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pAkISTAn’S FIRST InDEpTh nEwSpApER on cuSTomS
26 Abc certified vol 75 Issue no. 27
karachi, Tue Feb 26 - mon mar 04, 2019
weekly weekly
Regd. no, mc-1381
pAYIng TAxES
PM Imran Khan says Pakistan’s future is bleak if wealthy don’t pay their fair share in taxes. | SEE pAgE 06 | pAYIng REFunDS QUETTA
TARIQ DERYA
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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) Member Customs Operations Jawwad Uwais Agha asked Chief Collector Dr. ZulQiqar Ali Chaudhry to adopt comprehensive strategy to increase revenue collection and achieve the target during the period from February 2019 to June 2019. Sources told Customs Today that Member Customs Operations Jawwad Uwais Agha visited Quetta in order to mobilize newly-established Chief Collectorate in the capital city of
Finance Minister Asad Umar asked Hammad Azhar to ensure early payment of refunds up to Rs5 million. | SEE pAgE 03 |
ECC directed formation of a committee to bring up proposals for prompt and efficient cargo clearance at ports. | SEE pAgE 12 | RESolvIng ISSuES
Chief Collector Asif Mehmood Jah assures full support to Sialkot traders in resolving customs related issues. | SEE pAgE 04 |
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
FoRmIng commITTEE
Balochistan Province. In Member Customs presence, Quetta Customs Collectorate hosted a two-day zonal conference to discuss different revenue related issues. The conference was presided over by Member Customs Operation Jawwad Agha while other participants included Chief Collector Collectorate of Quetta ZulQiqar Ali Chaudhry, Collector Appraisement Quetta Raza Baloch, Collector Preventive Iftikhar Ali, Collector Gwadur Yaqoob Mako and Collector Hyderabad Khalid Jamali. Member Customs Jawwad Agha stated on this occasion that the customs houses and stations would be linked to WeBOC and other latest system in order to facilitate taxpayers and business community in the remote and far Qlung areas of Balochistan. The customs authority would fully assist the business community in this regard, the Member Customs assured. In his keynote address, Jawwad Agha highlighted the various steps related to taxation and duties initiated by the FBR, whereas during the session, performance report from July 2018 to January 2019 was presented and it was stressed that a comprehensive strategy should be adopted in order to achieve the target from February 2019 to June 2019. All the relevant Collectorates performance was reviewed by the respective Collectors, while during the session, representatives of Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Pak Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industry along with traders of the area
and Deputy Convener Advisory Committee FBR met with the participants of zonal conference. Different issues including import, export, customs clearance, local valuation, transportation, WeBOC, plant protection and other issues were discussed in the conference. Chief Collector Dr ZulQiqar Ali Chaudhry assured the participants to adopt robust measures to increase the revenue collection and facilitate the business community of the province. He said that Pakistan Customs is a department where every employee has to show outstanding performance because without better performance no employee can produce better results. "We should concentrate on our responsibilities and every customs staff must have its target regarding his duties," he concluded.
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NATIONAL
FEBRUARy 26 - MARCH 04, 2019
Shc directs to release consignments imported by m/s menofa Tyre Distributor
KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) directed customs officials to file their comments and compliance report on next date of hearing on petition filed by M/s Menofa Tyre Distributor seeking release of its consignment of tyres for dumpers, construction & mining machinery etc. While the hearing of petition, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi directed customs officials to release of consignment, subject to securing the disputed amount in the shape of pay order/bank guarantee.
Shippinglines imposingillegal detention,demurrage charges:ZeeshanKhalil
nAbkarachiarrestsAghaSiraj;politicians, corporates’fate hangs in balance
LAHORE
ISLAMABAD
m.hAYAT
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ASAD khARAl
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ASO seizes non customs paid Iranian oil during operation SARA-I-MUHAJIR
nAEEm ShEIkh
www.customstoday.com nti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) seized non customs paid Iranian oil and tanker worth Rs11.8 million. Sources told Customs Today that an ASO team under the supervision of Additional Collector Muhammad Saeed Asad thwarted many attempts of smuggling. During a routine checking, the ASO team intercepted an oil tanker bearing registration no: K-0055 with driver Muhammad Akram. During the course of checking, it was found that the tanker was loaded with foreign origin 15000 liters of Iranian oil and documents exposed that the items were not law fully imported. The driver of the truck was asked to produce the necessary import documents but he could not furnish any. Hence the vehicle Iranian oil were detained under Section 16 and 18 of the Customs Act 1969 punishable under Section 156(1)90 of the Customs Act 1969 read with SRO 499(1)2009 and Section 148 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 and forwarded the case to the customs adjudication for further proceedings.
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jaat Hussain and former Punjab CM Ch. Pervaiz Elahi and started interrogation against former ports and shipping minister Kamran Michael over allegations of corruption and misuse of authority. Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal chaired Board’s Executive Board Meeting (EBM) and approved these inquiries against senior politicians and government ofQicials. He said that taking mega corruption cases to its logical conclusion is the foremost priority of the bureau, adding that the bureau is strictly
nab chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal
following the principle of “accountability for all”. Following orders of the NAB Chairman, the NAB Karachi arrested and started interrogating PML-N leader Kamran Michael, the former federal minister for ports and shipping, over allegations of misuse of authority and pocketing over Rs1 billion in bribes. Director General NAB Karachi Brig (R) Farooq Nasar Awan played a crucial role in digging out cases of Sindh leaders and businessmen for corruption and misuse of authority. NAB Karachi under dynamic lead-
peshawar customs seizes huge quantity of contraband goods C
PESHAWAR
IRFAn bAhADuR
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ollectorate of Customs recovered huge quantity of contraband and smuggled goods during Qirst fourteen days of February. Customs sources informed Customs Today that during the month of January and 14 days of February, customs anti-smuggling squads thwarted several attempts of smuggling which will add millions to the revenue collection of Customs exchequer. According to details, the anti-smuggling unit operated in Peshawar city and seized smuggled cloth worth Rs15.6 million during these days alone. While ASU during operation against contraband goods foiled bids of smuggling and
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
he shipping lines have chosen to inflict huge losses on the imported goods imposing illegal detention and demurrage charges making them costly for the consumers while authorities concerned are also not ready to take up the issue. This was stated by Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) ex-Vice-President Zeeshan Khalil while talking to Customs Today here. Talking about the illegal demurrage and detention charges taken by the shipping lines including M/s Maersk Pakistan Pvt and M/s QICT, he said that these shipping lines have no set criterion and worst is that the Customs Department and the government are never interested in regulating the shipping lines. He also talked about the hurdles created by a few Customs officials who for the sake of minting money illegally obstruct and delay the clearance of the import consignments.
he National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday arrested Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani. After arrest of former ports and shipping minister Kamran Michael, Customs Today had reported a few days ago on 16 February that the Bureau would arrest senior politicians soon. According to details, NAB has accused him of illegal appointments, misuse of power, misappropriation of funds and owning assets beyond his known means of income. The NAB Karachi team travelled to Islamabad to arrest him. He has been taken to the NAB Rawalpindi ofQice where they will obtain his transit remand to bring him back to Karachi for the investigation. NAB had been investigating him in these cases for around Qive years. The cases against him include corruption in the construction of the new Sindh Assembly building, illegal appointments during his tenure as local government minister and corruption in the parliamentary lodges project. After Sharjeel Inam Memon and Dr Asim Hussain, this is the Qirst major leader to be arrested from the PPP. In comparison, the PML-N has seen the recent arrests of many leaders, including both Sharif brothers and Khawaja Saad RaQique. Earlier, NAB authorised 13 inquiries against various personalities, including former MNA Ghulam Rabbani Khar and his daughter Hina Rabbani Khar, authorized 3 investigations against former PM Ch. Shu-
collector Asif Saeed
captured NDP goods worth Rs6.5 million. The AFU Bacha Khan International Airport also foiled several attempts of smuggling of drugs and foreign currency with coordination
with other security forces posted at the airport. The sources further revealed that best performance was showed by Anti Smuggling Unit Nowshera that foiled Qive attempts during 14 days and recovered non-duty paid goods. The ASU Mardan foiled two attempts of smuggling and recovered goods from vehicles loaded illegally. The Anti Smuggling Unit at Kohat and Abbottabad seized several vehicles while performing duty and recovered goods worth millions. Deputy Collector Najib Anjumand praised the work done by directorate of ASU. The deputy collector directed staff to act upon the directives issued by Collector Customs Asif Saeed Khan to curb the menace of smuggling in order to increase the revenue collection during current FY 2018-19.
ership of Brig (R) Farooq Nasar Awan is striving hard to take culprits to task without discrimination and taking any kind of political pressure. It is pertinent to mention here that the NAB has also started taking action against big corporates involved in corrupt practices along with senior politicians and business tycoons. Taking action on a complaint, the NAB Karachi has authorized inquiry against 65 ofQicials of QICT and Maersk in a mega scam case of Rs 610 billion.
Sargodha FIU seizes NDP engine box he Customs Field Intelligence Unit (FIU) Sargodha seized foreign origin non-customs paid engine box worth Rs8 million during a successful raid. Sources told Customs Today that FIU team intercepted a Isuzu Mazda truck bearing registration no: JU-9190 near Bypass Chowk Sargodha. The FIU team checked the vehicle and found huge quantity of engine boxes in different sizes and models brought into country through unauthorized way. The team asked the owner namely Muhammad Shoaib to show documents regarding legal import of the items. He provided different receipts showing clearance of different items. There was no arrangement for thorough search of loaded vehicle. Therefore the vehicle was brought into customs office. Later the FIU team seized the items under Section 16 of the Customs Act 1969 and 3(1) (3) of the Import and Export Control Act 1950. —CT Report
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NATIONAL 03
FEBRUARy 26 - MARCH 04, 2019
I&I submits challan of contraband goods smuggling case
KARACHI: Directorate of Customs Intelligence & Investigation submitted interim charge sheet before customs court against suspects Ali Akber son of Muhammad Hanif and Kirishan son of Bamji Maisri, who were nominated in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty contraband goods smuggling case. Investigation officer submitted charge sheet and informed the court that on a credible information, customs team intercepted a dumper bearing registration no: TKW-932 and recovered 2040 kilograms betel nuts worth Rs1,530,000.
Multan Customs seizes huge quantity of skimmed milk during crackdown
Asad umar directs hammad Azhar to ensure early payment of refunds
MULTAN
ImRAn AlI khAn
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ustoms Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) foiled a bid to smuggle the attempt of smuggling and seized a huge quantity of imported skim milk powder during their action. Sources told Customs Today that Collector Customs Ambreen Ahmad Tarar received tip-off that some smuggler are trying to smuggle huge quantity of dry milk powder from jurisdiction. Customs team has intensified the action against smuggled goods in the jurisdiction on special directions of Collector Ambreen Ahmad Tarar. Collector Ambreen Ahmad Tarar formed special team of Anti-Smuggling Organization led by Assistant Collector Omer Bin Zafar Chatha including Inspector Abdul Samad, Inspector Saleem Afzal, Inspector Zia Bhatti , Sajjad Haider, Abdul Sattar and Muhammad Irfan Qureshi to thwart their attempt of smuggling. Customs Anti-Smuggling Squad enhanced the patrolling of suspected routes to capture them and intercepted the suspected Hino Truck loaded with huge quantity of skimmed milk powder of assorted brands and origins in bulk packing (25kg/bag). A total of 1000 bags of skimmed milk having brands from the different countries were recovered during examination of Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization. The net weight of recovered skimmed milk powder was almost 27.55 metric tons during their action. Customs teams asked the driver of the truck to produce the import documents of said powder but they failed to produce anything to justify legal possession and anti-smuggling teams seized dry powder under Customs act 1969 along with vehicles.
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n the demand of business community, Finance Minister Asad Umar has asked Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar to ensure early payment of refunds up to Rs5 million. According to ministry of Qinance, business community has presented a set of joint proposals regarding Federal Budget 2019-20 to Finance Minister Asad Umar. The business community had chalked out the proposals, which ranged from tariff rationalization, refunds, Qinancing to industry, industrial expansion, free trade agreements, ease of doing business and taxation system, after holding various brainstorming and consultative sessions of all the chambers of commerce in the country. Private sector of the country wants to supplement the government’s efforts aimed at economic revival of the country. According to joint proposals presented to the Qinance minister, the chambers proposed that customs duties on all raw materials should be very low or zero. The government must eliminate regulatory duties and additional customs duty on raw materials so that the local industry could compete with the smuggled items and mitigate the effect of tariff free trade agreements. It was also proposed that the rate of duties for trade and industry must be the same so that small and medium enterprises get a level playing Qield. The customs duties on intermediary products should
be reduced so that the local industry could import quality materials, components and machinery from around the world. The chambers have informed Qinance minister that non-payment of refunds was drying out liquidity from the market. They proposed that payments through promissory notes should be extended to all sectors including Qive zero-rated sectors. Refunds should be issued automatically without application, or pre-audit, within 60 days as per rules. The business chambers urged the
Finance minister Asad umar
government to reduce the mark-up rate as it has made borrowing expensive. The beneQits of tax holiday should not only be for new projects but also for expansions. Chambers also proposed that the provincial governments should re-zone areas in and around urban centers, both for industrial and commercial use, to help entrepreneurs invest in green Qield and other projects. Foreign investment should only be allowed as a joint venture or as a public-listed company so that local investors could also beneQit.
The proposals suggested that a company ofQice should be formed for the registration of new companies, adding that registration of a company should be separated from regulation of a company. Chambers also proposed that there should be one tax collection authority for both federal and provincial taxes and audits should be risk-based with one month prior notice rather than random audits. There should be a three-year tax holiday for the newly registered companies, especially for SMEs.
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04 NATIONAL
FEBRUARy 26 - MARCH 04, 2019
withholding tax collection drops 9pc during 1h
ISLAMABAD: The share of withholding taxes has dropped to slightly over two-thirds of total income tax collection in first half of the current fiscal year due to a combination of court decision and legislative changes, which may bode well for the government’s plans to rely less on withholding taxes. From July through December of fiscal year 2018-19, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected Rs449 billion in withholding taxes of over 48 types.
Asif mehmood Jah assures full support to Sialkot traders in resolving issues
FBRdeclares procedureforimport ofmotorvehicles intoPakistan KARACHI
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SIALKOT
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Appraisement West redistribute work among deputy & assistant collectors KARACHI
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ollectorate of Customs West Wajid Ali has reshuffled assignments of deputy/assistant collectors within the Collectorate. Accordingly, Deputy Collector Aftabullah Shah is assigned HQ, Establishment/Admin, Licensing Branch, Import Section, Confidential, CPF, CHO, Transport, Cash Section, Accounts, Treasury, Procurement, Policy & Coordination, Statistical, PRAL, Adjudication and Customs Laboratory. Earlier he was looking after HQ, Establishment/Admin, Group-IV (Ch.5070), MIS, Confidential, CHO, Transport, Customs Laboratory, CPF Cash Section, Accounts, Treasury, Procurement, Policy & Coordination, Statistical, PRAL Adjudication of DC Level cases and PRV section. Deputy Collector Amanat Khan is assigned Group-IV (Ch.50-70), Bank Guarantee and One Customs. He was earlier looking after Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT). Deputy Collector Mohammad Asim Awan is assigned AIB/R&D, Group-VII (Ch. 86-89), Law Branch and Afghan Transit Legacy issues. He was earlier looking after Group-II (Ch.28-38), Adjudication of AC Level Cases, FTA Cell, Law Branch and Afghan Transit Legacy issues. Deputy Collector Falik Sher is assigned Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT). He was looking after Group-VI (Ch.84-85), AIB/R&D earlier. Assistant Collector Sadaf Noor Elahi is assigned Group-III (Ch.39-49), Recoveries, FTO, Audit (internal/external), ADRC and Facilitation Cell. She was looking after Group-I (Ch.01-27), Recoveries, FTO, Audit (internal/external) and ADRC. Assistant Collector Raissa Kanwal is assigned Group-VI (Ch.84-85), MIS,Temporary Imports, FTA Cell, PRV Section and Coordination for Administrative measures. She was looking after GroupVII (Ch.8689) andTemporary Imports earlier.
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— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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hief Collector of Customs (North) Dr. Asif Mehmood Jah has assured his full support and cooperation to the Sialkot exporters in resolving their FBR and Customs related issues, besides, jazzing up the pace of export activities, saying that that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was making all-out sincere efforts to facilitate the business community to resolve Sialkot exporters’ problems on priority. He stated this while addressing an important meeting of the Directors of Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) during his visit to Sialkot international airport here. Chairman SIAL Nadeem Anwar Qureshi presided over the meeting. Collector Customs Sialkot Asif Abbas Khan, Deputy Collector Customs Sialkot Syed Babar Ali Shah, SIAL’s PRO Abdul Shakur Mirza and former SIAL Chairman Khawar Anwar Khawaja were also present on this occasion. Chief Collector of Customs added that the FBR was also ensuring the level playing Qield for everyone besides providing the conducive atmosphere to the exporters enabling them to struggle hard with full devotion, dedication, enthusiasm and complete peace of mind for increasing the national exports. Dr. Asif Mehmood Jah said that all the hurdles/obstacles would be removed from smooth way of promotion of national exporters by facilitating the business community
chief collector north Dr. Asif mehmood Jah
and exporters as well. He highly hailed the Sialkot exporters’ pivotal role in strengthening the national exports, saying that the Sialkot exporters were the pride of Pakistan by earning foreign exchange to the tune of US$ 2.5 Billion annually. He said that the Sialkot exporters have set the unique examples of selfhelp by establishing several mega projects including Sialkot interna-
ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued guide for Pakistani nationals residing abroad including dual nationals can import old and used vehicles into Pakistan under three different schemes. These three schemes are included, personal baggage; gift scheme; and transfer of residence. However, cars not older than 03 years and other vehicles not older than 05 years can be imported under these schemes. The age of the vehicle shall be determined from the January 01 of the year subsequent to the year of manufacture till the date of shipment as per bill of lading. The FBR said that minimum stay abroad for import as personal baggage shall be 180 days within the last seven months preceding the date of application. It further said that minimum stay abroad requirement for gifting a vehicle or importing under transfer of residence shall be at least 700 days during the past three years. The FBR said that a vehicle may be gifted only to a family member normally resident in Pakistan. In case of cars with engine capacity of 1800CC and above 4X4 vehicle in new condition to be imported either under personal baggage or under gift scheme, the duty and taxes will be paid out of foreign exchange arranged by Pakistani national themselves or local recipient supported by bank enchashment certificate showing conversion of foreign remittance to local currency. The structure of duty and taxes under these 03 schemes remains the same. Motorcycles and Scooters can only be imported under Transfer of Residence Scheme.
tional airport on self-help basis, advising others to replicate it. He said that the Sialkot exporters have made marvelous socio-economic and human development on self-help basis. He said that the government was fully aware of the perturbing problems of the Sialkot exporters, saying that the FBR was making all out sincere efforts to ensure the early amicable solution to these problems on priority as well.
DgTR conducts workshop on “preparing of budget and other Financial Statements” F
ISLAMABAD
ShAhID mInhAS
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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) wing of Directorate General of Training and Research Customs has conducted a workshop on the theme of ‘Preparing of Budget and other Financial Statements’ for the ofQicers and ofQicials of the FBR. The board has conducted the workshop before the upcoming budget 2019-2020 preparation. The trainer Director (Finance) at STI, Establishment Division Safdar Shah gave a detailed lecture on
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
characteristics of successful accounting system and how to limit risks and costs that come with making Qinancial decision. Meanwhile, the trainer also highlighted during the workshop that budgeting should be both top down and bottom up; for instance
upper level management and middle level management will both work to Qinalize a budget. He emphasized that the budgeting process should be streamlined by developing a Qinancial model. Financial models can facilitate to assess decisions before they
are made and it is for dramatically improving budgeting process. Safdar Shah also focused on financial planning and budgeting to make it valueadded which requires clear channels of communication, support from upper-level management, participation from various personnel, and predictive characteristics. Budgeting should not strive for accuracy, he added. During the workshop, question-answer session was also conducted while after completing the workshop, the trainer also distributed the certiQicates among the participants.
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— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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SPECIALREPORT 07
FEBRUARy 26 - MARCH 04, 2019
ISLAMABAD
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rime Minister Imran Khan has said that Pakistan’s future is bleak if the wealthy don’t pay their fair share in taxes to help the government make the country a welfare state. Addressing a ceremony to give out awards to top 50 taxpayers of the country in Islamabad, the prime minister lauded the top taxpayers as being the “real VIPs of Pakistan”. He said there is nothing wrong in being wealthy and it should not be something to think of negatively. The premier called out citizens who don’t pay tax, saying Pakistan will not be able to survive without everyone contributing. The PM said that only 1.7 million tax Qilers will not be able to sustain Pakistan, adding that ‘we need to change our system’. He said it is unfair that the wealthy are unwilling to pay their fair share in taxes, adding that the onus is on the government to spend the tax collected in an equitable manner. PM Imran said that tax collection was one of the cornerstones of the society built by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Makkah, and promised to turn Pakistan into a welfare state. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan directed Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Dr Jehanzaib
Khan to employ modern methods and techniques in order to bring non-taxpayers into the tax net. The prime minister, while chairing a meeting in Islamabad regarding the federal government’s steps to collect revenue, was reported to have said that tax evaders are enemies of the nation and do not deserve any concession. He reportedly said that tax evaders and non-tax payers should be exposed before the people, and indiscriminate action should be ensured not only against tax evaders but also against FBR ofQicials who facilitate the theft of tax. Prime Minister Khan also admonished FBR, saying its focus should be on tax evaders and non-Qilers instead of the harassment of regular taxpayers. Attendants of the PM-chaired meeting were informed that over six thousand cases concerning ‘high net worth individuals’ are under review, and that a total collection of over Rs2 billion is expected from them, of which Rs1.3 billion have already been received. Sixty-six cases following information gathering and investigation are also being examined and over Rs1.5 billion have also been collected in this regard. The FBR said that the mapping of 2,000 plazas has been completed, while an automatic system to collect tax has been installed at over 2,500 points of sale. The new measures, the FBR claimed, are expected to boost revenue collection by a total Rs24.818bn in the ongoing year, of which Rs11.882bn have already been collected. Finance Minister Asad Umar, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, State Minister for Revenue Hammad Azhar and other PTI leaders attended the meeting.
non-tax payers should be exposed before the people, and indiscriminate action should be ensured not only against tax evaders but also against FbR officials who facilitate the theft of tax, says pm Imran khan
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08 EDITORIAL
FEBRUARy 26 - MARCH 04, 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
Trade deficit shrinks
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ata recently showed that the dreaded current account deficit, responsible for draining Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, has finally begun to shrink. The government wasted no time in proclaiming the good news. More specifically, the data showed that between December and January, the deficit shrank by 47pc, which sounds like a large contraction; the finance minister claimed success on social media, saying that this was due to “decisive actions taken by the government”. The optimism is understandable, since the deficit rose to historic highs before the PTI took over, and has played no small part in undermining this country’s macroeconomic stability. The government has had to move fast in order to arrest the decline in foreign exchange reserves that the current account deficit necessarily brought about, and much of its energy has been absorbed into the topping up of reserves through bilateral support and putting in place a set of policy actions to stem the growth of the deficit. So the first large contraction in the deficit will naturally evoke powerful sentiments from policymakers who have been involved in this work. But there are grounds for restraint. A closer look at the data reveals that nothing much has changed in the trade deficit picture, when the overall sevenmonth period is looked at. This might be good news considering there is no deterioration, but not good enough to be celebrating. Much of the improvement in the current account deficit has come about because of a $1bn decrease in the import of services, and the fact that a spike in remittances in the month of December has sustained itself in January as well. The contraction is likely to sustain itself in the months ahead since it would appear that the bulk of the contribution to import growth was coming from CPECrelated machinery imports, which are now drawing to a close, and oil prices have remained at very low levels. But the real reason to celebrate will come once exports start showing a spike much larger than what has been the case as per the January data, where they grew by 15pc over December. Given the scale of the devaluations and the subsidies for exporters, there should be a much faster increase under this head in the coming months. Until then, it would be better to adopt the wait-and-see approach.
The real challenge of narrow tax base I
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n a ceremony to give awards to the top taxpayers of the country, the prime minister spoke about his own cost-cutting efforts as well as berated former rulers for getting medical treatment abroad. The one thing he did not do was offer a vision of how his government intended to broaden the tax base, and document the economy. Simplifying tax forms and ceremonial awards for taxpayers is Qine, since it will streamline the Qiling process and perhaps create a culture of respecting those who are paying their taxes. But it cannot be considered a vision for broadening the tax base. Pakistan has one of the world’s highest cash-to-bank deposit ratios, and the large cash-based undocumented economy thrives not because
tax forms are too difQicult to Qill, but because there are ingrained rackets and severe mistrust of the tax authorities among undocumented players. Overcoming these challenges requires a vision far more expansive than anything the government has offered thus far. Simple encouragement to Qile returns or assuring people that their money will not be wasted now that we have a prime minister who claims to lead an unostentatious life can be helpful in a symbolic way. But getting retail and wholesale trade which accounts for half of the country’s GDP and yet pays very little in taxes other than indirect taxes to start documenting their transactions will require a far more sophisticated approach. One of these approaches is the so-called Value Added Tax that other countries with large undocumented sectors have been able to use with some measure of success to document
Overcoming these challenges requires a vision far more expansive than anything the government has offered thus far
their economies. Maintaining an active taxpayer list and creating an increasingly restrictive environment for non-Qilers is another way, but ongoing experience with this approach is showing that it is effective only when coupled with other incentives, and traders’ incomes (to take one example) are still likely to evade capture through it. The government needs to shed its political approach to every policy question. Symbolic moves like showing off one’s simple lifestyle are not going to broaden the base of taxation. Nor will pandering excessively to the business community do the trick. A vision would involve a structure of incentives and penalties in the shape of a larger policy. Given the state of the Qiscal framework, data for which became available on the same day as the ceremony was held, it would seem the urgency to develop a strong policy thrust on the revenue side is increasingly becoming a priority.
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NATIONAL 09
FEBRUARy 26 - MARCH 04, 2019
FTo shows concerns over complaints filed against tax authorities
ISLAMABAD: FTO has raised the concerns regarding the harassment of the litigator by tax authorities after they submitted the complaints with FTO. Official sources told Customs Today that the Federal Tax Ombudsman has received several complaints from the taxpayers regarding the harassment by the tax authorities, while the FTO has decided to consult with the FBR to address the matter. Meanwhile, sources also told that the FTO top management raised the issue with the FBR to look at the matter and proposed measures for systematic improvement of FBR.
SHC directs NAB to file reference against illegal allotment in KDA Housing Society
‘launching of tax directory will pave way for financial transparency’
KARACHI
ISLAMABAD
www.customstoday.com he Sindh High Court (SHC) directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to file a reference against an illegal allotment in KDA Housing Society’s name and submit a report by March 19. As the hearing of the case pertaining to illegal allotment began, NAB officials told the bench,“Then administrator of the housing society, Intezar Jafri, and others illegally allotted 43 plots in the name of KDA Housing Society and caused a loss to the national exchequer.”“The matter has been forwarded to NAB headquarters to file a reference against the suspects,”the NAB officials added. “KDA anti-encroachment director Jameel Baloch and other beneficiaries are not involved,”they further informed. Separately, the SHC directed that arguments be presented on March 6 on bail pleas of suspects involved in illegal allotment of 296 plots. The NAB prosecutor told the court, “Feroz Bengali, sector incharge Shakir Langra and others sold 296 plots which were converted through china-cutting. The NAB prosecutor told the court,“Feroz Bengali, sector incharge Shakir Langra and others sold 296 plots which were converted through china-cutting. At this, the SHC chief justice remarked,“It seems that in the case there will be no allottees or affectees.” Suspect Shakir Langra’s counsel then sad, “My client has been in jail for over a year.”The SHC CJ then inquired regarding what work Langra did and his counsel responded,“He was a deputy director in KDA.”The court then sought arguments on the bail pleas of the suspects on March 6.
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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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inister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar launched the Taxpayers’ Directory 2017 for Parliamentarians and all taxpayers at the FBR Headquarters. Chairman FBR Jehanzeb Khan and Member FBR IT Mehmood Aslam Lillah accompanied the State Minister. Addressing the participants on the occasion, Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar said that the object of launching the Tax Directory is to introduce Qinancial transparency and sharing information with the public on how much the public representatives, who had been availing the resources of the country on behalf of the people, had been paying individually as taxes to the exchequer. The minister also emphasized the importance of technological interventions in ascertaining the tax liabilities of the individuals thereby minimizing the element of human intervention and complaints against coercion. He said that there are challenges like increase in trade deQicit and a large budget deQicit that accumulated over the years but we are taking measures to overcome it. He said that FBR had taken initiatives like ascertaining liabilities of the High Net worth Individuals and getting details of the offshore assets of the Pakistanis and that will surely not only help in achiev-
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ing our tax targets but increase our revenues. Minister of State Hammad Azhar said that it will be our policy from now onwards to collect the taxes from wealthy and mighty Qirst and treat everyone according to the law so that the belief in our system is restored in the hearts of the people. He said that it is the vision of our government to make this country prosperous by providing our business community with a competitive business environment
and for this purpose we have offered a trade facilitation package which is in the parliament for approval. We hope that the future is bright for our country and FBR will play its rightful role in this drive towards prosperity. FBR Chairman Jehanzaib Khan said that it has been the Qifth consecutive year that the Tax Directory for the Parliamentarians and the taxpayers is published by FBR. The Chairman while addressing the gathering of the Income Tax ofQicers and mem-
bers of the media team said that increasing the number of taxpayers and improving the Tax to GDP ratio had been the top most priority of the current government as already afQirmed by the Prime Minister and the Minister of State. There had been a 34% increase in the number of tax Qilers because of the steps taken by FBR, said the chairman. He further said that increase in investment, facilitation and fair treatment of the taxpayers are the guiding principles of the incumbent government’s tax policy.
Rationalization of taxes to promote business activities To,
businessmen would extend full support to it in its endeavors. Now FBR has further increased the value of immovable property without any consultation with stakeholders while the imposition of 5% stamp duty on societies and other heavy taxes have caused severe slump in the business activities of realtors & developers. The slowdown in real estate sector has also affected the business of steel and other construction related industries that would further weaken the economy. I appeal the government to reduce taxes and resolve other issues of real estate sector in order to stimulate economic activities in the country.
Jehanzaib Khan, Chairman FBR, Islamabad Dear Sir,
The real estate sector plays vital role in the economic development of a country as growth of over 70 allied industries is linked with this sector, but heavy taxes on real estate sector in Pakistan have badly affected the business activities of realtors and government should rationalize taxes on it that would help in early economic revival of the country. The current government has planned to build 5 million houses for low income people and create 10-million jobs and if government gives more focus to real estate sector and resolves its key issues, it
could help the rulers in achieving set target for new houses and jobs. Strengthening of real estate sector would put the economy on the path
of sustainable growth whilethe sub-committee would play effective role in resolving the major issues of realtors and developers and
Best Regards,
Ahmad Hassan Mughal, President ICCI, Islamabad
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10 NATIONAL
FEBRUARy 26 - MARCH 04, 2019
customs preventive transfers four inspectors, three clerks
LAHORE: Collectorate of Customs Preventive issued orders to transfer four inspectors and three clerks with immediate effect. According to notification no: 01-HRD/Estt/80/2016-17/171 Inspector Waheed Iqbal Bhatti currently performing his duties at headquarters is transferred to law branch of (hq). Inspector Qasim Bin Aslam currently posted at Land Freight Unit Wagha is transferred to auction branch of State Warehouse. Inspector Akbar Hussain performing his duties at Airport (Traffic) is transferred to General Post Office.
‘Illegal demurrage & detention charges by maersk creating hurdles for importers’ LAHORE
m hAYAT
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he illegal demurrage and detention charges by the shipping lines including M/s Maersk Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd and terminal operator QICT have added to the per unit cost as they have no set criterion and worst is that the customs department and the government are never interested in regulating the shipping lines. This was stated by Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Vice-President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigal while talking to Customs Today here. He said that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) rate of interest has been exorbitantly high and it must be brought down to Qive percent, enabling the local businessmen to avail cheaper funds for the trade and industry. Talking about the illegal demurrage and detention charges by the shipping lines including M/s Maersk Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd and terminal operator QICT, he said that these shipping lines are not regulated by Customs Department and the government which increases cost of doing business. Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigal said that the tax collecting authorities are also one reason due to which business activities have come to a halt. The tax authorities need to change their attitude, the number of taxes should be clubbed into one or two taxes and the tax system should be made simple, enabling the
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
businessmen to pay their taxes without passing and suffering through the intense procedures, the LCCI VP emphasized. He also talked about the harassment and hurdles created by the Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) and Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) authorities who for the sake of minting money illegally obstruct the import consignments despite the fact that the consignments are cleared by the
lccI vice-president Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigal
Customs authorities in Karachi. The Customs ASO and Customs I&I should be stopped from this illegal practice and they should do their job while checking smuggling and smugglers who are fearlessly operating all across the country and none is there to question them, he stated. He said that though the government introduced the Economic Reform Package with a delay, yet it is a milestone towards putting the economy on
the right direction. “However, this is not the end but a beginning and revolutionary decisions are required to enable the economy to vie with the world,” Saigal said. He said that overseas Pakistanis are an important component of the economy who have been ignored for so long. “The overseas Pakistanis have been remitting a big chunk of forex reserves which more or less is equal to the size of the value of total exports”. “The overseas
Pakistanis can play a vital role in building the economy on sustainable basis,” the LCCI pointed out, adding that the incentives will prompt them to send the remittances through the banking channels. Highlighting the issue of 0.9 percent infrastructure cess, he said that the importers who are getting their goods cleared from the ports in Lahore have to face additional 0.9 percent infrastructure cess creating disparity in the cost of doing business.
Govt likely to impose 200pc RD on non-essential Indian items P
KARACHI
cuSTomS ToDAY REpoRT www.customstoday.com
akistan is likely to impose 200 per cent Regulatory Duty (RD) on non essential Indian imports in retaliation against recent Indian measures and raise the issue of India unilaterally withdrawing the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, well informed sources told media. The proposal was Qinalized after more than two hour long meeting in Commerce Division, presided over by Secretary Commerce, Younus Dagha convened to assess the effects of Pakistan’s
withdrawal from MFN status with particular focus on exports and imports. The sources said Commerce Division has also prepared different options to be presented to the National Security Council (NSC) which is expected to meet within a couple of days, after which a Qinal decision will taken. According to sources in Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the aftermath of terror on the Indian security forces in Palwama (Indian Held Kashmir) on February 14, 2019, the Government of India convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on February 25, 2019. Following the meeting, the Indian Union Minister for Finance stated that Pakistan’s MFN status stands withdrawn.
Secretary commerce, Younus Dagha
According to reports, around 300 trucks are standing at Wagha border, carrying cement and dry dates (Chuhara) after India clamped 200 per cent RD on Pakistani products. Shipment of 170 containers from sea route was also stopped. Pakistan exports to India from land route constitute around 70 percent of our total exports to the country. Pakistan cement exports to India during 2017-18 amounted to 1.2 million tons and during the seven months of 2018-19 cement exports were around 648,000 Metric Tons. The sources stated that cement can be exported to other destinations like Sri Lanka and Africa, but the issue of dry dates is critical as India is a big
market of this product. The sources further stated that the issue of withdrawal of MFN status will be taken up at the WTO as no country can withdraw the status after granting it. Pakistan has not granted MFN status to India so far. Some participants of the meeting argued that Pakistan should withdraw trade concessions extended to India whereas another view was that negative list should be expanded like in the past. Some participants stated that Pakistan should slap Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs) on Indian imports while pothers suggested that since India has violated SAFTA which is a bilateral agreement, Pakistan should also reciprocate in the same tone.
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CARTOONSSPECIAL 11
FEBRUARy 26 - MARCH 04, 2019
banking court issues notices on nAb plea to transfer case to Rawalpindi
KARACHI: Banking Court issued notices to the counsels of the accused forin mega money laundering case on National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) plea seeking transfer of the case to NAB Court of Rawalpindi. NAB chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal wanted to transfer the case to Rawalpindi NAB court. In this regard the NAB officials submitted documents with NAB Chief’s signature on them to the banking court. The NAB Chief pleaded that case should be transferred to Rawalpindi NAB Court in the light of the directives of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
customs court seeks reply on bail petition filed by suspects in mobiles smuggling KARACHI
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he Customs Court issued notices to customs department and special prosecutor for customs department on a bail petition Qiled by Hunnain Shah and Abdul Ahad, who were booked in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid mobile phones. Counsel for the accused Qiled bail petition and argued that according with prosecution, in pursuance of an information a customs party intercepted a car having registration no BDC-655 but the same did not stop and after a chase the customs party impounded the same and above-named suspects were sitting in the car. He argued that customs party claimed recovery of 260 mobile phones, however, applicants disclosed that phones are registered with PTA but they could not produce any proof, therefore, customs party seized the mobile phones and arrested both applicants.
Counsel stated that suspects are innocent and have been falsely implicated in the instant case,
therefore, court may grant their bail till Qinal order in this case. According to the prosecution, case
was registered for violation of under Section 2 (s) 156 (2) and 178 of Customs Act, 1969 punishable un-
FBR issues notices to 46 officials of NAB Multan
der clauses 89 and 85 of section 156 (1) read with section 3 of Import & Export Control Act, 1950.
Quetta customs seals 15 illegal petrol pumps QUETTA
TARIQ DERYA
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MULTAN
ImRAn AlI khAn
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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Regional Tax OfQice (RTO) has issued tax notices to 46 ofQicials of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ofQicials including director, deputy director and others, asking them to Qile their income tax returns. Sources told Customs Today that the Regional Tax OfQice issued income tax notices to 46 different
ofQicials of National Accountability Bureau working in Multan. Tax authorities of Regional Tax OfQice observed that NAB ofQicials are not Qiling their income tax returns regularly. Regional Tax OfQice Multan has Qinalized lists of NAB ofQicials who are not Qiling their income tax returns and these NAB OfQicials of Multan OfQice were issued several tax notices for the Qiling of their income taxes. But National Accountability Bureau has not responded on any notice and said ofQicials were informed by tax authorities for the
payment of their due taxes. The Federal Board of Revenue Regional Tax OfQice Multan has also informed Director General National Accountability Bureau Ateeq-ur-Rehman about actual situation of income tax returns Qiled by ofQicials and they were requested to cooperate with tax authorities. Director General National Accountability Bureau has also ensured tax authorities of Regional Tax OfQice Multan for the Qiling of income tax returns as soon as possible. NAB ofQicials were given two weeks of deadline for the Qiling of their income tax returns.
ield Intelligence Unit (FIU) of Customs sealed 15 illegal mini pumps in Saryab Road. Assistant Director Customs Intelligence and Investigation Akmal Durrani told Customs Today that after strict instruction from Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO), customs team with the assistance of local police sealed 15 mini petrol pumps located in different locations. Durrani quoted that“We raided these minis pumps and dismantled in the presence of area magistrate, these kinds of illegal pumps in the congested area are also dangerous for lives of citizens, we would not tolerate these types of illegal pumps at any cost”. The customs team who took part in this operation included Inspector Ghulam Hussain Khoso, Kolpur, Inspector Naseer Shaheen, Inspector Isfund yar and Asghar Khan Kakar.
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FEBRUARy 26 - MARCH 04, 2019
India to face loss of $5 million after ban on export of tea to pakistan
LAHORE: Importer and member of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industries (LCCI) Sheikh Masood Sultan has said that India will face a revenue shortage of $5 million after ban on tea export to Pakistan because Pakistan is importing huge quantity of tea from India since 2007. While exclusively talking to Customs Today, Sheikh Masood Sultan said that in 2018, Pakistan had imported 15.83 million kilograms tea from India, 7.43 percent more than the previous year. Pakistan had recorded a massive 35.8 percent increase in per capita consumption of tea between 2007 and 2016.
ECC directs to ensure prompt clearance at ports after Customs Today coverage ISLAMABAD
ASAD khARAl
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ustoms Today has been raising the issue of delay in clearance process at Karachi ports since last several years and Qinally the Economic Coordination Committee in its meeting directed the formation of a committee headed by Minister for Ports & Shipping Ali Haider Zaidi to bring up proposals for prompt and efQicient cargo clearance at ports. According to details, the nexus of some Customs staff, port terminals like QICT along with its parent company DP World, Port Qasim and shipping lines like Maersk Line along with its agent Maersk Pakistan Private Limited, including its owners, managers & staff are allegedly involved in such irregularities at Karachi ports where import consignments are deliberately delayed to make illegal money through malpractice. Now the ECC has taken notice of these irregularities at ports and directed to form a committee to ensure prompt clearance of cargo at ports. Reportedly, some directors of holding company of QICT Pakistan Limited are Indians who have been handling Indian Ports in the past like Rizwan Sultanali Soomar and Devang Mankodi. This implies that QICT Port of Pakistan is controlled by Indians. Ports are highly sensitive and strategic assets of Pakistan which cannot be given in the hands of nationals of hostile countries. Sources said illegal appointment of Indians at Pakistan’s strategic sea port Qasim International Containers Terminal (QICT) could pose security threat to the country. Indians are
spying on the QICT as it is controlled by M/s DP World Group with 75% shares and, many of the management staff and directors of board are Indian nationals. Through such a discreet control of the QICT, Indians could achieve their alleged nefarious activities to destroy peace and stability in Pakistan. After such irregularities by shipping companies, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in its Regional Board Meeting (RBM) authorised inquiry to ascertain role of 65 ofQicials of QICT and M/s Maersk Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd in country’s biggest Ports & shipping scandal involving 610 billion rupees. The complaint received by the NAB said, “Firstly, customs department delays goods of majority of containers that arrive in red channel. 80% of the goods cleared in red channel take a duration which is more than the free
minister for ports & Shipping Ali haider Zaidi days provided by the port terminals. Hence, the port terminals take huge amounts from the importers on each consignment thus delayed. These shipping lines also force the importers to pay huge illegal sums. All these three: the customs staff, port terminals, shipping lines as mentioned above delay the clearance and delivery of the goods to the importer. Due to this delay, the revenue collection of duty and taxes is slowed down drastically of the actual speed. Like where these goods were to be cleared and delivered in 2 days then it takes an average of 20 days to clear and deliver.” The complaint received by the NAB said, “The total revenue collection by customs department is Rs. 610 billion. If the process of revenue collection is not slowed down by the above-mentioned parties then at least the revenue collections could be doubled. Hence, total loss to national exchequer
due to above nexus and illegal acts of the subject accused is Rs. 610 billion”. “The port terminals and shipping lines blackmail and harass the importer to collect hundreds of thousands of rupees per single consignment. Since this is illegal money demanded from the citizens of Pakistan and hence it can be termed as an ‘extortion’ amount,” the complaint said. The complaint said, furthermore, under rules 603 (Q), 603 (R), 604 (Q) and 607 (E), others of SRO 1220 (I)/2015, the shipping lines cannot charge any demurrage or detention charges where it is not speciQically written on the B/L. But still in violation of these rules and laws, the shipping lines fearlessly hold the containers of the importers and charge them exorbitant detention charges. These detention charges even exceed the actual cost of container by a whopping 1,000%! The complaint received
by the NAB demanded legal action for recoveries of amounts looted and recovering losses of Rs. 610 billion to the national exchequer per year while also stopping such further losses from the accused persons of these companies including Søren Skou, Claus V. Hemmingsen, Søren Toft, Vincent Clercp, Morten H. Engelstoft, others of Maersk Line; Arslan Khan, Gazanfar Khan, Raheel Salim, Maqsood Ul Hasan Khan, Fuad Khan, Hasan Faraz, Shakeel Masih, Omer Khan, Ali Jawad Alvi, Zafar Iqbal, Ayesha Chowdhry, Zahid Hussain, Salman Ahmad, Aamir Ali, Umais Aziz Khan, Mohammed Naeem, Farheen Mahmud, Mubasshar Iqbal, Affaq Syed, Syed Mohammad Abbas Jafri, Muhammad Tanveer Sharif, Salman Ateeq, Hamza Haq, Ziad Mahboob, Aamir Ibrahim, Yasir Saeed Khan, Amal Sadiq Dawood, Effat Mehmood, Maria Urooj, Zain Warsi, Mehreen ZulQiqar, Awais Saleem, Zafar Iqbal, Syed Osman Iqbal Zaidi, Anum Yaqub, Fahad Ali, Obaid Iqbal, Zahid Hussain, Muhammad Ali Qureshi, Danish Siddiqui, Amir Arif, Arshad Ayub, Syed Mudassir Ali, Syed Hammad Hussain, Ayesha Qadri, Sheikh Samiullah, others of M/S Maersk Pakistan Private Limited; Yuvraj Narayan, Deepak Parekh, Robert Woods, Abdulla Ghobash, Mark Russell, Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Nadya Abdulla Kamali, Mohammed Al Muallem, Suhail Al Banna, Rizwan Soomar, Mathew Leech, Abdulla Bin Damithan, Devang Mankodi, Rashid Abdulla, Mohammad Al Hashimy, Habibullah Khan, Nusrat Khan, Aly Khan, Junaid Zamir, Changaz Hassan Niazi, Farhan Mithani, Masoud Noori, Mohammad Al Mannaei, Omer Al Mohairi, Cyrus R Khursigara, Shahid Iqbal, Uzair Qureshi, Fasih Haider, Faraz Aziz, Abdul Aleem Mirza, Saad ZulQiqar and others of DP World/ QICT Ltd.
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LAHORE
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enior Lawyer of Sheikhpura Bar Association Rana Qadeer has said that even in this worst condition between Pakistan and India, where the latter is threatening the former on daily basis, alleged working of Indian citizens in Pakistan at sensitive and strategic places is dangerous and it is a security risk as well. While talking to Customs Today Rana Qadeer said that he will raise voice on every platform and will start a campaign against alleged
appointment of Indian citizens at QICT from his platform of SKP lawyers’ forum. It is pertinent to mention that Rana Qadeer is elected as vice president of SKP lawyers forum. Rana Qadeer said that Indians are allegedly working unlawfully at Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT) without the issuance of No Objection CertiQicate (NOC) by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) which might be a national security risk. He said that he will move the court against their presence at such a sensitive place of Pakistan. He said that law enforcement agencies must hold the license of
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
will raise voice against illegal appointment of Indians at QIcT: Rana Qadeer
Senior lawyer Rana Qadeer
M/s QICT due to its operations without clearance of MOI. He said DP World Group owned almost 75% shares of M/s QICT and appointed Indian ofQicials at key posts at DP World Karachi who are operating Pakistan strategic ports, posing threat to national security of Pakistan. Rana Qadeer expressed shock at the presence of Indians working at key posts at the QICT. Indians 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. He further said that the Interior
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Ministry should immediately start prob against the presence of Indian ofQicials at QICT in any shape in order to safeguard the national economy & security. He said in order to secure national security, the government should ensure proper clearance by Ministry of Information because these Indian nationals could 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 allowed to control Pakistani ports.