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26 AbC Certified vol 75 issue no. 22
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FBR Chairman Jahanzaib Khan directed Multan RTO to accelerate revenue collection. | SEE PAgE 02 | REgiSTERing MObilES
KARACHI
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U Member Customs informed Senate Committee about measures taken for registration of mobiles. | SEE PAgE 12 | SEEking PROPOSAlS
Collector Jamil Nasir sought proposals from businessmen for introducing new customs tariff. | SEE PAgE 04 | DiSTRibUTing wORk
Collector Faiz Ahmad issued order to distribute work among ADCs and DCs. | SEE PAgE 04 |
nder dynamic leadership of Tariq Bajwa, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has won the global award as the best Central Bank in promoting Islamic Sinance for the year 2018. The coveted award is conferred by Islamic Finance News (IFN), an arm of REDmoney Group, Malaysia. IFN Best Banks Poll is regarded as one of the most prestigious accolades in the Islamic Sinance industry. The IFN Award as the best central bank for promotion of Islamic Sinance is the global endorsement of SBP initiatives for promotion of Islamic banking in the country. The award reSlects an international recognition of the strategic measures which SBP is undertaking to put in place a robust policy environment for Islamic banking to prosper. The category of the Best Central Bank in Promoting Islamic Finance is always one of the most closely fought contests with regulators battling for the supremacy through exceptional advances made, during the year, in the Sield of regulation and standardization. SBP is honored to have won this award for the third time in last four years. Previously, SBP was bestowed with this coveted award earlier in 2015 and 2017. Islamic banking industry in Pakistan has witnessed an impressive growth in 2018 with its assets reaching 12.9% of banking sector and deposits accounting for 14.8% of the total banking industry deposits. “The support of Pakistan’s central bank is driving progress in the wider Islamic banking sector, and the country’s Shariah compliant
institutions are posting impressive results”, IFN quoted. It may be noted that the last year continued to see growing interest from the players wherein industry footprints kept on enlarging with two new institutions getting license to offer Islamic banking products and services. SBP also introduced Shariah compliant version of Long Term Financing Facility (LTFF) enabling Islamic banking customers to avail subsidized Sinancing from Islamic banks for setting up export oriented projects. Certain measures were also undertaken to augment the regulatory framework for Islamic banking industry besides taking initiatives for enhancing capacity levels to facilitate development of human resource for this ever growing market. Meanwhile, Governor SBP Tariq Bajwa said that the Government of Pakistan and SBP have taken a number of initiatives to promote the transfer of home remittances using formal Sinancial channels and the new block-chain technology-based remittance service would complement these efforts as the transfer of cross-border remittances in near real-time would bring convenience and facilitation for both senders and their beneSiciaries. “This puts Pakistan on the map of very few countries in the world that have launched International Remittance using block-chain technology”, he added. Tariq Bajwa also stated that he expects that the Sinancial sector would take advantage of the current favourable market environment by investing in innovative technologies and product offerings to expand services and broaden access to Sinancial services in the country.
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
REviEwing PERfORMAnCE
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NATIONAL
JANUARy 22 - JANUARy 28, 2018
ShC calls comments on petition filed by M/s 10Pearls
KARACHI: The SHC issued notices to the customs department and deputy attorney general on a constitutional petition filed by M/s 10Pearls against issuing of notice for recovery of Rs35,046,747 for tax year 2016-2017. A twomember bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi was hearing the matter. Court also directed them to make sure filing their para-wise comments on next date of hearing. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner stated in his petition that petitioner is a registered company of Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and PASHA.
Multan ASO recovers smuggled Iranian diesel & petrol from Jampur
fbR chairman shows displeasure over performance of Multan region
MULTAN
MULTAN
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ollectorate of Customs AntiSmuggling Organization (ASO) recovered huge quantity of smuggled Iranian diesel and petrol during two different raids in private warehouses. Sources told Customs Today that Collector Ambreen Ahmad Tarar received credible information from her source that huge quantity of smuggled high diesel and petrol is stored in a private warehouses located in Muzaffargah Jampur region. Collector Ambreen Ahmad formed special team on the basis of secret information which comprises of Inspector MuhammadWaqas Leghari, Inspector Rana Mujtaba Noon, Inspector Rao Saleem, Inspector Muhammad Ali and others to take strict action. Customs anti-smuggling squad obtained search warrant from local magistrate for the inspection of private warehouse located in Jampur region. Customs teams raided a private warehouse located in area of Basti Lashari Jampur where huge quantity of non-customs paid high speed diesel was dumped in the tankers.
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Sara-i-Muhajir ASO seizes Afghan origin almonds SARA-I-MUHAJIR
nAEEM ShEikh
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nti-Smuggling Organization seized 2150 kilograms of almonds during an action near Sara-i-Muhajir Chowk Bhakkar. Sources told Customs Today that Assistant Collector Shah Samad Hamdani deputed Inspector Umar Bhatti, Muhammad Munawar Rathore, Havaldar Ghulam Sarwar Shah, Sepoys Safdar Hussain, Riaz Ahmed, Ziaul Hassan, Amin Bhatti to check vehicles on Sara-i-Muhajir Chowk under anti-smuggling campaign which has been stared on the orders of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Member Customs Jawwad Awais Agha. The team checked several vehicles. Meanwhile, the team checked a passenger bus loaded with smuggled almonds 2150 kilograms Afghan origin. The team confiscated almonds after the owner Ahsanullah failed to produce documents regarding legal import of the items.
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iMRAn Ali khAn
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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Muhammad Jahanzaib Khan has shown displeasure over the performance of Regional Tax OfSice and directed to accelerate revenue collection for accomplishment of set target. According to reliable sources of Customs Today, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Muhammad Jahanzaib Khan conducted video link conference with the Regional Tax OfSice Multan in which he reviewed the performance of tax authorities in the Sirst six months of the current Siscal year 2018-19. Chairman Federal Board of Revenue said that huge number of cases from RT against tax evaders and companies are pending before the commissioners and tribunals, and these cases cause millions of rupees loss to national exchequer. He said pending cases’ progress is too slow and pending cases should be resolved on priority basis for collection of stuck-up revenue. Due to slow progress on pending cases, fewer taxes are collected in current Siscal year. He showed deep concerns over the revenue shortfall of the Regional Tax OfSice and directed them to ensure strict measures for the accomplishment of revenue collection in future. He showed dissatisfaction over the selection of audit cases by RTO and directed them to search new potential taxpayers in jurisdiction for the enhancement of revenue collection in Regional tax OfSice. Chief Commissioner Regional Tax OfSice Abid Raza Bodhla also informed chairman that consumption of High Speed Diesel was decreased and fewer taxes were collected from PARCO during last few months due to less domestic imports of petroleum products and others in said period. FBR Chairman directed the chief commissioner and others to devise a sound strategy for the collection of set revenue task through strict enforcement.
FBR Chairman directed the chief commissioner and others to devise a sound strategy for the collection of set revenue task through strict enforcement.
QuettaCustomsseizeschars&opium from a truck near baleli Check Post C
ISLAMABAD
TARiQ DERYA
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ollectorate of Customs team recovered 500 kilograms hashish and 7 kilograms opium from a Bedford truck coming from Afghanistan border area. The drug was concealed under the sand while driver of the vehicle Sled away getting advantage of darkness. Sources told Customs Today that Collector Ashraf Ali after receiving information through a source that few anti-state elements intended to smuggle drugs into the country. All check posts were tightened to check each vehicle thoroughly. The staff of Customs check post Baleli during thorough checking found a truck parked before the check post of Baleli unattended with painted
registration no: QAB-3435 (on bumper). The staff brought the truck at the check post and unloaded the sand on the ground and found special designed cavities on the Sloor of truck and recovered 500 packets of chars (hashish) each 1000 grams and seven kilogram of opium. The sources said that the staff of Customs check post Baleli
Quetta took possession of the aforementioned vehicle along with chars and opium and seized the same for violation of the provision of Section 2(s), 15,16 of the Customs Act 1989. The sources of Customs Quetta told that the Assistant Collector Rana Umair and Superintendent Khurshid Hassani participated in above-said operation.
Assistant collector transfers LDC from ASO to Railway Station ollectorate of Customs Preventive Assistant Collector (Headquarters) Muhammad Omar Latif issued orders to transfer Lower Division Clerk (LDC) Muhammad Ashraf Joiya. According to notification no: 01-HRD-Estt/80/2016-17/61 issued on 17.1.2018, Lower Division Clerk Muhammad Ashraf Joiya, currently performing his duties at Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO), is transferred to Railway StationT-10 with effect from 18.1.2018 until further orders with directions to report at his new place of duty. It is necessary to mention here that more postings and transfers are expected in near future to enhance performance of the Collectorate. —M.Hayat
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NATIONAL 03
JANUARy 22 - JANUARy 28, 2018
Customs Court dismisses bail petition in hormones’ injections, mobiles smuggling case
KARACHI: The Customs Court dismissed bail petition filed by suspects namely Zeeshan Ali Awan, son of Sikandar Ali, and Muhammad Aamir, son of Sain Muhammad Sohail, who were arrested in a case of attempting to smuggle 10,000 Boostin/Somatotropin injections and mobile phones. The court passed order on bail petition and observed in its order that “the alleged offence under Section 156(1) (8) of the Customs Act, 1969 falls within the prohibitory clause of Section 497 Cr PC.
3487 customs cases involving Rs20,160m still pending in courts
Comprehensive training of i&i staff is need of the hour: wajid Ali
ISLAMABAD
MUhAMMAD fAiZAn www.customstoday.com
PESHAWAR
TARiQ DERYA
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irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Additional Director Wajid Ali said that comprehensive training of customs staff is required on priority basis. During an exclusive interview with Customs Today, he said that Pakistan Customs as whole but Customs I&I in particular is facing various issues including shortage of staff, adding that at present most of its staff especially superintendents are approaching their retirement age, so how this gap will be filled because no new hiring is under consideration. He said that the directorate seized narcotics worth Rs52.6 million during first half of Fiscal Year 2018-19. Because of shortage of staff, other law enforcement agencies (LEAs) filled the gap by providing their services. He said, “We appreciate efforts of the other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) which provide their expertise to fill the gap created by lack of customs staff ”. Replying a query, Wajid Ali said that I&I used to hold one auction in a month, adding that during first six months, the directorate conducted six public auctions and generated Rs96.6 million. He notified that I&I Peshawar will hold next auction on 24th January 2019 and hoped that the directorate will generate handsome revenue. The Additional Director said
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
n amount of Rs20,160 million is still stuck up in customs legal cases in different courts due to legal hurdles. According to Federal Board of Revenue customs wing, there are 3,487 cases pending at different levels in courts including the Supreme Court and High Courts. The data showed that 207 cases related to Customs Islamabad, involving amount of Rs334 million are pending including 1 case in the Supreme Court, 99 cases involving amount of Rs159 million are pending in High Court, 59 cases involving Rs146 million are still pending in Customs Appellate Tribunal. Moreover, 35 cases are pending before the special judge of customs court and 13 cases of Rs29 million are pending before the collector customs appeal. Likewise 364 cases of Directorate General Customs Intelligence and Investigations involving total amount of Rs6,750 million are pending including 1 case of Rs3 million in the Supreme Court, 46 cases of Rs181 million at High Court, 65 cases of Rs4,642 before the Customs Appellate Tribunal, 176 cases at special judge customs, 3 cases of Rs1 million before collector customs appeal and 73 cases of Rs 1,923 million at adjudication level. While 572 cases of Customs Preventive Lahore involving amount of Rs2,892 million including 5 cases of Rs10 million are pending in the Supreme Court, 145 cases of Rs 755 million before the High Court, 276 cases involving revenue of Rs 1,776 million in Customs AppellateTribunal, 52 cases with court of Special Judge customs, 8 cases of Rs4 million with collector appeal and 84 cases of Rs.348 million before the adjudication.
that during July to December FY18-19, the I&I seized 78 offending vehicles (carrying smuggled goods) worth Rs169 million while it seized 44 non-duty paid (NDP) vehicles worth Rs79 million and seized smuggled goods worth Rs253 million. He said that that during first six months of Fiscal Year 2018-19, the I&I Peshawar fetched total revenue
Additional Director wajid Ali
At present most of its staff especially superintendents are approaching their retirement age
of Rs502 million by seizing smuggled goods. Replying a question, he said that I&I seized huge quantity of chars, opium and heroin. He told that during the said period, the Directorate seized 68 kilograms of chars worth Rs6.8 million, 14.25 kilograms opium worth Rs 1.8 million as well as seized 52.5 kilograms of heroin worth Rs44 million.
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04 NATIONAL
JANUARy 22 - JANUARy 28, 2018
fbR to fully implement whistleblower policy
ISLAMABAD: Following government’s whistleblower policy, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed the field formations of inland revenue wing to give the reward to whistleblowers, it is learnt here. Official sources told Customs Today that the board has directed all the field formations of Inland Revenue department to implement vigorous monitoring drive against tax evaders to enhance tax collection. The board also directed to fully implement reward in the whistleblower policy.
CollectorAppraisementJamil nasir holds meeting with mobile phone businessmen Customs Preventive foils attempt to smuggle Indian gutka, betel nuts at Super Highway KARACHI
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— Exclusive Customs Today photo
LAHORE
M.hAYAT
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ollectorate of Customs Appraisement Collector Jamil Nasir has sought proposals from the businessmen dealing with used and new mobile phones for introducing new customs tariff. During a meeting held with Hafeez Centre Traders Welfare League, the collector assured the traders of rationalization of customs tariff in the results of the proposals
to be submitted by the traders. Additional Collector Rashid Tanveer, Deputy Collector Usman Tariq, LCCI President Almas Hyder, Vice-President Shahzad Nasir, EC Member Malik Kaleem, Malik Amanat, Arshad and others were present in the meeting. The traders demanded that the used mobiles import should be allowed to save the country from unemployment as millions of traders are conducting the business. They said that traders are ready to pay duty and taxes on the import of used mobiles. The demanded that type approve clause must be suspended because this implemen-
tation will discourage import by common traders. They said that duty slabs must be deSined to categorize duty policy. They also said that duty assessment for new and used mobiles should be according to international values but not on retail values. Due to continuous variation in mobile phone rates, duty rates must be renewed after every three months, the added. They said that duty assessment for new and used mobiles must be separated because same duty rates will increase economic sufferings of traders and will also badly affect the purchasing power of customers.
KARACHI
M.b RAnA
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he Customs Court sent suspects Abdul Subhan son of Ameer Khan and Mir Gul son of Muhammad Murad to customs preventive lock-up on physical remand. The accused arrested in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid 17,200 liters high speed diesel. Investigation officer produced the above-mentioned suspects before the court and informed that an information was received to the effect that a Nissan dumper truck bearing registration no: TLP-259 carrying non-duty paid diesel oil concealed in a hidden tank under the cover load of gravel (crushed stones) would pass from Ghaggar Phattak, Karachi. HesubmittedthatstaffofASO reachedthespotandfoundtheNissan dumpertruck.Duringthesearch,customsteamfound17,200litersHSD fromhiddentankfabricatedunderthe loadofgravel/crushstones.Hesaidthat prosecutionneedsfurtherinvestigationsfromthesaidsuspectswhowere involvedinthiscrime,therefore,court maygranttheirphysicalremand.After thehearing,courtgrantedtheirphysical remandanddirectedinvestigation officertoproducethembeforethecourt onnextdateofhearingalongwith progress report. According to the prosecution, case was registered for violation of under Section 2(s) 156 (2) 157 (2) and 178 of Customs Act, 1969, punishable under Clause 8 & 89 of Section 156 (1) ibid read with Section 3 (i) of Imports & Export Control Act, 1950.
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Collector Preventive faiz Ahmad distributes work among ADCs, Deputy Collectors C
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ustoms Collectorate of Preventive Collector Faiz Ahmad issued order to distribute work among deputy collectors and additional collectors with immediate effect and until further orders. According to notiSications issued by the collector, Deputy Collector Muhammad Hassan Farid who is posted at Customs Station Wagha will also look after the work at Railway Station T-10, Deputy Collector Moazzam Raza will also look after
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
ollectorate of Customs Preventive foiled a bid to smuggle huge quantity of smuggled betel nuts and Indian origin Gutka worth millions of rupees in a successful raid at Super Highway. According to the details, on a tip-off from higher authorities, the Deputy Collector Customs Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Headquarters Muhammad Faisal constituted a team to beef up the security and surveillance at the entry and exit points of the city against the illegal activities of the smugglers. The team of ASO checked several vehicles at the Super Highway and followed the procedure of customs to inquire regarding the legal documents and carried out the search. During the search, the staff of the ASO team intercepted a 12 wheeler truck bearing registration no: TKC-335 and asked the driver to provide legal documents. On inquiry, the driver stated the crush stone is present in the vehicle. On the suspicion, the said 12 wheeler truck was thoroughly checked as one of the vehicle bearing registration no: KV-5995 was also accompanied and during the search the ASO staff found several sacks of smuggled Betel Nuts hidden under the layer of the crust stone and four culprits are also busted. The team of the ASO filed the case whereas further investigations are still underway.
Court approves physical remand of accused in HSD smuggling case
work at Customs Station law branch. Deputy Collector Naveedur Rehman Bugvi who is posted at Railway Station T-10 will look after the work at State Warehouse, I&P, auction branch. Assistant Collector Mohammad Umar Latif who is currently posted at AFU will look after the work at HQ-HRD (Amin, general, technical branch, R&R branch and matters/duty assigned by the collector. Additional Collector Ms. Muneeza Majeed who is currently posted at Wagha will also look after the work at headquarters (HRD/admin/ASO/I&P/law/SWH /auction/treasury branch.
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RAl ASAD.cuksthomAstoday.com www
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c onal A he Nati AB) has N Bureau ( against on applicati td and (Pvt) L Pakistan rnational Line te In , M/s PaciSic Pakistan agents in (Pvt) Ltd in a Shipping and detention ge demurra plaint receiv c e Th om gal action f d le m e d ande oted and rec lo ts n u e na amo illion to th lso b 0 1 6 . s a R e il h w r per yea ses from the s further lo mpanies inc o c e s e of th gsen Hemmin Claus V. , Morten H p cent Clerc Line; Arsl k of Maers eel Salim, h a R , n a h H K ad Khan, u F , Khan an, h K r e m Masih, O ha Chow es Iqbal, Ay mad, Aa h Salman A ammed N h o M , n Kha Iq basshar mud, Mu d Abba a Mohamm harif, S S Tanveer ahboo M Haq, Ziad n, Ama a h K Saeed d, Mar o o m h e M ZulSiqa Mehreen d Osm e y Iqbal, S had a Yaqub, F Muh Hussain, diqu id Danish S assir d Syed Mu ha s e y A , in sa f M/S others o .S.T S Limited; m a li il W Kee, We o o h C , o e T ;a td L of PIL a h K Ahmad S w e h C Teo M Naqi, Baig f o s r e oth
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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SPECIALREPORT 07
JANUARy 22 - JANUARy 28, 2018
ing the shipp al cost to tu c a e th reas y whe ny is USD 1,000. lmost USD 0 to ection b pa ll o m c g. t is a o c e u ina freigh en more surprisin g l reven . 610 billion. If h ta -C k to a e P h v s in “T e R p , is is ip id t t h a o h s n s n ic e aection is ed USD 10 wh income of these en it is departm ic Intern customs s of revenue coll tion hite aid PaciS any n s w e ir cost th many s n e e -m s c e e h r c v u W o pro ab . So % of the mp (Pvt) Ltd s is a shipping co e in 1967. the ed down by the e revenue collec- lines is only 30 y are indulging in cost e w e th or er tional Lin rated in Singap ese entre- slo es then at least . Hence, total loss obvious that th activities to cov ti o in k d ,” the r h s p c a le r ts u C la p b o x Si e b c e u o in ge pr PIL is th hung. While ld be do r due to above n is illegal and u f u h o o c r e e s k d n a o n o m The fou Chang Yun C lta Group of ti excheque subject accused and als said. e national made to t in preneur han is owner of D tive OfSicer to illegal acts of the la p ts are m o in c la p o not K u d s m c r n e o en c n they d h is ing lin n”. ed a e Bakhtia s and Chief Exe h p o g li a ip th g il “W h t s b n n e d 0 e n 1 whic ge rts a Rs. 6 partm vt) Ltd panie rminal po llect any demurra e Customs de ainst the accused ) 7A of y Com lta Transport (P ansportation, te it e h il b “T ta o g (1 n c ccou t De like tr from th e action a tions 156 llowed to d an a inesses are not a ntion amounts r provides tak datory under sec nd also rules 603 g s receive rsk with bus d railroad. in p n ip te te 9 a r h e 6 m d po e 19 a aS n others t M/s Ma inst trucking a said PaciSic Delt of Delta and rter when the im rtiSicate’ under the Customs Act, d 607 (E), f some n a ) (Q e y o a c s n 4 g p . e 0 Sourc compa also a tention in im ct, 1969 e nexus o 03 (R), 6 y and de is also a ts of PIL nd its ustoms A als and (Q), 6 220 (I)/2015. Th Line and PIL s (PIL) a elta (Pvt) Ltd working as agen that main ‘dela n 14 A of the C 1 k s in O r R m e of S D rt ter ls, Ma d id tio ions of s PaciSic m of Group an ources further sa a Shipping sec pite this, the po il and harass the Customs ofSicia ese active provis ould a S lt a s sh . e c th m e n s u y D k e D o e c ta a d ic a g la of th me Pakis es b r of PaciS and th as m ry of the is also key planne n shipping lin collect hundreds nment. Ltd h rely redundant the same,” the illions. b ia c th Si r e o n e w ti o ig b r e n en ns nti porter to e NAB han and h single co emanded law erely punished fo and dete ved by th ries of is Adil K m of demurrage y is looting im ds of rupees per d sev y e e b n o m the m . n n a it e l a a c id v nded fro t the laint sa s of s ce this is illega kistan and hence a for reco ses of mega s which his comp r p m te m e r o d o c p t s im a in t,” plain ains overing lo equer through ding the genuine ns of rupees S m the citizens of P xtortion’ amoun The com legal action ag , recover e lio fro n ‘e e s xch le il a e k n b b l s o ta a s d a g r n n d e o in a to e p b ti a NA B such ccused nd rob be term said. a a n t g n a n c , recover c u in ta je m , p b e is p u re k e th s o sto plaint ted by therm ns Pa them annually. t received by th r o m o o fu lo s c , r e ts e d id p n national a n th u s a d amo e d by mplaint 03 (R), 604 (Q) e accuse n Skou, from er the complain Customs staff, r o e c Rs. ff e u h s T re ), 6 e tune of me 015, As p losses luding Sø ft, Vinuer to th r year and xus of so ping lines like der rules 603 (Q f SRO 1220 (I)/2 q e e n h c e x o e th T , n pe others o cannot charge n, Søren ft, others NAB asim and ship s agent Maersk 610 billio ther losses. 607 (E), Q it to es p fur H. Engels Gazanfar Port sk Line along with d, including its the shipping lin or detention to s , e lan Khan Ul Hasan Maer n Private Limit ff and also staff any demurrage not specifta is d ta is s o k o a & s P q Ma l ic Delta charges where it the B/L. agers z, Shakee M/S PaciS ers, man n asan Fara lvi, Zafar own Ltd and its agent making illegal ically written o tion of A la e IL r d io P a a v f w o td Ali Ja still in Pvt) L sain, the ahid Hus ziz Shipping ( gh malpractice. nt delays But rules and laws, Z , y r h d u w A e e sly ro s s is e tm th le a r r th a y ep fea ne , Um amir Ali rheen Mah- mo irstly, customs d containers that shipping lines rs of the e f “F a s o in F conta ajority Naeem, e yed the good hold the q Syed, S d c h a rg ods of m l. 80% of qbal, Affa uhammad go e in red channe l take a duration importers an t deteniv e n M r s a n r y orbit as Jafri, eq, Hamza a red in red chan n the free da them ex s. These detenAte clea e e tha r rg ir o a s . h a m ls Salman c Y a , n is o in exceed Ibrahim ffat which t term ge ti r ir u o h p m ges even ntainer a r e e A a k , th h ta b c y E o b , ls n d a d o o o e ti in c o id f m w v o ro ter Da each l cost al Sadiq Zain Warsi, p Hence, the port rters on the actua ping 1,000%! o p im j, e o ia Uro from th Zafar charges a whop Saleem, amounts nt thus delayed. rce the im- by he shipping lines m the e ar, Awais Zaidi, Anum fo “T o m o fr n t ls cos es a consig al . All these 0% of its ter ipping lin man Iqb Iqbal, Zahid These sh huge illegal sums rminals, only 3 r to allure impor id a b i, O h y te s te a r to e p o t r s Ali, r p r u o to e Q p s im , r in Ali porte conta ove s staff hammad , Arshad Ayub, three: the custom s mentioned ab e to give his aining 70% m rif a f th ui, Amir A Hammad Hus- shipping lines ce and delivery o lay, them. All re huge proSits e d n r Ali, Sye ikh Samiullah, delay the cleara rter. Due to this d xes of cost and through e o ta made e Qadri, Sh akistan Private goods to the imp tion of duty and r lack a P ctual ec ans and b S Maersk Chang, Tan Chor the revenue coll rastically of the a be illegal me e China-Pak to d r ik Teo, Pete Tend Seng, Tony is slowed down these goods were en it money. L ipment for a re h th s e s eo r h s f T e y w o , a th y e t d o a s , ik T o 2 L r is m nd c red in Kim Kin veed speed. a e n v r a li a containe 300 u e le K d c , o d Q e to a n H a s N 0 y , 4 d ee T a n d a re a h 0 D f2 US tiar K , cle average o a rg e d . and Bakh n Phuan William takes an e complaint said y the NAB ch r ia a K m y a a b ng, Q er,” th an, T ived Siong Se d deliv e complaint rece Seng, Teo ez, Khan Imran an h T g e Mirza Mu ic Delta Shippin iS M/S Pac
Under rules 603 (Q), 603 (R), 604 (Q) and 607 (E), others of SRO 1220 (i)/2015, the shipping lines cannot charge any demurrage or detention charges where it is not specifically written on the b/l
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08 EDITORIAL
JANUARy 22 - JANUARy 28, 2018
Founder & Chairman Zulfiqar Ali CEO and Chief Editor Asad kharal Editor Rahil Yasin editor@customstoday.com.pk For advertising & subscription marketing@customstoday.com.pk www.customstoday.com Phones: 042-35781643-4, Fax: 042-35781645 Address: 627, Siddiq Trade Centre, Gulberg, Lahore
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investments in gwadar
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riends from the Gulf suddenly want a piece of Gwadar. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is reportedly planning to invest $10 billion in an oil refinery and a petrochemical complex there. Their influential oilman Khalid Al Falih was in Gwadar ahead of MBS visit. After the MBZ visit, the UAE is reportedly interested in investing $1 billion in oil-storage facilities. Not to miss out, Qatar is reportedly mulling investment in food storage facilities there. Why so much love all of a sudden? As Pakistan grew closer to Qatar, the Saudis and the Emiratis had both grown somewhat estranged with Islamabad towards the end of Nawaz government. The above-mentioned investment considerations are very recent developments. Since coming to power last August, PM Khan has consistently reached out to Saudi Arabia and the UAE for assistance. Qatar was shown some cold shoulder early on, but diplomacy continued. The military supported, if not staged, the intense diplomatic push. Should these materialize, these will be highly strategic investments, having both economic and political significance for all the parties involved. Economically, by investing in hydrocarbon refining and storage, the Gulf countries would have seen potential in locking more than just Pakistan’s existing POL demand. They would have seen the benefit of laying the groundwork now to meet Chinese demand later on for POL and value-added petrochemical products once overland routes running through Pakistan into Northwestern China became operational. If a Gwadar Oil City is built later on, then hydrocarbons will inevitably see competition in that geography. By investing now, however, the Saudis, especially, can build an early-mover advantage in refining. They are already actively looking to boost their market share in China, which is the top crude-oil importer. A Saudi Aramco in Gwadar will help them to also compete better with Iranian crude heading to the Chinese market. Politically, too, the Gulf powers may have seen a tactical charm in having a presence close to the Iranian land border. That could go wrong in many ways, but a heavy Chinese stake in the area may guard against misadventures. As for Iran, it cannot reasonably expect Pakistan to turn its back on the much-needed FDI, for India is building the Chabahar port not far from Gwadar. The Gulf States also have good ties with India. In that lies the possibility of Gwadar becoming a deterrent of sorts to regional conflicts. The Pakistani side deserves a pat on the back for selling Gwadar’s potential to hitherto-wary Gulf allies.
Slow Economic growth I
LAHORE
CUSTOMS TODAY REPORT www.customstoday.com
n its latest analysis of Pakistan's economy, Fitch Solutions, a research arm of the global credit rating agency, expects the country's GDP growth rate to plunge to 4.4 percent during FY19. The economy will also be clouded by widening Siscal and external account deSicits despite expectations of central bank holding the rates steady to support economic activity. On the positive side, the authors of the report have noted that "their core view is that the decline in energy imports and the cumulative rate hikes in FY19 will help stabilise the country's external account and anchor the rupee, "allowing the core inSlation pressures to head lower over the
coming months." On the other hand, the widening current account (C/A) deSicit, weakening currency and dwindling foreign exchange reserves suggest that the current Siscal trends (expenditures outpacing growth in receipts) are unsustainable. Stressing the urgency to reverse the present Siscal trend, Fitch Solutions has observed that the government is left with limited room to cut expenditures and suffers from a small tax base. By looking at the report, one feels that a lot of hard work has been done by its authors to assess Pakistan's economy and its prospects. Most of its observations appear to be well-founded though at places, the authors seem to be more pessimistic than some other agencies and organisations who are more aware of the economic situation in Pak-
istan. For instance, Fitch Solutions is of the view that country's GDP growth rate would plunge to 4.4 percent during the current year. It may be mentioned here that the growth rate during FY18 was 5.8 percent and targeted to increase to 6.2 percent in 2018-19. Though the performance of the last year and the target for the current Siscal year are impossible to be achieved due to slower growth in the agriculture and industrial sectors which may also adversely affect the services sector, the State Bank has projected the growth rate for the current Siscal year to be between 4.7 percent and 5.2 percent. A higher growth may soften price pressures in the economy and lead to higher exports. The authors of Fitch Solutions report are, however, right about growing Siscal deSicit.
The report attributes the growing Siscal deSicit to slipping Siscal discipline since 2016 amid mismatch in revenue growth and rising expenditures. While government is very slow or refrains from taking additional revenue mobilisation measures, large debt servicing cost due to continuous increase in the outstanding stock of debt and huge military expenditures due to constant confrontation at the borders consume most of the budgetary resources and very little is left for other items of expenditure. Commenting on the external woes, Fitch Solutions sees no respite as Pakistan's external sector continues to deteriorate despite a steep drop in oil prices. Similarly, the report notes that the inSlow of remittances, bulk of which comes from the Middle East, will see a dip as the manpower exports to the region are expected to slow down.
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NATIONAL 09
JANUARy 22 - JANUARy 28, 2018
govt rejects media reports regarding less revenue share given to Sindh
ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Finance has strongly refuted news reports which claim that the federal government has made less transfers to Sindh during the current financial year. In a press release, it is clarified that during the first half of Fiscal Year 2017-18, FBR reported a collection of Rs1845.3 billion (inclusive of arrears of previous year). During the same period of current financial year, FBR reported collection of taxes as Rs2,011.4 billion (inclusive of arrears of previous year).
M/s Lucky Star Steel approachesSHCseeking release order of iron, steel consignments
indians working at QiCT without MOi clearance pose security risk: Qazi Jaffar
KARACHI
PESHAWAR
www.customstoday.com /s Lucky Star Steel Industries Private Limited approached the Sindh High Court (SHC) for seeking release order of imported consignments of prime quality iron & steel products including HRC, CRC, GP, pre-painted steel, ect. Counsel for the petitioner stated in his constitutional petition that petitioner imported the above-mentioned consignments and filed goods declaration of the subject consignments on the basis of shipping documents and declared goods as prime quality. He argued that respondents have deliberately differentiated the registered bank contract with LC and objected that, through the consignments’ different sizes and dimensions are exactly matched with the specifications mentioned in the shipping documents, but the same has not been imported against LC and the word LC is mentioned under the impugned public notice and not the word bank contract is referred in the impugned public notice. Hence, the subject consignment does not fulfill all the legal requirements as envisaged under the impugned public notice. Citing secretary Revenue Division, Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement South and the Collector of Customs Appraisement East as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court to declare that ad-interim relief may be granted and restrain them from taking any coercive action against the petitioner till final order in this petition. Importer also pleaded the court may declare that act of the respondents is illegal, mala-fide and arbitrary.
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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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T
he Indians working unlawfully at Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT) without the issuance of No Objection CertiSicate (NOC) by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) might be a national security risk. The law enforcement agencies must hold the license of M/s QICT due to its operations without clearance of MOI. Talking with Customs Today, advocate Peshawar High court Qazi Jaffer expressed shock at the presence of Indians working at key posts at the QICT. He said DP World Group owned 75% shares of M/s QICT and appointed Indian ofSicials at key posts in DP World Karachi who are operating Pakistan strategic ports, posing threat to national security of Pakistan. Indian involvement could also be seen in increasing irregularities at the QICT where importers based in Pakistan got frustrated due to demands of extra demurrage & detention charges, the advocate added. Advocate Qazi further said that the Interior Ministry should immediately start prob against the presence of Indian ofSicials at QICT in any shape in order to safeguard the national economy & security. On one hand, Prime Minister Imran Khan is working hard to promote the positive image of Pakistan by engaging trade-friendly countries and on the other, Indian
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
M.b RAnA
personals are allegedly allowed to work at such critical positions which could damage the economic reputation of Pakistan. Ports are sensitive assets which must not be given in hands of an arch rival like India. The advocate added that the Supreme Court of Pakistan should take notice against the QICT as most of its shares are
Advocate Peshawar high Court Qazi Jaffer given in hands of enemies. He appealed to the Chief Justice to direct the government agencies like FIA and NAB to take action against such acts of QICT as discreet control of highly sensitive port could pose a serious risk to national security. The advocate said in order to secure national economy, the
government must stop Indian nationals to get information like in and out movement at the port which could be made possible only if people like Rizwan Sultanali Soomar, chairman and director of M/s DP World Karachi and Devang Mankodi a Director at DP World Karachi, are not allowed to control Pakistani ports.
ICCI for focusing on marble industry to promote exports To,
Abdul Razak Dawood, Advisor for Commerce, Textile, Industry and Production, and Investment, Islamabad Dear Sir,
I want to draw your attention that current government should focus on marble industry, which has great potential to promote exports and transform Pakistan into a fast growing economy. All provinces of Pakistan including Balochistan and KP have huge deposits of marble and granite. However, lack of new technology was forcing marble industry to use old quarrying methods due to which the standard quarry wastage in Pakistan was up to 73 percent of the
gross produce. Now government should cooperate with marble industry in introducing latest technology & machinery for promoting mechanized mining in the country.
Global market for marble and granite was estimated at over $62 billion, but Pakistan’s share in it was below one percent. Government should allow duty free import of marble machinery that
would help marble industry to upgrade itself and compete more effectively in international market. China was importing raw marble and granite from Pakistan and after processing & value addition was earning huge proSits. Quantum of marble and granite exports could be increased manifolds by establishing marble industrial parks in collaboration with China under CPEC. Industrial parks will bring the cost effective cutting, blasting and finishing technology in Pakistan that will enhance the competitive edge of the industry and improve our exports significantly. Yours sincerely,
Rafat Farid, Acting President ICCI, Islamabad
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10 NATIONAL
JANUARy 22 - JANUARy 28, 2018
faisalabad ASO seizes smuggled tyres & tubes
FAISALABAD: Anti-Smuggling Organization foiled an attempt to smuggle foreign origin tyres and tubes during an action. According to details, Additional Collector ASO Muhammad Saeed Asad received credible information that foreign origin tyres and tubes with flap are being smuggled to Faisalabad. He immediately constituted a team including Assistant Collector Shah Samad Hamadani, Inspector Asghar Mehdi Naqvi, Khalid Ashraf Noor, Shaukat Khan, Mahmood Ahmed Dogar, Amir Mumtaz Bajwa and others.
‘hammad Azhar agrees to abolish whT on cash withdrawal by filers’ KARACHI
CUSTOMS TODAY REPORT www.customstoday.com
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cting President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry Khurram Shahzad, while referring to a meeting of KCCI’s delegation with Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar held in Islamabad, said that KCCI’s recommendations for the forthcoming Finance Bill to be announced on Jan 23 were extensively discussed during the said meeting in which the Minister, while assuring to incorporate numerous suggestions, agreed to abolish withholding tax (WHT) on cash withdrawal from bank accounts by Silers with a view to encourage ease of doing business. In a statement issued, the Acting President KCCI said that besides himself, the Karachi Chamber’s delegation comprised of Vice Chairman BMG & former President KCCI Zubair Motiwala, Haroon Farooki, Anjum Nisar, former President Haroon Agar and former Senior Vice President Ibrahim Kasumbi who discussed numerous issues being faced by the business and industrial community. He said that the Minister further agreed to withdraw sales tax & WHT on sales of used/second hand capital goods/ textile machinery by manufacturers/ local traders and also assured that Final Tax Regime (FTR) for Commercial Importers will be restored in the upcoming Finance Bill. Khurram Shahzad further informed that the State Minister further agreed to withdraw notices of mandatory Audits
under section 214D to late Silers of returns. “It was agreed that the powers under Sections 37, 37A, 37B, 38, 40, 40B of Sales Tax Act will only be exercised only after prior approval of Member FBR and above. Any such actions will be conducted in the presence of representative of Relevant Chamber / Association”, he added.
Minister of State for Revenue hammad Azhar He said that it was agreed by Finance Minister Mr. Asad Umer that the Taxes and Penalty deposited/remitted for Declarations Siled under Amnesty scheme within the due date, but payment received after the due date due to technical reasons will be accepted and declaration will be considered as valid for
Amnesty. This may please be included in the mini budget which was also agreed by the State Minister. Moreover, it was agreed in principle to withdraw the exemption to Large Import Houses under Section 148 I – Sub Section 7, Sub Clause D of Income Tax Ordinance, providing Exemption of 6 percent WHT and
other levies, Acting President said. It has been agreed that the ceiling for Association of Persons (AOPs) and Individuals to be treated as With-holding agents will be enhanced to amount of turnover exceeding Rs.200.0 Million. Status of individuals having turnover below Rs200.0 million will be restored prior to 2013, he added.
N MULTAN
iMRAn Ali khAn
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ational Accountability Bureau (NAB) should take action against M/s Maersk Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, PaciSic International Lines (PIL) and its agents in Pakistan, M/s PaciSic Delta Shipping (Pvt) Ltd in a mega scam of exorbitant demurrage and detention to address grievances of importers. Collection of exorbitant demurrage and detention charges from genuine importers is open violation of laws and said shipping companies should be held accountable for stealing huge revenue. This was stated by Advocate Muhammad Nazim Khan while talking to Customs Today about the
mega scam of demurrage and detention charges. Blackmailing of M/s Maersk Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, PaciSic International Lines (PIL) and its agents in Pakistan, M/s PaciSic Delta Shipping (Pvt) Ltd have created obstacles for clearance of genuine shipments. He said collection of excessive demurrage and detention charges from importers is an unjustiSied act and these shipping companies are also spoiling business environment in the country which will also upset our national economy. He termed collection of demurrage and detention charges for the clearance of shipments without any speciSied agreement as criminal offense from said shipping companies. Importers of South Punjab faced
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
NABshouldtakeactionagainstMaersk,PIL,PacificDelta:AdvocateNazim
blackmailing of shipping companies for the clearance of their legitimate imported shipments, and shipping companies were charging baseless
demurrage and detention charges; otherwise importers had to face extraneous delay in the clearance of their shipments, causing them Sinancial loss. Due to negligence of port terminals, importers are charged with additional demurrage and detention charges as shipments are blocked by raising baseless objections. Shipping companies and port authorities cannot charge any demurrage or detention charges if Customs provides a delay and detention certiSicate to importers but reportedly even with this certiSicate Shipping Company M/s Maersk, Ms PIL and M/s PaciSic Delta Shipping (Pvt) Ltd are illegally charging huge amount of demurrage and detention to importers. Shipping companies, port
terminals and Customs staff have made trio to blackmail importers for the collection of illegal demurrage and detention charges. National Accountability Bureau (NAB) should take strict action against M/s Maersk, Ms PIL and M/s PaciSic Delta Shipping (Pvt) for charging additional demurrage charges. He suggested that NAB should take action against shipping companies involved in excess logistic charges under rules 603(q), 603(r), 604(p), 604(q) & 607(e), others under SRO 1220/2015 to protect importers from blackmailers. NAB should recover looted revenue worth billions from shipping companies under head of demurrage and detention charges to address their grievances.
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CARTOONSSPECIAL 11
JANUARy 22 - JANUARy 28, 2018
Multan RTO forms specialized tax unit for taking action against tax evaders
MULTAN: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has established a specialized tax unit in the Regional Tax Office to deal with high net tax evaders’ cases on immediate basis. Sources told Customs Today that the Federal Board of Revenue Member has decided to take action against high net worth individuals in the country and Regional Tax Office formed specialized tax unit in the jurisdiction to take action against high net worth individuals to bring tax scope. The Regional Tax Office Inland Revenue department will initiate strict action against top 20 cases of high net tax individuals.
fbR detects 3798 non-registered persons having industrial electricity connections ISLAMABAD
MUhAMMAD fAiZAn www.customstoday.com
F
ederal Board of Revenue has detected 3798 non registered persons having industrial electricity connections liable to be compulsory registered under the sales tax and income tax laws. These non-registered persons having industrial connections fall in the jurisdiction of Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) and Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO). According to details, these persons and their companies are paying millions of rupees in the head of monthly electricity and gas charges but are missing in the paper of Federal Bard of Revenue under sales tax and income tax laws. According to the FBR report, names including M/s King Steel Industries (Pvt) Ltd (electicity bill Rs310 million), M/s Master Paint Industries (Pvt) Ltd (electric bill Rs9.685 million), Nadeem Safdar (M/s 4-S Paper Mills, electricity bill Rs73 million), Muhammad Amir Malik (Amir Malik Steel, electricity
bill Rs25 million), Qasim (M.S. Steel Complex Pvt Ltd., electricity bill Rs24 million), M/s Ajmair Foods Limited Company (electricity bill Rs19 million), M/s Corptec Associates Private Limited (electricity bill Rs15.6 million), Azam Kadeer (M/s
Taj Food Private Limited, electricity bill Rs17 million), Muhammad Akbar (M/s Akbar Dying Industries, electricity bill Rs.16.2 million), Mohammad Attiq (Poly Flex Pvt Ltd., electricity bill Rs15 million), Muhammad Iqbal (M/s Muridke
Steel Re-Rolling, electricity bill Rs13.97 million), M/s Olympia Feeds Pvt Ltd (electricity bill Rs12.43 million), Ihsan ul Haq (Shami Oil Mills, electricity bill Rs12.057 million ), M/s Nice Chain Company (electricity bill Rs9.9
Customs Airport foils attempt to smuggle $41,225 from Lahore Airport
million) and M/S Global Inks and Chemical (electricity bill Rs8.88 million), M/s Gulshan TouSique Textile Industries (electricity bill Rs8.129 million) are included in the list with other hundreds of non-registered persons.
Quetta Customs recovers betel nuts, spare parts & vehicle worth Rs6 million ISLAMABAD
TARiQ DERYA
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ollectorate of Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) team foiled an attempt to smuggle 1.8 tons of betel nuts and new spare parts. Acting on directives of Collector Ashraf Ali, the ASO sta of Quetta intercepted Karachi bounded coaches and seized 300 bales of cloths along with 1.8 tons of betel nuts and new spare parts during a special operation. Sources told CustomsToday that Deputy Collector Preventive received credible information about the smuggling of the goods and vehicle. He immediately formed an anti-smuggling squad under the supervision of Assistant Collectors Akmal Durrani and Umair Arshad who intercepted various Karachi bounded coaches and recovered 1.8 tons of betel nuts worth Rs3.6 million as well as 50 bags of new spare parts.The market value of these spare parts is estimated at Rs2.5 million. Sources told that during checking, no one claimed the ownership of these goods so customs ASO team after registering separate cases of smuggling against the owners of these goods started further investigations.
C LAHORE
A
M.iMRAn MEhAR www.customstoday.com
Customs team deputed at Allama Iqbal International Airport detained a Chinese national Zing Chi who was set to depart for Ghuangzu China with
huge amount of US dollars. Sources told Customs Today that the 30 years old detainee is a Chinese national identiSied as Zing Chi who possessed $41,225. The man has been taken into custody for questioning and a case was subsequently registered against him, the ofSicials added. According to revised rules of
the State Bank of Pakistan regarding foreign exchange, a passenger can carry up to $10,000 or equivalent notes of another currency while going abroad. It is necessary to mention here that Customs Preventive authorities adopted a comprehensive strategy to foil the bid of smuggling at Allama Iqbal International Airport.
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12
JANUARy 22 - JANUARy 28, 2018
Customs Airport foils attempt to smuggle 1305 mobile phones
LAHORE: Customs Preventive team at Allama Iqbal International Airport foiled an attempt to smuggle mobile phones and some other items including accessories of mobile phones. Sources told Customs Today on 14.1.2018 that customs team intercepted a passenger Muhammad Nadeem who was arrived from Dubai and recovered 1305 costly mobile phones, mobile accessories and some other items from his possession. Customs team confiscated the recovered goods and arrested the accused. Worth of the recovered goods is more than Rs5 million in local market.
Registration of mobile phones to generate huge revenue: Member Customs ISLAMABAD
CUSTOMS TODAY REPORT www.customstoday.com
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) Member Customs Jawwad Awais Agha has informed Senate Standing Committee for Information Technology that the measures taken for registration of mobile phones will generate huge revenue for the country. He has assured the committee that all possible steps will be taken to facilitate the overseas Pakistanis at airports regarding the registration of mobile phones. The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications was chaired by Senator Rubina Khalid and attended by Senator Fida Muhammad, Senator Muhammad Tahir Bizenjo, Senator Ghous Muhammad Khan Niazi, Senator Engr. Rukhsana Zuberi, Senator Sana Jamali, Senator Taj Muhammad Afridi, Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Senator Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh, Senator Faisal Javed and senior ofSicers from the Ministry of IT (MOIT), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The meeting commenced with a brieSing by the Ministry of IT, PTA and Member Customs regarding streamlining the process for collection of customs duty on cell phones on arrival at airports and extension of time period to block unregistered IMEI cell phones. Senator Fida Muhammad probed the panel regarding revenue generated by this measure. The Committee was informed by Member Customs
Jawwad Awais Agha that since 40% mobiles enter the country through grey channels, this measure will generate huge revenue for the coun-
Member Customs Jawwad Awais Agha
try. The Committee was also informed that taxes would be charged in three slabs (less than USD 60, more than USD 60 and USD
130 and more). Objecting to the measure, Senator Taj Muhammad Afridi was of the view that international duty structure must be
Customs & Anf foil attempt of heroin smuggling at Multan international Airport C
MULTAN
iMRAn Ali khAn
ustoms authorities and Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) teams at the Multan International Airport in a joint operation foiled an attempt to smuggle 2.89kgs heroine to Bahrain. Sources told Customs Today on 14.1.2019, Multan Customs authorities intercepted a passenger at Multan International Airport during the examination of luggage. A customs team was conducting their routine examination of passenger luggage through scanning at the time of departure where they found suspected goods. Customs teams re-examined the goods
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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followed. He recommended that the Finance Minister should be present in the next meeting. Senator Faisal Javed was of the view that imposing high taxes on mobiles being brought in Pakistan from abroad was pointless unless Pakistan established its own local industry. Senator Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh recommended that to protect the common man from being Sleeced, it was imperative that mobiles being brought for commercial use be segregated from those being brought for personal utility. Chairperson Committee, Senator Rubina Khalid directed that the 30-day margin for registering a new mobile bought from abroad is less and must be extended to 60 days. She suggested making the DIRBS program workable so that both the government and the people of Pakistan beneSit from it, it is imperative that duties be rationalised. The Committee showed displeasure at the lack of awareness of PTA regarding this issue. While deliberating over the matter of paying increase in pensions to PTCL pensioners by Pakistan Telecommunications Employees Trust, Senator Ghous Muhammad Khan Niazi was of the view that paying what the Trust owed employees in installments seemed feasible; since paying off all liabilities in full would be impossible. Chairperson Committee, showed dismay over delay in payments and said that the country is indebted to these people for dedicating their lives to the service of the people of Pakistan. She said that it is a shame that at this critical stage in their lives when it is time for them to rest, they are forced to incessantly pursue what is rightfully theirs.
in order to clear their doubts about the luggage. During thorough examination of the passenger, Customs team found heroine of 2.89kgs which was concealed in the bottles of shampoo. The heroin was found from the luggage of passenger Muhammad Salman, a resident of Peshawar, who was trying to smuggle heroin from Multan to Bahrain through Gulf Airline flight no GF 789. Customs teams called Anti-Narcotics Force after recovery of 2.89kg heroin and arrested the passenger on the smuggling attempt of heroin. Worth of the seized drug was almost Rs.40 million in the international market. Passenger was shifted to an undisclosed place for interrogation. Further investigations were still under process till the filing of this report.
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