORT
www.customstoday.com MARCH 19 - MARCH 25, 2019
KARACHI
AL ASAD.cusKtoHmAstRoday.co www
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he Nat Bureau inquiry venu R h Sind e Pak Maersk big country ’s 00 4 involving B The NA bje with su l g in r e v o c re m o fr n billio im s a Q e k li l( Termina k s like Maer t g n ti o of lo g d e m u r ra payment sales tax (SRB) a exchang millions ther ille The Custom QICT a DP W lines agent Limi man the thro SRB by off
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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SPECIALREPORT 07
MARCH 19 - MARCH 25, 2019
kistan. ws of Pa on of la e g n a h xc nati foreign e is draining our ves and e th f n o r o e r ti s his ac ntaine ign re ld the co them exorbi- T r valuable fore to nose dive, the o h ly s s ou rle ge ncy rsk fea ivance and char our curre gent Mae ly importers n charges in conn f the causing said. a at y n a p t ls o com on here th rted ntio lain Shipping ate Limited is repo ther tant dete concerned ofQicia A, KPT, comp pertinent to menti Journalism It is Priv tive nd o t, PQ h the Sindh Pakistan Investiga ping a us wit ms Departmen d others. ip io h r s a v g ntre for n even informed rding providin in Pakistan to erefore, Custo y of Maritime an aersk and Ce ista e ga h M tr (CIJ), Pak Board (SRB) r ons of m services and exporters. T e tax to Minis shipping lines li ecting il ll e b o u c f n o e re s v ic e a r s e v h r T importe able to pay se tor QICT m Pakistan R es of hundred paid sales tax B ra R e S p r o e l p a li as loss s fro rmin of un n they are e charge The te te of 13% ng such in terms ke Maersk Pakista at the ra . 3-4/20/2017. ue local servic nd freely converti s and rupees e li c s B n e a R n S iv li n even ipping ility n No ollar in con ers a ccountab ed NotiQicatio er II of the Sindh R cation custom rupees to US D iating the by sh and the QICT ers/ofQicials A l a n o ti Qi n oris Pvt Ltd oncerned ofQic repatr g Pakistan ommissio y the Noti has auth c which g delayin u (NAB) ls of C ard was bound b collect sales tax e ia m a ic with the who are still usin Qide ins fQ o t o to s B to s in t 7 a a la n 1 s B g s a u e 0 a R / o n 2 m S M / li y e ir tantam shipping o. 3-4/20 QICT and ss of th s because of the nancial gains. e Board, t) Ltd in N services from the 15 of the table the gro tic l Qi c a n ta o d s r v e e n t P p s ( poin and uthorise l o icial abu kistan tentions B has Qinally a ials of g scanda tioned in vailable on the ofQ in n e p e m ip th h f ic s A o fQ o ggest The N also a against nue which is SRB. rupees. inquiry dh Reve T rts like o in f 0 billion the complaint S p o l e a it s in b IC m e Q r w te d k s , e , r e d iv y e r a o rece Boar ms b Furtherm ping lines like M muraersk ding da s 400 M il s u / B ip M e h d d s t: y c R an ore than QICT and collect an (Pvt) Ltd osses of m port terminals are not allowed to amounts from the Pakistan biggest f o n o ls rs y’s m ofQicia tional Container rage and detenti n the importe in countr scandal e a g tion n in p te e ip d h m Intern d shipping lines importers wh s 400 bilf n y and involving ees. (QICT) a Pvt. Ltd. in terms provide “dela r section 14-A o e n lion rup k Pakista under the garb of certiQicate” und 1969. Despite this s t, e n c o n n A li o ti a s n g n m in e , p to n th ip us detentio f the C rt terminal and sh e importers ge and ds of billions o o th p s e s th ra a e h r sa n ds of of hund Revenue Board blackmail and s of thou ent in d e r h d n d n ig in u e S h signm x to llect g for f to co s per single con concerned o lootin and als tan to the tune o e e e p th u r h ent, wit is rge of Pak s annually and fu . connivance Customs Departm chi r ra e m s of dolla ommitted by the e ofQicials of th thority (PQA), Ka of c f som asim Au inistry egalities nexus o als like Port Q rust (KPT), M ermore, T alleged in r Fu th rt rm d others. 604 any Po , port te ms staff its parent comp g Maritime an 03 (Q), 603 (R), O 6 R in h S p s it f le ip w o u h g r s s n r r d e e lo a ), oth sim an with its und E a ( Q ne 7 t li r 0 o 6 g P in orld, hipp ) and along ate (Q 0 (I)/2015 the s r cannot rsk Line iv e r a P M e n k to 2 li ta a l o p e ra e r s , 12 tensk Pakis t Maer ding its own of and termindemurrage or de ifls lu ec c y ted, in ff and a few ofQicia ey charge an where it is not sp ing n s d o ta e a s L m rg f & a l o s Bill on ch illega nager making frauding the ti lly written on the tion of these e r a B R a la e S d ic io g lines upees t still in v lpractice ough ma ds of billions of r vices (B/L). Bu laws, the shippin r re d e rules an B of hund g Sales Tax on s not payin rate of 13%. e fered at th
of some s u x e n d e g Alle minals r e t t r o p , ff customs sta g with its parent on like qict al world, port qasim p company D g lines like maersk and shippin g with its agent Line alon tan and a few is maersk pak Rb are making officials of S l money illega
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08 EDITORIAL
MARCH 19 - MARCH 25, 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
eDitoRiAL
Declining foreignDirect investment
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oreign Direct Investment (FDI), regarded as a key indicator of confidence in an administration's economic policies usually on the back of higher private domestic investment, declined by a whopping 74.8 percent during July-January 2019 compared to the comparable period of the year before. This was the conclusion of a report published by Fitch Solutions, a rating agency that downgraded Pakistan's long-term foreign currency issuer default rating to 'B-' from 'B' mid-December 2018 on heightened external financing risk and elevated foreign debt repayments, as well as deteriorating fiscal position. A downgrade in rating slows down domestic investment leaves alone FDI. Additionally, with Pakistan expected to go on an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme soon coupled with Fund Staff members' statements that rupee remains overvalued, there is little if any likelihood of any investment decisions till a decision has been made in this regard. Fitch Solutions' findings are widely at odds with the claims being made by Prime Minister Imran Khan, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Industries and Commerce Razzak Dawood and the head of Board of Investment Haroon Sharif as they focus on the commitments made by several prospective foreign investors rather than on the on-ground situation. The intent of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to invest in excess of 20 billion dollars in Pakistan's petrochemical sector, participate in projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as well as bid for proposed companies earmarked for privatisation has been touted as proof positive that FDI is likely to flood the Pakistani market within the year or at most by next fiscal year rather than simply trickle into the country as in the past. FDI commitment does not automatically translate into actual investment as previous administrations learnt to their cost. The Prime Minister needs to be aware that a number of companies that had indicated a desire to invest in Pakistan during previous administrations have restated their interest, including Exxon Mobil (agreement signed on 28 May 2018), Pepsi and Coca-Cola pledged 1.4 billion dollars, Pak Suzuki pledged 460 million dollars contingent on the government amending the auto policy 2016 with respect to allowing the company to enjoy the same benefits as new entrants. While optimism is natural in the corridors of those entities that are charged with the responsibility of luring foreign investment, yet the Prime Minister would be well advised not to jump the gun and instead wait till actual FDI flows into the country.
implementing benami law T
LAHORE
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he government appears to be gearing up to implement a law providing stiff penalties for an individual holding benami properties, or assets, in the name of another for concealment purposes. The measure is necessary considering how prevalent the practice of holding benami property whether movable of immovable is in this economy, and the signiQicant role that it plays in enabling tax evasion, money laundering and terror Qinancing. Eliminating these menaces is a critical priority for restoring the credibility of Pakistan’s Qinancial system, giving the tax machinery a proper picture of the incomes and transactions within the economy, and shutting down channels for the Qlow of illicit funds, whether proceeds of
crime or Qinancing of terror activities. The priority is undeniable, but caveats enter the picture when one considers the potential for abuse that such a law brings with it. As it stands, the rules that have been notified by the government give tax officials sweeping powers to attach property, hold records and search the premises of those who are alleged to be holding property in the name of another. The law also provides for stiff prison terms for those found guilty of the practice, as well as those who provide wrong information during prosecution complete with minimum and maximum sentences. These are enormous powers to entrust the tax bureaucracy with, especially considering the widespread allegations of corruption and abuse of power that are routinely levelled against tax officials. How does the government intend to ensure, in a
The law also provides for stiff prison terms for those found guilty of the practice
reliable and credible way, that these powers will not be abused? The question becomes even more important considering the severity of punishments enshrined in the law, and the kind of damage that can be done to somebody who has been wrongly victimised by the use of these powers. Eventually, it will need to be recognised that punitive measures alone will not be enough to stamp it out. The culture of concealment and the accommodation of such practices need to change, as does the relationship between the taxman and the taxpayer. It will take far more than legal changes to bring this about. Other institutions of the state will also need to play their role in helping illuminate benami practices, as well as raising awareness. The law needs to be followed up with other steps to ensure that the tax authorities and the taxpayers are not left to decide this important matter alone among themselves.
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NATIONAL 09
MARCH 19 - MARCH 25, 2019
customs court approves remand of suspect in smuggling of artificial jewelry
KARACHI: The Customs Court sent suspects namely Alam Shah, Muhammad Ameen to customs department on physical remand, who were booked in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid artificial imitation jewelry, hair accessories etc. Investigation officer of customs preventive produced them before the court and informed that on an actionable information, customs team intercepted one Nissan trailer bearing registration no: Z-2063 model 2008. He further submitted that during the search, customs team found 390 cartons containing assorted artificial jewelry.
Multan I&I seizes room air coolers worth Rs5 million
fto exercising powers to address grievances, complaints: Shahid Ahmed
MULTAN
KARACHI
www.customstoday.com irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan seized huge quantity of foreign origin room air coolers smuggled from Sher Shah Toll Plaza. Sources told Customs Today that Deputy Director Khial Muhammad Khan received tip off from their informer that huge quantity of foreign origin room air coolers will be smuggled. Deputy Director constituted special teams comprising Inspector Muhammad Haq Nawaz, Inspector Umer, Zulfiqar, Shakil-ur-Rehman and others to thwart any attempt of smuggling. Customs Intelligence special team enhanced monitoring of different routes of Multan to intercept them at different points. Field Investigation Unit (FIU) impounded a suspected truck loaded with huge quantity of Iranian origin room air coolers. Customs Intelligence teams recovered 200 branded Iranian origin room air coolers from the truck. Customs Intelligence staff asked the driver to produce documents regarding legal import of the recovered room air coolers. But driver of the truck failed to produce any legal documents and provided receipt to Customs Intelligence that they are transporting said room air coolers from Quetta to Faisalabad. Customs Intelligence staff seized recovered room air coolers with truck amounting almost Rs.5 million. Customs teams seized room air coolers under Customs Act 1969. Further investigations are still underway.
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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
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ederal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Advisor Shahid Ahmed has said that the core function of FTO is disposal of complaints of tax maladministration promptly, justly, fairly, independently, and to rectify any injustice done to a taxpayer by actions of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) OfQicials. According to the details, Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Advisor Shahid Ahmed visited PHMA and met the ofQice-bearers to discuss issues and hold interactive session with Pakistan Apparel Forum. He apprised that during the Year 2018, FTO Secretariat received around 2400 complaints whereby 25% complaints were resolved at the initial stage. 72% decisions of complaints were arrived in the favour of taxpayers. FBR has not Qiled any representative in 93% complaint cases being disposed off by FTO. As result of cognizance and orders passed by FTO the taxpayers have received refunds worth 6.89 billion rupees, Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Advisor Shahid Ahmed stated. Currently FTO disposes off complaints in 43 days timeline which was previously 60 days, and efforts are underway to further reduce this timeline. The ratio of complaints being Qiled with FTO related to income tax is 54%, Sales Tax 26% and Customs 12%, added
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Advisor Shahid Ahmed. Presently, the focus of FTO Secretariat is implementation of the orders in the interest of justice for the taxpayers. Exchanging views, he articulated the taxpayers in their own interest should report
to FTO the maladministration by FBR OfQicials, he further added. He recalled that on the request of Pakistan Apparel Forum, FTO took cognizance of the grievances being faced by exporters regarding pending sales tax refunds, attachment of bank accounts, blacklist-
ing and other taxation matters and gave orders to redress the grievances with compliance thereof to all concerned. FTO is exercising its powers to address the grievances and complaints, stated Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Advisor Shahid Ahmed.
currently fto disposes off complaints in 43 days timeline which was previously 60 days, and efforts are underway to further reduce this timeline
Appeal to FBR to end harassment of businessmen To,
taxes on them to improve the tax revenue of the country, but it is unfortunate on FBR part that instead of penalizing non-Qilers, notices are being served to taxpayers. FBR can work together with National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) in identifying potential taxpayers, roughly 3.2 million. Traders demand an end to harassment under the garb of tax collection. FBR and income tax staff should treat traders with respect and tax return Qilers must be exempted from tax audit. I hope that FBR will also work as a partner with business community in collection of revenues.
Jahanzaib Khan, Chairman FBR, Islamabad Dear Sir,
I want to bring in your notice that traders across the board demand an end to harassment under the garb of tax collection. Traders are not against taxes; however, harassment should be stopped in the name of tax collections, registration of business centres, multiple audits and misuse of discretionary powers of Inland Revenue ofQicers. Taxpayers and trade associations are approaching chamber of commerce with complaints that raids are being carried out on different business centers and
Inland Revenue staff members take entire record of the companies in custody by harassing the business-
men. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) must facilitate taxpayers and focus on non-Qilers by enhancing
Yours Sincerely,
Malik Shahid Saleem, President RCCI, Rawalpindi
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10 NATIONAL
MARCH 19 - MARCH 25, 2019
faisalabad ASo impounds non duty paid toyota crown car
FAISALABAD: Collectorate of Customs Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) impounded a non-duty paid Toyota Crown car worth Rs4 million. Sources told Customs Today that in pursuance of information the ASO team intercepted a used Toyota Crown car bearing registration number: AAA-735 Sibbio Model 2007 near Samundri Road near Al Aziz Hotel. The ASO team asked the driver Muhammad Imran to produce legal documents regarding possession of the vehicle but the driver failed to produce any legal documents.
fbR transfers 53 bS-19 officials of pcS ISLAMABAD
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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued notiQication for transfer and posting of following ofQicials with immediate effect and until further orders.Shafqat Ali Khan Niazi (Pakistan Customs Service/BS19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Director, Directorate of Risk Management, Karachi from the post of Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Exports, Karachi. Basit Maqsood Abbasi (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Preventive, Lahore from the post of Secretary, Federal Board of Revenue (Hq), Islamabad. Ms. Sadia Munib (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Director, Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation,FBR, Lahore from the post of Additional Director, Directorate of Post Clearance Audit, Lahore. Syed Fawad Ali Shah (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Karachi from the post of Secretary, Federal Board of Revenue (Hq), Islamabad. Masood Ahmed (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Exports (Port Muhammad Bin Qasim), Karachi from the post of Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Appraisement (East), Karachi. Sanaullah Abro
(Pakistan Customs Service/BS19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate (JIAP), Karachi from the post of Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Preventive, Karachi. Syed Naeem Akhtar (Pakistan Customs Service/BS19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Director, Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation,FBR, Hyderabad from the post of Additional Director, Directorate of Post Clearance Audit, Karachi. Muhammad Tahir (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Secretary, Federal Board of Revenue (Hq), Islamabad from the post of Additional Director, Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Karachi. Ms. Nyma Batool (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Appraisement (East), Karachi
from the post of Additional Director, Directorate of Transit Trade, Quetta. Yousaf Haider Orakzai (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Collector, Collectorate of Customs (Adjudication), Islamabad (based at Peshawar) from the post of Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate, Gilgit-Baltistan. Munib Sarwar (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Director, Directorate of Customs Valuation, Lahore from the post of Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Appraisement, Lahore. Muhammad Ismail (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Director, Directorate of Transit Trade, Quetta from the post of Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Karachi. Qasim Hafeez Cheema (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-
19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Director, Directorate of Post Clearance Audit, Lahore from the post of Additional Director, Directorate General of Internal Audit (Customs), Islamabad. Farrukh Sajjad (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Director, Directorate of Post Clearance Audit, Karachi from the post of Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Appraisement (West), Karachi. Ms. Saira Agha (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Appraisement, Lahore from the post of Additional Director, Directorate of Input Output CoefQicient Organization (North), Lahore. Ms. Ayesha Niaz (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Director, Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation,FBR, Rawalpindi from the
post of Secretary, Federal Board of Revenue (Hq), Islamabad. Ms. Zeb Gul Shabbir (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Collector, Collectorate of Customs (Adjudication), Lahore from the post of Additional Director, Directorate of IPR Enforcement (Central), Lahore. Ms. Nasreen Nawaz (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Director, Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation,FBR, Lahore from the post of Additional Director, Directorate of Training & Research (Customs), Lahore. Shoukat Ali (Pakistan Customs Service/BS19) has been transferred and posted as Secretary, Federal Board of Revenue (Hq), Islamabad from the post of Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Appraisement (East), Karachi. Abid Hussain Hakro (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Director, Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation,FBR, Quetta from the post of Additional Director, Directorate of IPR Enforcement (South), Karachi. Jameel Ahmed Baloch (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Preventive, Quetta from the post of Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Preventive, Karachi. Arbab Qaisar Hamid (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Appraisement, Peshawar from the post of Secretary, Federal Board of Revenue (Hq), Islamabad. Ms. Zahra Haider (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Director, Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation, FBR, Multan from the post of Additional Collector, Collectorate of Customs (Adjudication), Lahore.
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ISLAMABAD
tARiq DeRyA
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ollectorte of Customs, Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) seized 490 kilograms of narcotics along with carrier vehicle worth Rs35 million. Sources told Customs Today that Collector Seema Raza Bokhari received an information that narcotics would be smuggled from Khyber Pakhtoon Khawa to Punjab through a white Toyota Land Cruiser (Lexus). She directed the Additional Collector Ashfaq Khan who immediately constituted a special team in supervision of the assistant collector to start surveillance of
different routes. The suspected vehicle was signaled to stop at Chorangi No.26 (Islamabad) by the customs staff but the driver of the vehicle Qled away, the vehicle was chased but the driver left the car at Kashmir Society’s parking and escaped from the scene. The vehicle was taken into custody and after search 480 kilograms of charas and 10 kilograms of opium were recovered from it. Both the vehicle and the narcotics were taken into custody. The FIR lodged against unknown persons and vehicle while further investigation in the case is under progress. The total value of the narcotics is estimated at Rs.30 million while vehicle’s value is Rs5 million.
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
ASO recovers narcotics worth Rs35m from Toyota Land Cruiser
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CARTOONSSPECIAL 11
MARCH 19 - MARCH 25, 2019
Appraisement west unearth tax evasion attempt by m/s Jibran enterprises
KARACHI: Collectorate of Customs has unearthed an attempt of millions of rupees tax evasion through transshipment at Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT). According to the details, on the tip of Collector Customs Appraisement West Wajid Ali, a team of Research and Development (R&D) Section of Customs Appraisement West conducted a raid at Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) and unearth an attempt of millions of rupees tax evasion through transshipment.
multan i&i earns Rs14.07 million through auction of vehicles & miscellaneous goods MULTAN
imRAn ALi KHAn
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irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation generated Rs14.07 million through auction of conQiscated miscellaneous goods and vehicles. According to the details, Customs Intelligence held public auction of conQiscated goods and vehicles lying in the State Warehouse of Customs Intelligence. Auction was held in the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan ofQice located at the Raja Pur Khanewal Road Multan Bypass. There were large number of people who participated in the bidding of vehicles and different articles. Customs Intelligence offered 10 different lots of vehicles in the auction. Customs Intelligence and Investigation successfully sold out 9 various vehicles of different models and brands including Honda Civic, Suzuki Jimny Jeep, Toyota Mark X, Toyota Corolla Altis, Toyota Hilux Surf and Qive different vehicles of
Toyota Vitz. Customs Intelligence sold out nine different presented vehicles in Rs11.32 and only one Toyota Vitz remained unsold due to fewer bid offered by bidders in the auction. Customs Intelligence also sold
out four different lots of miscellaneous goods in Rs2.75 million during the auction which included 10 tyres, 990 bed sheets rolls, 500 kilograms iron & steel scrap, 25 different pieces of old and used HTV Rims, 288 bags of
C5 hydrocarbon resin and 449 cartons of pineapple slices. Auctioned goods and vehicles were seized by Customs Intelligence and Investigation during their different Qield operations in the jurisdiction.
ASO impounds 1799 smuggled mobile phones worth Rs7.93 million
Deputy Director Customs Intelligence and Investigation Khial Muhammad supervised the whole auction process of conQiscated vehicles and goods along with Inspector Malik Muhammad Nasir.
faisalabad customs collects Rs7021.800m in eight months of fy2018-19 FAISALABAD
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ISLAMABAD
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ustoms Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) seized foreign origin 1799 smart phones worth Rs8.93 million along with offending vehicle and arrested two smugglers. Deputy Collector Majid Hussain Gaad while talking with Customs Today said that pursuing the credible information shared by Collector Seema Raza Bokhari that
an attempt will be made to smuggle mobile phones from Rawalpindi via GT Road Peshawar to Rawalpindi in a Toyota Corolla car 2009 model bearing registration LED- 5297. He said that after getting information, the ASO staff made ‘nakabandi’ on GT road and intercepted the offending vehicle (vehicle used for carrying smuggled goods), adding that after thorough checking the ASO staff found various foreign origin mobile phones comprising Samsung galaxy J4 Core 20, Samsung
Galaxy J4 qty 20, Samsung Galaxy J2 Prime qty 06, Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Plus qty 24, Samsung Galaxy J6 qty 10, Nokia 1112 without battery qty 900, Nokia 1280 without battery qty 700, Osmo 03/5 Android qty 25, Oppo AFC Android qty 16, Tecno BL- AW875 Android qty 29, Huawei JUST IN XTEL qty 10, VIVI Model S8 Android qty 04, Koobee S206M Android 11, Sony Xperia Android qty 04, Huawei Mate9 Pro qty 02, OPPO (obi) SJ2.2 qty 03 and Q9 Android China qty 13.
ollectorate of Customs collected Rs7021.800 million against assigned target of Rs10953.66 million during the first eight months of the current fiscal year. Sources told Customs Today that the Collectorate collected Rs2794.339 million under the head of customs duty against the set target of Rs3174.65 million and achieved its target by 88 percent only. Under the head of sales tax the Collectorate collected Rs4099.144 million against the target of Rs7676.65 million. It surpassed its target by 53.4 percent during the said period. Furthermore it collected Rs128.152 million against Rs102.16 million under the head of income tax by achieving its target up to 125.4 percent. The Collectorate also generated Rs 0.165 million against Rs 0.20 million under the head of federal excise duty during the said period.
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12
MARCH 19 - MARCH 25, 2019
LHc rejects Ayyan Ali’s plea for cancellation of arrest warrants
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court registrar office rejected a plea filed by model Ayyan Ali seeking the cancellation of her arrest warrants. In an objection attached to the petition — that Ali had submitted through Advocate Aftab Ahmad Bajwa the high court registrar said that the case cannot be fixed for hearing as the model is not in the country. Ali, who is indicted in a currency smuggling case, was declared a proclaimed offender by a special court last week after she failed to appear despite multiple summons by the judge. She has not appeared before the court since 2016.
Multan Customs redistributes tasks among assistant, deputy collectors MULTAN
imRAn ALi KHAn
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— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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ollectorate of Customs redistributed tasks among assistant collectors and deputy collectors of the region. Multan Customs Collector Ambreen Ahmad Tarar has assigned different tasks to newly-posted Assistant Collectors Syed Jalal Haider Zaidi and Muhammad Fahad Jamil along with other ofQicials in order to streamline Collectorate’s workload. Deputy Collector Saqib-ur-Rehman has been assigned the responsibilities of Recovery Cell, DTRE, DRAA, Licensing, Manufacturing Bonds/Export Oriented Unit. He will also supervise matters relating to Directorate of Internal Audit and all concessionary and bond audits including EOUs. Assistant Collectors Omer Bin Zafar Chatha Multan has been assigned charge of Customs Collectorate Headquarters and he would also deal with administration, General branch budget, Transport, Statistical Branch, Security of Customs House, Drug Enforcement Cell, State Warehouse and Accounts and MEUs. He will also supervise General Branch and Customs Branch. The Anti-Smuggling Organization will also work under his supervision. The charge of the Investigation & Prosecution has also been given to him. He will look after the court cases of Multan Customs which are under the adjudication of all forums. Deputy Collector Muhammad Ikram has been assigned responsibilities of Law cell and he will look after court cases of Multan Customs
along with FTO and Customs Appellate Tribunal. Assistant Collector Syed Jalal Haider Zaidi will deal with all the matters related to TrafQic & Air Freight Unit (AFU) including Import and Export of International Airports Dera Ghazi
collector Ambreen Ahmad tarar
Khan, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur. He will also oversee all the matters of Rebates and Refunds of Multan Customs Collectorate along with General Post OfQice. He will also supervise the new projects of the Multan Customs and FTO mat-
ters along with all the affairs of Duty Free Shop of Multan. He has been directed to look after the matters of the General Post OfQice too. Assistant Collector Muhammad Fahad Jamil has been given the charge of the Multan Dry Port (Imports & Exports),
Export Terminal Sadiqabad, Auction and Adjudication of Manifest Violations. He will also supervise the matters of P.R.V, M.I.S and CPF Bonded Warehouse. Effective workload distribution will enhance the performance of the Collectorate.
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ISLAMABAD
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ollectorate of Customs Collector Seema Raza Bokhari said that customs department is using all available resources and possible measures to curb illegal intra Kashmir trade. Talking with Customs Today, she said that intra-Kashmir Trade (IKT) is a serious threat for local business community paying huge taxes to government, adding that the locals could not compete with intra-Kashmir traders because of paying zero duty taxes, while local
merchants are paying all duty and taxes even they are doing business of perishable items or other legal supplies. Collector Seema said that she had asked all the staff to keep focus on revenue performance of third quarter (January to March) FY2018-19, adding that she also asked the staff to take every possible measure to facilitate businessmen at Air Freight Unit (AFU) as well as at Islamabad Dry Port. She said that the Collectorate fetched 15% extra revenue against assigned revenue collection target for the month of February FY18-19, and Collectorate achieved targets of Customs Duty and other
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
taking all measures to curb illegal intra-Kashmir trade: collector Seema bukhari
collector Seema Raza bokhari
Published by M S Raza Off# 42, 3rd Flr Gull Plaza M.A Jinnah Road Karachi, Printed by (Ibne Hassan Offset Printing Press, Shops No. 33 to 36 , Hockey Stadium, Karachi).
taxes assigned by the FBR for month of February FY2018-19. She added that the Islamabad Collectorate’s both stations i.e. AFU and IDP contributed in the realization of this success by attaining their respective targets. She said that the Islamabad Collectorate collected Rs.688 million under the head of customs duty against the assigned target of Rs.652 million. Seema Bokhari attributed this achievement to Allah’s kindness and the untiring efforts and hard work of the ofQicers and staff of the Collectorate. She expressed conQidence that this effort will continue to strive for such successes in future as well.