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pAkISTAN’S fIRST INdEpTH NEwSpApER oN cUSToMS
26 Abc certified vol 75 Issue No. 40
weekly weekly
karachi, Tue May 28 - Mon June 03, 2019
Regd. No, Mc-1381
Price Rs. 50.00
AppRovINg REfERENcE
NAB Chairman approves filing corruption references, inquiries against former PID chief, others. | SEE pAgE 09 |
HYDERABAD
ASLAM ANJUM QURESHI TAkINg AcTIoN
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Shabbar Zaidi says FBR to start action against ST unregistered manufactures. | SEE pAgE 06 | TIgHTENINg SEcURITy
Multan Customs Collectorate beefed up security measures to prevent any unwanted security situation. | SEE pAgE 03 | LAUNcHINg cRAckdowN
Peshawar Customs Collectorate started crackdown on private warehouses for keeping NDP goods. | SEE pAgE 04 |
nder supervision of collector Khalid Hussain Jamali, Hyderabad Customs Collectorate has accelerated anti-smuggling operations in a bid to eradicate the menace and generate more revenue for the exchequer. In an exclusive interview with Customs Today, Collectorate of Customs Collector Khalid Hussain Jamali said that due to continuous focus on anti-smuggling operations, the Collectorate has crossed Rs 1 billion mark with seizures of smuggled goods. Value of seized goods for the period July 2018 to April 2019 was Rs 1058 million. Seized goods mainly include smuggled Irani diesel 1413145 litres valuing Rs 96.502 million, 37 numbers of non-duty paid vehicles valuing Rs 32.664 million, 567 tons betal nuts valuing Rs 158.788 million, 1251 tyres valuing Rs 13.474 million and other misc. goods valuing Rs 747.283 million. The collector said continuous strict anti-smuggling activities resulted in seizing goods of more than Rs 73 million during May, 2019. A quantity of 238,000 litres of smuggled diesel, 07 non-duty paid vehicles including Honda Civic Car, Toyota Surf, 2000 tyres of different sizes besides other goods including cigarettes, smuggled non-duty paid 4000 kgs of black tea, foreign origin zeera. He said that the Collectorate is making all-out efforts to enhance anti-smuggling activities in coordination with other Law Enforcement Agencies specially Pakistan Rangers Sindh. Two joint operations with MCC Quetta were conducted in Balochistan area of Dera Allahyar to bust the illegal dumps of Iranian diesel, and huge quantity of diesel was recovered in those operations.
The Collectorate is making efforts to revive imports at Dry Port Hyderabad and all facilities are being provided to the importers of Hyderabad area to import their goods at Hyderabad Dry Port. Recently M/s. DS Motors, earlier clearing their goods from Karachi, have now started importing goods at Dry Port Hyderabad. The Collectorate has adopted strict enforcement to curb movement of smuggled goods and enhanced facilitation for lawful imports at Dry Port Hyderabad. Collector Khalid Hussain Jamali told Customs Today, the collectorate launched different campaigns against the smuggling. The Model Customs Collectorate’s Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) teams conducted various anti-smuggling activities to protect the national exchequer. ASO conRiscated smuggled items from Hyderabad, Sukkur division, Jacobabad, Larkana Dera Mor and other check posts of Customs Preventive during the month of May 2019 and impounded smuggled and contraband items. The collector said he formed raiding teams under the supervision of Additional Collector Dr Aamer Nawaz Hamid, Deputy Collector (HQ) Syed Kareem Adil and Kalimullah from Sukkur. The team, comprising in-charge ASO Customs Preventive Syed Momin Hussain Shah, in-charge ASO customs check post Jacobabad ZulRiqar Ali Jamali, in-charge Dera Mor Check Post Aziz Ahmed Katpar, inspector Sukkur Makhan Khan and other staff took part in the operations. The Customs ASO Sukkur division check posts took into possession 95,000 liters of smuggled Iranian diesel, two vehicles including an oil tanker and a truck, non-duty paid Rive vehicles, cigarettes of different brands, Indian gutka, foreign used tyers, betel nuts, canola, gents cloth, beauty creams, and other goods worth Rs 49,572,888. Collector Jamali ordered the ofRicials of the ASO to adopt zero tolerance against the smugglers who are out to destroy the legal business of the city.
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NATIONAL
MAY 28 - JuNE 03, 2019
SHc seeks comments on petition filed by M/s Maya corporation kARAcHI: The Sindh High court (SHc) directed customs officials to make sure filing their para wise comments on a petition filed by M/s Maya corporation seeking exemption from sales tax on synthetic rubber SbR. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi was hearing the matter. during the hearing, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is seriously aggrieved and highly prejudiced by the act of the respondents, whereby, they are not extending the benefit of SRo 1125(1)/2011 which exempt sales tax on impugned synthetic rubber SbR imported dated April 1, 2019 and they are not allowing provisional release of the consignment subject to final decision by the competent/adjudicating authority.
Hyderabad Customs foils bid to smuggle huge quantity of black tea
Next version of weboc glo will be launched in July: Shafqat Niazi
HYDERABAD
KARACHI
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ollectorate of Customs enhanced checking on the main routes of the city and foiled an attempt of smuggling of black tea. Sources told Customs Today that Collector Khalid Hussain Jamali received a tip-off that some smugglers are trying to smuggle huge quantity of black tea made in Kenya. He immediately constituted a Customs team comprising in-charge ASO Syed Momin Hussain Shah and others who took part in the operation. The customs team established some check-post at the main entry and exit points of the bypass Hyderabad. During the checking of the vehicles, customs team intercepted a truck registration no:k -7079 near Bypass Hyderabad. The truck was heading from Karachi to Omar Kot. During search the team recovered foreign origin non-duty-paid 80 sacks of black tea weighing 4000 kilograms. The team asked the driver to produce documents of the legal import and possession of the item black tea but he failed to do so. The officials impounded the items under the customs bylaws punishable under the Customs Act 1969. Collector Khalid Hussain Jamali and Additional Collector Dr Aamer Nawaz Hamid appreciated the performance of their subordinates.
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Faisalabad Customs seizes alcohol bottles from airport FAISALABAD
NAEEM SHEIkH
www.customstoday.com he Customs officials deputed at Faisalabad International Airport confiscated four wine bottles from passengers traveling via different flights. Sources told Customs Today that the customs team carried out operations in different flights coming from Dubai to Faisalabad, Turkey to Faisalabad, Jeddah to Faisalabad and Muscat to Faisalabad. Customs inspector Muhammad Ramzan Shahid intercepted a passenger Abdul Rehman Abid coming from Dubai to Faisalabad via Flydubai Flight No: QR-824. The customs team asked the passenger to open the bag in the presence of two witnesses which led to the recovery of three bottles of foreign origin branded liquor. Customs allowed all the passengers to go after the seizure of alcohol bottles from their possession. The authorities seized the liquor bottles under the contravention Section 2(S) read with SRO 566(1)/2005 Section 15 and 16 of the Customs Act 1969 and submitted a report to the Customs Adjudication.
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hafqat Ali Khan Niazi, the Additional Collector Export, has said that FBR launched 1st upgraded version of WeBOC+GLO with twelve pending WeBOC modules. Talking with Customs Today during an exclusive interview, he said that a new version of One Customs Web Based (WeBOC) system has given name of “WeBOC+GLO” which is already launched on 13th May 2019, adding that next version of WeBOC+GLO will be launched in July 2019. The newly developed 12 modules of WeBOC are made under supervision of Member Customs Jawad Agha. Telling the names of WeBOC+GLO development team, he said that Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad Collector MCC Preventive was nominated as Convener of this team while Sanaullah Abro ADC (Additional Collector Customs) AFU Preventive Karachi, Ali Zaman Gardezi Additional Director Directorate I&I (Intelligence and Investigation) Karachi, ADC Shafqat Ali Khan Niazi (Model Customs Collectorate) Karachi, Moona Mehfooz ADC (Appraisement East) Karachi and Tauseef Gorchani DCC (Deputy Collector Customs) are members of the development committee. Giving details about responsibilities of the development team, he said that the team has to carry out business process and analysis for the development of all pending WeBOC modules and upgradation of existing WeBOC modules for WeBOC-GLO version. It has to
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
ASLAM ANJUM QURESHI
develop remaining INTRA modules in WeBOC-GLO, incorporate WCO (World Customs Organization) Data model in the upgraded version, develop BI&DA tools for WeBOCGLO, develop remaining WeBOC processes pointed in WeBOC functions review 2018 done by the World Bank consultants and development of missing functionaries, carry out stakeholders consultation and legal analysis for above tasks and address all the systems deRiciencies pointed out in ICP (Informed Compliance Publication) Gap analysis by WB consultants.
Additional collector Shafqat Ali khan
Telling about 2nd team for oversight and approval modules proposed by the domain team, he said that Suriya Ahmad Butt DG (Director General) Customs Valuation Karachi was designated 2nd team’s convener while other members included Chief T&T FBR Islamabad and Wajid Iqbal Director Directorate General (R&A) Karachi. 2nd team’s responsibilities, ADC said, would be to review and approve modules proposed by the domain team, to ensure that the upgradation modules conform to customs laws and rules and
Naveed kamran baloch appointed secretary finance M
ISLAMABAD
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ohammad Younus Dagha was removed as the secretary Rinance, a notiRication issued by the Cabinet Secretariat/Establishment Division said. A separate notiRication announced the transfer of Naveed Kamran Baloch, who was posted as cabinet division secretary, to the role of Rinance secretary. Baloch has previously served as Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Chief Secretary. He joined the civil services on October 22, 1985. He was previously a grade 22 ofRicer with the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), posted as Secretary National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination Division.
He will retire on March 7, 2021. Maroof Afzal, who is currently posted as secretary of the Information Technology and Telecommunication Division, will be posted to Baloch’s previous position as cabinet division secretary. Dagha took charge as Rinance secretary in March after the post fell vacant following the retirement of incumbent Arif Ahmed Khan. Dagha’s removal from the post comes a day after Board of Investment (BoI) chairman Haroon Sharif, who was appointed eight months ago, tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Imran Khan. On Wednesday, reports had emerged that Dagha was also likely to be replaced within days. A high-level source familiar with these developments had told Dawn that Dagha had developed differ-
ences with Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Hafeez Shaikh over the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “Dagha felt that the adviser had negotiated a bad deal for Pakistan,” the source said. The differences emerged in the last round of meetings with the IMF. “The team led by former Rinance minister Asad Umar, of which Dagha was an important part, had softened the IMF programme in signiRicant ways,” the source claimed. Shaikh wanted the programme to be “front loaded”, meaning most of the difRicult reforms to be done upfront rather than lagged out over a period of time. This is what created differences between them, reaching to a point where Dagha did not participate in the last few rounds with the IMF before the programme was Rinalised.
processes. The Oversight and Approval team further has to make sure that development of upgraded modules is done in a seamless and coherent manner without disrupting system operation, he said and added that team also has to make sure of timely liaison with R&A (Reforms and Automation) with IT wing for prompt procurement of hardware and software. The committee has to get feedback from users and stakeholders on the utility, problems, solutions for the WeBOC modules before their deployment.
Multan customs undertakes transfer & posting of 3 employees ollectorate of Customs has transferred three employees in various positions with immediate effect. According to details, Deputy Collector Saqib-ur-Rehman Warraich has reshuffled three inspectors of BS-16 within the Collectorate to get better results. Deputy Collector issued notification for the transfer of Inspector Aziz-ur–Rehman who was deputed at General Post Office Multan. Inspector Aziz-ur-Rehman has been posted to Audit Cell from GPO Multan. Deputy Collector transferred Inspector Muzammil Abbas Bukhari from Export Terminal Sadiqabad and he has been posted Security Duty of Multan Customs House. Inspector Syed Muhammad Abdullah Zain has been reshuffled from International Airport Rahim Yar Khan to Export Terminal Sadiqabad. —CT Report
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NATIONAL 03
MAY 28 - JuNE 03, 2019
customs court approves bail of warehouse keepers of M/s general Services KARACHI:The Customs Court granted pre-arrest bail to suspects Muhammad Idress son of Abdul Majeed and Muhammad Arif son of Abdul Majeed,warehouse keepers of M/s General Services in another case,who were booked for illegal removal of in-bonded goods without filing of ex-bond GD,thus evading legitimate government revenue.Above mentioned suspects appeared before the court along with their counsel who moved pre-arrest bail in another case and argued that their clients are innocents and have been falsely implicated in this case,who will make sure to appear each and every date of hearing,therefore,court may grant them bail.After the hearing,court without examining the contents of FIR,granted their pre-arrest bail against the surety of Rs500,000 each and directed them to appear on next date of hearing without fail.
Multan ASO recovers non-duty paid tyres worth Rs1.6 million
Multan customs collectorate tightens security measures
MuLTAN
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MuLTAN
IMRAN ALI kHAN
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ollectorate of Customs beefed up security measures at Customs Collectorate to prevent any unwanted security situation for ofRicers, employees, visitors and their vehicles. According to the details, Multan Customs has directed to observe strict security measures in the light of Ministry of Interior’s Circular No.5/7/2010 –KP and directed them that all visitors who visit Customs House should be in possession of CNIC and receptionist has been asked to enter identity card number along with cell numbers and other particulars of visitors in the register. Multan Customs has directed security staff that all visitors’ vehicles and motorcycles should be parked at the designated area of parking and security staff would also be deployed at parking. Multan Customs security will also issue vehicles parking cards and Rs30/- and Rs20/- as a parking fee would be charged for motor cars and motorcycles respectively from the visitors. The Collected money from visitors will be utilized to pay the private guards of parking area. Multan Customs OfRicial vehicles and vehicles used for antismuggling activity will be exempted from the parking fee. Inspector Security, Customs House Multan will deposit the amount collected from parking in the bank under CPF head on next day and he will also submit also monthly report to the Collector
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
ollectorate of Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has recovered worth Rs1.6 million of non-customs paid light traffic vehicles (LTV) and heavy traffic vehicles (HTV) tyres in three different successful actions. According to the details, Collector Ambreen Ahmad Tarar has directed ASO to intensify the crackdown against smuggled goods under the special directions of Chief Collector Centre Region Zeba Hai Azhar to curtail smuggling in the South Punjab and anti-smuggling squad has accelerated actions in the jurisdiction. Multan Customs ASO accelerated their crackdown in the territory for curbing menace of smuggled goods after clear directions from chief collector. Collector Ambreen Ahmad Tarar has formed special anti-smuggling teams which comprised of Superintendent Muhammad Ramzan Seyal, Inspector Waqas Leghari, Inspector Asif Rafique, Inspector Maqsood Ahmad, Inspector Muhammad Saleem, Inspector Abdul Samad and others to take stern action against smuggled goods. Multan Customs received credible information from their source that non duty paid heavy traffic vehicle (HTV) tyres were loaded on the Truck of Goods Company and recovered almost 24 different brands of HTV tyres of worth Rs.600, 000/in their action. Anti-smuggling squad has recovered almost 10 HTV Tyres of Rs.380, 000/- from the Dera Ghazi Khan region. Customs Anti-Smuggling Squad recovered 16 various HTV tyres from Muzaffargarh region in their routine road checking from truck in their third action.
MCC Multan. Multan Customs Collectorate will also conduct desk audit of the record of parking fee on quarterly basis to ensure transparency. Meanwhile, Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) seized Iranian origin non-duty-paid 200 cartons of Rani Juice during the action in Sahiwal region. According to details, the Collectorate received credible information from their source that huge quantity of smuggled items will be transported from jurisdiction. Collector Ambreen Ahmad Tarar
collector Ambreen Ahmad Tarar
directed Anti-Smuggling Organization team to foil bid of smuggling by taking action against them. The Anti-Smuggling Organization team was comprising Superintendent Muhammad Ramzan Seyal, Inspector Tahir Iqbal, Inspector Ghulam Asghar including some Sepoys and a driver, which participated in the said action. The anti-smuggling action was supervised by Deputy Collector Saqib-ur-Rehman. The team intercepted a goods transport vehicle near Sahiwal during checking and recovered foreign origin non-duty-
paid 200 cartons of Iranian Rani juice. Anti-Smuggling Squad asked the driver to produce any legal document about the possession of the Iranian Origin Rani juice to justify its possession but he was unable to produce anything legal so the consignment of intercepted juice was seized under Customs act 1969. Driver informed anti-smuggling squad that he is going to deliver these juices to Faisalabad. The seized Iranian Rani Juice was deposited to Sate Ware House of Multan Customs. Customs started further investigations in the case.
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04 NATIONAL
MAY 28 - JuNE 03, 2019
customs I&I impounds huge quantity of smuggled mobile phones ISLAMAbAd: directorate-general of customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) team seized huge quantity of chinese smuggled mobile phones and arrested one person. Sources told customs Today that director-general customs Intelligence and Investigation Zahid khokhar received secret information about the smuggling of mobiles. He formed anti-smuggling squad under the supervision of Superintendent Abdul Malik. The anti-smuggling squad with the assistance of Motorway police intercepted a Toyota corolla XLI bearing registration no: LZE 6368 loaded with china origin mobiles. After interception of vehicle carrying smuggled goods, the I&I staff found 873 china made QMobile, Nokia smartphones including few other brands including 200 pcs L-1 classic Q-mobile, 100 pieces of cE0168 Nokia, 47 8000 pro QMobile.
peshawar customs starts crackdown on private warehouses
KARACHI
M.b RANA
www.customstoday.com he Sindh High Court (SHC) directed customs officials to strictly act in accordance with law and submit para wise comments on a petition filed by M/s Bismillah Industry and M/s O.S Corporation seeking release order of its consignments of prime quality pre-painted steel coils detained by customs department due to disputed valuation. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi was hearing the matter. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioners stated in their petitions that petitioner is primarily engaged in imports of steel products, namely prime quality pre-painted steel coils and is registered for the same purpose and he has imported two consignments of prime quality pre-painted steel coils pattern design vide respective letters of credits and other shipping documents including mill test certificate, being evidence of prime quality of the imported goods. Whereas no such mill testing is to be conducted for secondary quality goods. He said that on arrival of these consignments, they submitted goods declarations and paid duty and taxes according with law, however, consignments were examined by the examination staff and reported that the goods are found just as declared by the petitioner importers, however, the labels pasted on coils are not matched with the mill test certificate provided with shipping documents by the manufacturer. He further argued that on that report, customs officials assessed the goods as secondary quality without considering facts and circumstances. Citing chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement South as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court to direct the respondents to allow into-bonding of subject goods.
KARACHI
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PESHAWAR
IRfAN bAHAdUR
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ollectorate of Customs started crackdown against private warehouses for keeping non duty paid goods. Sources informed Customs Today on that anti-smuggling unit seized smuggled dry fruit from the godown belonged to son of Senator Mohsin Aziz at Peshawar. According to details anti-smuggling squad received a tip off from
collector Asif Saeed khan Lughmani
the Collector Preventive Asif Saeed Khan Lughmani that huge quantity of dry fruit smuggled from India is kept at local warehouse in Peshawar. The collector directed the Additional Collector Ghulam Mustafa to constitute a team for raid on the private warehouse. The additional collector constituted a team comprising Assistant Collector Shahid Khan Superintendent Nasir Bukhari, Inspector Ziaur Rehman and Inspector Gohar Ali . The Customs mobile squad recovered more than 2000 kgs of Indian origin dry fruit including
he Customs Court approved interim charge sheet against suspects namely Imran Butt son of Muhammad Azam Butt owner of M/s Azam and Sons, Muhammad Idress son of Abdul Majeed warehouse keeper of M/s General Services and Muhammad Arif son of Abdul Majeed warehouse keeper of M/s General Services, who were booked in a case of illegal removal of in-bonded goods without filing of ex-bond GD, thus evading legitimate government revenue. Investigation officer of Appraisement East submitted interim charge sheet and submitted that on an actionable information the consignments of hot rolled steel sheets iron steel sheets/coils imported and stored in the bonded warehouse and illegally removed by the importer of M/s Azam Sons in connivance with the warehouse keeper without payment of leviable duties & taxes & without filing ex-bond GD. He submitted that in order to check the veracity of the received information, additional collector (R&D) Appraisement East Karachi and others visited the bonded warehouse situated at SITE Area Karachi and during the visit, it was revealed that goods weighing 183810 kilograms warehoused against the above mentioned GD are not available in the warehouse meaning thereby that iron steel coils/ sheets weighing 183810 kg have been removed from the warehouse illegally without payment of leviable customs duties and other taxes. He further revealed that suspects evaded duties and taxes to the tune of Rs7,027,313. After the hearing, court took FIR into its record and directed investigation officer to complete investigation and submit report on next date of hearing.
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— Exclusive Customs Today photo
SHC seeks comments on petition filed by M/s Bismillah Industry & M/s O.S Corporation
Customs Court approveschargesheet againstM/sAzam andSons & others
almonds, pistachio and cashew from the godown. When contacted PTI Senator Mohsin Aziz about the raid, he informed Customs Today that ”the cold storage is the property of his son”. The place and facilities are provided on rent and people bring in their stuff like bananas, apples, apricot and cashews for storage. We don’t know if these are local or imported, tax paid or non-tax paid goods. The store does not have any item belonging to them. These items belong to different customers whose names have been provided to customs authorities.
customs NIIA seizes mobiles from passenger C
ISLAMABAD
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ollectorate of Customs staff deputed at New Islamabad International Airport (NIIA) seized huge quantity of Samsung mobile phones along with accessories from a passenger who arrived from China. Sources told Customs Today that Collector Seema Raza Bukhari received credible information about smuggling of mobile phones. She directed customs staff to enhance vigilance at arrival lounge. The customs team intercepted a passenger Khalid Khan who arrived from China through Doha via Qatar Airways Rlight no:
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
QR-632. The customs team asked him to show his luggage for search. The passenger presented his luggage to the customs staff who checked
and found 17 Samsung mobile phones along with different accessories including Samsung S8+, Note 8 and Note mobile phones. After inter-
ception the staff asked the passenger to show any legal documents of seized mobile phones but passenger failed to show any relevant documents.
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— Exclusive Customs Today photo — Exclusive Customs Today photo
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SPECIALREPORT 07
MAY 28 - JuNE 03, 2019
before the next for taking action t lis t e id ov pr having also talked abou that if anybody is it by budget . Shabbar Zaidi is . ns ich sio wh es e, nc m co he x ar Sc isuse of ta he or she may cle to small smuggling and m sales tax liability, ent tax. relief may be given ot be x ta at th id rc sa ISLAMABAD pe o He tw nn st ca ju it g on t le RT yin bu op pa po TodAy RE ia to sensitize pe of raw materials s. cUSToMSsto He urged the med avoiding to clear their number od www.custom day.com e to all imported go os ed th nd at sit Trade was used this gap exte the issue so th an ze Tr ali an re t gh Af igh at m th lities He said there are taking past sales tax liabi to Pakistan. “But ed with FBR by for smuggling in rt illegal goods into the and get register t Declaration Scheme. po other ways to im e of the Asse d try its best to d. rman advantag ul ai de wo Ch ad R e he FB nu ,” e ve try th Re un at that individuals He said th nd of co ederal Board of d without any ki R Chairman said d be sentenced ed the indusan FB rn y e wa ar i Th nt id lu Za vo r it ba on e t mak Syed Shab eate envir i’ assets coul at the governmen as it wanted to cr d that possessing ‘benam trial consumers th take steps against harassment, prison. He reveale ions, in s ar s. ye se e es Riv sin to d bu at an e up or n th io rp r at at co fo t isl th ng s, includi would make leg tures from men question, the FBR Chairman said 0 major taxpayer of the gistered manufac To a commercial 30 erall tax collection the n ov io of ill the sales tax unre m nt ce r 3.1 pe nd 80 ou y id ar pa sa re f y ie we eg e ch at er R the str ce, the th July this year. country. The FB are wever added that a news conferen has 5-6 per cent sh e n consumers, ho e unregistered consumers to ss io cla While addressing ill m ied 1 lar 3. sa e ar th e th id er t sa th ge to He id . th w sa on wi ho R cti uld be shared Chairman FB erall tax colle 7,000 gas on wo ov d R an in FB ty th ore ici wi m ctr d of re ele et te 00 FBR has set a targ llion for commercial, 341,0 ers, but only 38,937 get regis To another questions, the bi . um ia 00 ns ed 50 co m than Rs there were industrial les tax. duran FBR said that e registered in sa revenue collection . industrial units ar wants to facilitate the Chairm lack companies registered ar ye l ca t e Ris en on m xt er rn ne ov g in The gove g the tax Exchange e Securities and ity while enhancin business commun should get themselves with th ion of Pakistan (SECP), s Commiss net so industrie x. 0 were Riling ta les sa however just 50,00 in d re of te ta gis da re er rth fu ng cti lle their returns. He said FBR is co s. an asked tions from DISCO’ s been ec The FBR Chairm provide nn co ial str du in ha t to en ity m ss un m ra m ha co No complaint of t of taxes. There is no business ducing ymen raw material for re received about pa ing freezing the accounts list of . ge sta rt po im rd tes on change in law rega ned will inform the chair- tax ra businessmen e th g sin es er dr nc Ad co but the ofRicer 24 hours r of Commerce e aggrieved person at Karachi Chambe man ofRice and th R chairCC e account. dustry (K I), FB before to freeze th id industrial consumers and In ed with the business comagre Chairman Zaidi sa ter to the man that there should not be withwill have to regis of gas and power two per cent under the munity x on import of raw material. g g ta sales tax by payin e government will pass holdin raised the KCCI members Th e e. m Th he d re te gis Amnesty Sc tax rates re g steps against un that withholdin percent legislation and take ng from July. The laws issue 6 to t en rc rti ranging 3 pe of raw manufacturers sta neRicial for the future. rt po posed on im be , the were im ry made today will be st du in r fo y nest ials. Announcing am ists and mater be with, there should not ged the industrial Asset es ur “Y R FB an m air e erial,” ch th at of m e w ag ra nt va on g tax take ad CI to manufacturers to e and informed that a holdin KC e th d d aske m the Zaidi said an in Declaration Sche d de clu in en s be special clause ha
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llion i m 1 . 3 e There ar l, 341,000 ia commerc nd 7,000 gas ya electricit l consumers, industria y 38,937 but onl nits are lu industria n sales tax di e r e t s i g e r
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08 EDITORIAL
MAY 28 - JuNE 03, 2019
Founder Zulfiqar Ali CEO and Chief Editor Asad kharal 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
Structural reforms needed
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he numbers tell a harrowing tale that no amount of spin can hide. Revenues and exports have been flat for the first nine and 10 months of the fiscal year respectively. Even though imports are shrinking and bringing down the overall current account deficit, there are indications that this is happening more as a consequence of the overall slowdown of the economy than any government initiative. Ordinary people do not need any reminding that inflation is rising sharply, and from the looks of it, the situation is even worse in the rural areas where the costs of agricultural inputs are skyrocketing. What the latest round of data released simultaneously by the State Bank and the finance ministry tells us is that there is more to come. The data shows that the fiscal deficit has come in at 5pc of GDP in the first nine months of the financial year, the highest it has been in well over a decade. This puts the government in the unenviable position of having to announce huge tax hikes at a time when the economy is reeling from massive devaluation and a sharp interest rate hike. This is the price of indecision. For all these nine months, the PTI leadership spoke of having inherited a crisis, but did little to manage it. The prime minister, perhaps inadvertently, ended up conveying to global audiences that there were challenges to investing in Pakistan because of the culture of corruption that he now intended to change. To draw the attention of foreign investors to Pakistan, a more restrained approach would help. FDI, meanwhile, is down by almost 50pc. Of course, much of this is cyclical. Every incoming government in Pakistan has found an economy plagued with massive imbalances requiring emergency support from the IMF. And they have all begun their terms with an IMF programme, while repeating the words ‘we inherited a broken economy’. But having done so, they have all been required to take decisive action, as the short-term impact is to stifle growth while laying the groundwork for a revival in the medium term. Of course, they have all failed to implement the long-term structural reforms that are necessary to make this growth sustainable, which is the reason we keep finding ourselves returning to this place over and over again. The present government has been indecisive from the start, and having delayed the inevitable for so long, it is now in the peculiar position of having to make a new beginning nine months into its term. Nevertheless, now that the difficult decisions are finally being made, and the bitter medicine is being served, the government must show its resolve.
Rise in Sbp policy rate T
LAHORE
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he Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of State Bank of Pakistan has decided to raise once again the policy rate by a hefty margin of 150 basis points (bps) to 12.25 percent w.e.f. 21st May, 2019 and this sharp increase has been justiRied on very valid grounds in the Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) issued after the meeting. After elaborating key developments during the last two months like staff-level agreement with the IMF, the MPS says that economic growth was expected to slowdown in FY19 but rise modestly in FY20. The current account (C/A) deRicit had narrowed to dollar 9.6 billion in July-March, FY19 compared to a larger deRicit of dollar
13.6 billion in the corresponding period of last year. The reduction was mainly driven by a compression in imports and healthy growth in workers' remittances. However, despite an improvement in C/A balance and an increase in ofRicial bilateral inRlows, the Rinancing of C/A deRicit remained challenging and the foreign exchange reserves held by the SBP came down to dollar 8.8 billion as of 10th May from dollar 10.5 billion at end March, 2019. The exchange rate of the rupee has come under great pressure in the last few days, reRlecting the continuing resolution of accumulated imbalances of the past and some role of supply and demand factors. This could have minimized uncertainty in the money market and allowed various stakeholders to respond to the new situation in a
more orderly fashion. However, it was the SBP's prerogative to chalk its course according to the evolving developments. One reason often reported in the press for the sudden hike in the policy rate was the understanding with the IMF. Some of the observations in the MPS are, however, difRicult to understand. It is stated very clearly that SBP will monitor the situation closely in the exchange market and was prepared to check unwarranted volatility of the rupee in the forex market. At the same time, the SBP is very much conscious of the declining foreign exchange reserves which were below the standard adequacy levels of three months of import cover. One could only wonder how the SBP would be able to check the onslaught of speculative forces and reduce wide Rluctuations in the exchange market if it had not adequate levels of reserves at its dis-
posal to throw in the market which was the position at this point of time and may remain so in the foreseeable future. Secondly, although the State Bank has not explicitly said so but it seems to have assumed as if EFF of around dollar 6 billion was already in place and ready to be implemented. The fact of the matter is that this facility is yet to be approved by the Executive Board of the Fund which could sometime be difRicult if some members of the IMF with large quotas do not give a positive nod to the programme. The faithful implementation of the programme is also not guaranteed as the government in Islamabad may Rind it hard to continue the programme due to resistance of the opposition parties and the political cost associated to it. Overall, however, we feel that the hike in policy rate was almost inevitable under the given circumstances.
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NATIONAL 09
MAY 28 - JuNE 03, 2019
dc Moazzam Raza issues new roster for staff of customs AIIA LAHORE: Collectorate of Customs Preventive Deputy Collector Moazzam Raza has issued instructions to the staff members deputed at Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIA). According to new instructions, all superintendents, deputy superintendents and inspectors shall wear proper uniform with name plates and customs emblems. Staff is required to maintain highest degree of punctuality and regularity and should arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of their shift. The staff will not leave their duty till the arrival of next shift to take their place. No inspector from gates shall be allowed to work in the departure or arrival halls without approval of the AC/DC in charge. Any deviance shall be viewed very seriously and disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against the delinquent officer.
Customs Court approves pre-arrest bail of proprietor of Salar Enterprises
NAb approves corruption references against former pId chief, others
KARACHI
M.b RANA
www.customstoday.com or Talab Khan, alleged proprietor of Salar Enterprises and Salar Mining Enterprises submitted property documents as surety of Rs2,000,000 before the customs court, who was using benami six accounts to conduct business and evaded taxes of more than Rs1 billion and also involved in money laundering. Counsel for the suspect disclosed that his client Zor Talab Khan is private school teacher and his friends used his ID card for opening bank accounts and fake companies for money laundering and his client had nothing to do with these transactions. He further argued that his client is poor man and has not enough money to submit as surety, therefore, he is submitting house property as surety. After the hearing, court sent property to concerned department for verification and directed offices that after verification, documents be approved and granted pre-arrest bail to him. Earlier, investigation officer had submitted first information report against suspects namely Zor Talab Khan, umara Khan, Muhammad Hassan and Muhammad Hamza and informed that six bank accounts were opened by suspect Zor Talab Khan during June 14, 2012 to July 13, 2017 and Rs8.497 billion amount transited and when prosecution issued notice to suspect Zor Talab Khan than he replied that he was totally unaware of the bank accounts and these bank accounts were being used by his three friends and these people obtained his CNIC under some pretext and opened these accounts and conducted these transactions and he was never told that they are illegally using these bank accounts for evading taxes.
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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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he Executive Board meeting of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB-EBM). The meeting accorded approval of Riling four corruption references and three inquiries against former Press Information Department (PID) director general (DG) Chaudhry Rasheed Ahmed and others on the allegations of inRlicting losses worth millions of rupees to the national exchequer. The meeting was chaired by
NAB Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal who accorded approval of Riling the corruption references and inquiries against Chaudhry Rasheed Ahmed and others for allegedly making an abortive attempt of withdrawing Rs28.5 million from the national exchequer in collaboration with an advertising agency by sheer abuse of authority. “The attempt was foiled by Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC),” a NAB press release said. The meeting also accorded approval for Riling another corruption reference against Naeemuddin Khan, former Bank of Punjab president and others. This group of men have been accused of being involved in the sale and purchasing
of the bank’s shares by abuse of authority through internal trading, which inRlicted a loss of Rs10.385 million to the national kitty. The meeting also accorded approval of Riling a corruption reference against Ghulab Khan, secretary Karachi Port Trust (KPT) OfRicers Cooperative Housing Society and others for allegedly allotting state land to their personal contacts which inRlicted a loss of Rs110 million to the national exchequer. Further, the Riling of a corruption reference against former Sindh Building Control Authority (SCBA) DG Manzoor Qadir and others was also approved on the accusation of allotting state land in Nehra Khayam
to Messers Friend Associates illegally, an act that inRlicted Rs3 billion losses to the national exchequer. The meeting also approved the Riling of three inquiries against former Agricultural Development Bank Limited (ZTBL) Chief Operating OfRicer (COO) Syed Talat Mehmood and others including National Assembly (NA) member Nasir Iqbal and former Secretary to Punjab Chief Minister and Messers Zardari Group Private Limited Imdadullah Bosal while it was decided that an inquiry against ofRicers of the Punjab Renewable Energy Company Limited and ofRicers of Quaid-e-Azam Wind Power Company Limited would be closed owing to the absence of incriminating evidence.
ICCI concerned over rising external debt To,
Hafeez Sheikh, Adviser to PM on Finance, Islamabad Dear Sir,
I want to bring in your notice that rising external debt and liabilities of the country had surpassed $105 billion by the end of March 2019. I appeal you to take urgent measures to cope with this serious issue as rising foreign debts would further weaken our economy and increase poverty and unemployment. Sir successive governments burdened Pakistan with more debt instead of making its economy stronger while the current government was also following the same path that would bring more troubles for business sector and the
common man. With prudent policies and better economic management, Turkey had got rid of IMF debts in May 2013, but it was unfortunate that Pakistan was still depending on IMF for running its
economy which was not a good sign for our posterity. Business community and the Pakistani nation have always paid heavy price for IMF bailout packages as whenever Pakistan obtained
loan from IMF, its conditions translated into increase in the prices of electricity, gas and POL products along with tight monetary policy. These measures always brought great inRlation to the common man and increased cost of doing business in the country. Government should utilize all possible options to rid the country of domestic and foreign debts burden because without getting rid of debts, making Pakistan a progressive and prosperous country would remain a dream while more people would fall below the poverty line, business and industrial activities would squeeze while economy would get further weakened. Thanking you,
Ahmed Hassan Mughal President ICCI, Islamabad
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10 NATIONAL
MAY 28 - JuNE 03, 2019
govt to introduce amnesty scheme for smuggled vehicles PESHAWAR: After introducing a tax amnesty scheme, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government has decided to extend a similar programme to owners of smuggled vehicles in some parts of the country, according to media. Prime Minister Imran Khan disclosed the decision at a session of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa cabinet according to senior officials who attended it. During the session, K-P Revenue Minister Shakil Ahmed briefed the premier on tax collection in the province, the officials said. The minister, during the special briefing, pointed out that hundreds of thousands of non-customs paid smuggled vehicles were in use in Malakand Division and the former tribal districts, and recommended that the government provide a one-time amnesty scheme to their owners.
pakistan customs playing vital role to curb smuggling: president wccI Rabia Taj NOWSHERA
TARIQ dERyA
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Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) President Rabia Taj has said that Pakistan Customs is a very important department of our country and it should work with honesty and efRiciency by following advance methodologies. Talking with Customs Today during an exclusive interview, President WCCI Nowshera said that she belonged to Risalpur but she became founder president of WCCI Nowshera after the Chamber got its license in 2016. CT: What new development plan government should follow for betterment of business opportunities for women in upcoming budget 2019-20? President WCCI: The national development should be balanced with equivalent distribution of resources to population both (males and females) in our country. Empowering women is vital to build stronger economies, attain globally planned targets for development and sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for women, men, families and communities. No doubt, the present Government of Pakistan is planning to meet SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and the goal is to get gender equality; ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls. In the coming budget the Government could start with giving women, freedom of comfort in doing business fol-
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
lowed by some Rinancial help in creative startups based on merit. CT: What exports development plan WCCI Nowshera can propose to Federal Government for implementation?
president wccI Rabia Taj
President WCCI: The WCCI as a part of Nowshera is full of Pakhtoons having different entrepreneurial and creative startups ideas, we feel proud of having a unique way of every-
thing which consequently gives our nation a unique identity regarding doing business and boosting the country economy, only government has to provide our people ease of doing
business and support the Chambers in creating business awareness throughout their respective regions. CT: Do you think that the newly appointed Chairman FBR Shaber Zadhi should make some policies for clearing consignments of women entrepreneurs in a speedy way, particularly for those relating with exports and if possible provide them facilitation in a way for promotion of local products, and don’t you think that banks should provide soft loans to business women? President WCCI: Yes, why not providing ease of doing business and merit based soft loans can really turn the tables. CT: What is your opinion about Pakistan Customs performance and what would you suggest for further development of the Customs department? President WCCI: The Pakistan customs is a major source of revenue to the Government of Pakistan in the form of taxes levied on the goods traded across the borders so it is a very important department of our country, they should try to work with more honesty and efRiciency with advance methodologies. CT: What is current business situation of the country and why dollar rate is rising day by day? President WCCI: I am sorry to say that current business environment in Pakistan is not good due to uncertainty regarding the market due to late IMF Agreement and in the coming budget Pakistan has to meet the IMF conditions and this also create negative impact in the market, and consistent current account deRicit translates into increase in dollar value against the rupee.
Faisalabad I&I seizes huge quantity of betel nuts worth Rs100m D
FAISALABAD
NAEEM SHEIkH
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irectorate of Custom Intelligence and Investigation has seized huge quantity of betel nuts worth Rs100 million. Deputy Director Rana Irfan Shouqat told Customs Today that he received credible information from his source that huge quantity of contraband items would be smuggled through jurisdiction. He immediately alerted the Superintendent Muhammad Tahir Iqbal to enhance monitoring of suspected routes to foil any bid of smuggling in the region. Customs Intelligence formed special team including Intelligence OfRicer Saeed Hayat, Ansar Saleemi
Muhammad Arshad and others to take action against smuggled goods. Following the directions, the team intercepted a 22 wheeler trailer bearing registration no: TLB-687 near Pir Mehal Interchange. The intelligence team recovered 298 bags weighing 26050 kilograms of betel nuts in their action. During investigations the driver of the vehicle introduced namely Syed Abdul Sadiq district Kurram Agency was coming from Quetta and its Rinal destination was Faisalabad. Truck driver presented booking receipt of said goods to Customs Intelligence staff. Customs Intelligence seized the entire betel nuts and shifted the betel nuts along with truck to Customs Intelligence State Warehouse Faisalabad.
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CARTOONSSPECIAL 11
MAY 28 - JuNE 03, 2019
customs court approves remand of accused in mobile phones smuggling kARAcHI: The customs court sent suspects namely Muhammad Ali son of Muhammad Rafiq to customs department on physical remand who was arrested in a case of attempting to smuggle 229 branded mobile phones. Investigation officer of customs preventive produced the above mentioned suspect before the court and informed that on an actionable information, customs officials intercepted suspect holding pakistani passport arrived from Sharjah to karachi by Air Arabia flight no: g9-547 and was asked to declare whether he was carrying any contraband goods in his baggage. He further submitted that after his denial, he was diverted to customs scanning machine along with his baggage and during the search, customs officials found 15 used Samsung mobile phones, 11 used Motorola mobile phones and 203 dismantle Motorola mobile phones worth Rs345,7900.
customs court approves remand of suspect in HSd smuggling case KARACHI
M.b RANA
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he Customs Court sent suspect namely Naseer Ahmed son of Muhammad Bakhsh to customs lock-up on physical remand, who was arrested in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid 23,000 liters high speed diesel. Investigation ofRicer produced the above-mentioned suspect before the court and informed that on an actionable information, customs ofRicials intercepted a Hino oil tanker bearing registration number: TTD 987. He submitted that during the hearing of said oil tanker, customs ofRicials found 23,000 liters high speed diesel valuing Rs 2,185,000 and he was asked to produce lawful documents, however, he failed to produce any lawful documents, therefore, after the formalities, driver was arrested and goods along with oil tanker were seized by the ofRicials of customs department. He submitted that prosecution
needed further investigation therefore, court may grant his physical remand. After the hearing, court sent the suspect on physical remand and directed
investigation ofRicer to produce him on next date of hearing along with progress report. According to the prosecution, the case was registered for violation of section
2(s) 16, 157 of the customs act, read with Section 3(1) of Imports and Exports Control Act, 1950 further read with SRO 499(1)/2009 dated 06.06.2009 and SRO
FBR notifies rules for implementation of tax amnesty scheme
566(1)/2005 dated 06.06.2005 punishable under Clauses (8) & (89) of Section 156 (1) of the Customs Act, 1969 and Section 157 (2) of the Customs Act, 1969.
custom JIAp foils bid to smuggle heroin worth Rs10.4 million KARACHI
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ISLAMABAD
cUSToMS TodAy REpoRT www.customstoday.com
he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has notified rules for the implementation of the first tax amnesty scheme of the PTI government for whitening of undisclosed expenditures, sales and assets, including foreign assets, at nominal tax rates. According to the details, the
four-page document, called Assets Declaration (Procedure and Conditions) Rules 2019, was released late night for seeking objections and suggestions from all stakeholders with a deadline of May 22 before they are Rinalised. The rules came almost Rive days after the promulgation of the Ordinance on May 15 to allow people for declaration of their undeclared assets, expenditures, and sales along with payment of taxes until June 30
this year. The rules have four main pillars manner, conditions, payment, payment of tax under other laws and revision of declaration. For the purposes of incorporation of undisclosed assets and undisclosed expenditure, the declarant will Rile income tax return for the tax year 2018 and wealth statement or Rinancial statement as the case may be as on June 30, 2018. This condition will be for those who did not Rile their tax returns for the tax year 2018.
ollectorate of Custom Preventive team deputed at Jinnah International Airport (JIAP) has seized 1.4 kilograms heroin worth Rs10.4 million in international market. According to the details, on a tip-off by higher authorities, the team of Customs JIAP at International Departure intercepted a passenger on suspicion and inquired regarding the travel documents and asked for the luggage. During the search, the team successfully foiled an attempt of smuggling 1.4 kilograms brown heroin powder worth Rs10.4 million in the international market. The illicit drug was concealed in two hand bags by passenger namely Qazi Toseef, holding Pakistani passport no: AQ 4894391, resident of Landhi, Karachi, who successfully crossed joint counter to fly for Bangkok but the culprit was spotted by vigilant staff of Customs at International Departure. In an initial examination led to the recovery of 1.4 kilograms of light brown heroin powder.
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MAY 28 - JuNE 03, 2019
customs seizes huge quantity of smuggled cloth near kohat Tunnel koHAT: The customs staff impounded 5000 yard foreign origin cloth near kohat Tunnel during crackdown. Sources told customs Today that kohat customs received secret information about smuggling of non-duty paid cloth. The information was passed on to the field formation staff of kohat customs. pursuing the said information the customs Anti-Smuggling organization (ASo) kohat led by Inspector Muhammad Janzeb enhanced vigilance at the kohat Tunnel and seized huge quantity of foreign origin fabric from different passenger buses. The seized cloth comprises plain cloth 1326 yards, printed cloth 3650 yards, 300 yards and 400 yards. The said goods were recovered from different vehicles, and because of insufficient quantity of seized goods, vehicles were not seized.
IPRE forms cases involving Rs187m against counterfeit goods: Dr. Arsalan ISLAMABAD
TARIQ dERyA
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— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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irector-General Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement IPRE Dr. Arslan Subuctageen said that during current Rinancial year the IPRE has made Rs187 million cases against counterfeit goods in violation of Section 15 of the Customs Act, 1969 and SRO 170(1)/2017 dated 16.03.2017 (Rule 678-686). During an exclusive interview with Customs Today, he said that Directorate General Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement (IPRE) of Customs could keep check on consignments at import and export stage on complaint of reliable sources. He added that IPRE works for promotion of communications and risk assessment as well as the IPRE represents FBR and Pakistan Customs as National Contact Point for WCO (World Customs Organization). Talking on revenue impact he said that 26% increase witnessed in import of Mortein in 2017-18 as compared to 2016-17 (after 1 seizure) while 450% increase in import of Durex in 2017-18 as compared to 2016-17 (after 4 seizures), adding that 400% increase recorded in import of Toshiba Cells in 2017-18 as compared to 2016-17 (after 3 seizures). Replying to a query about destruction of conRiscated counterfeit goods, he said that Rirst Destruction of ConRiscated Counterfeit Goods was conducted on 16-012019 where miscellaneous goods including watches, soaps, sprays
and creams worth Rs 20 million were destroyed while the Second Destruction of ConRiscated Counterfeit Goods was conducted on 25-042019 where miscellaneous goods including watches, soaps, sprays, creams etc worth Rs 90 million
dr. Arsalan Subuctageen
were destroyed. Answering another query, Dr Arslan said that DG IPRE has taken various initiatives during 2017-2019. IPRE activated WeBOC IDs as well as arranged capacity building trainings on IPR at DGTR Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad
while it established Rirst IPR Gallery in Karachi and Islamabad whereas Directorate of IPRE conducted seminar on subjects of Inter-agency Coordination on 10th January 2019 at Islamabad and the other seminar on IPR was arranged on 26th Janu-
ary 2019 at Karachi. Answering another query, he said that the dept is trying to improve Pakistan’s IPR global ranking and enhance collaboration with national and international organisations like IPO, FPCCI, WIPO, WTO, WCO, etc.
Reference against kamran Michael approved KARACHI
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cUSToMS TodAy REpoRT
he National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) executive board approved a reference against Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Michael over alleged illegal allotment of three plots at Karachi Port Trust (KPT). According to a NAB spokesperson, the bureau’s executive board, which met with its chairman Justice (R) Javed Iqbal in the chair, okayed a reference against four people, including the former federal minister. He said the accused persons had
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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illegally sold three commercial plots at KPT Housing Society after
taking Rs110 million bribe, which caused a huge loss to the national
exchequer. It is noteworthy that Kamran Michael was elected on
Published by M S Raza Off# 42, 3rd Flr Gull Plaza M.A Jinnah Road Karachi, Printed by (Ibne Hassan Offset Printing Press, Shops No. 33 to 36 , Hockey Stadium, Karachi).
minorities seat in 2012 and he is still serving as Senator. A day earlier, the anti-graft watchdog had approved Rilling of corruption references against former DG Press Information Department (PID) Chaudhary Rasheed Ahmad, Bank of Punjab’s ex-president Naeemuddin Khan and others for misuse of powers and causing loss to the national kitty. The decision was taken during the NAB’s executive board meeting held in Islamabad today with its chief Justice (r) Qamar Zaman Chaudhry in the chair. The watchdog body approved to Rile corruption reference against PID’s former DG Chaudhary Rasheed Ahmad for attempting to cause a damage of Rs.28.5 million to the national exchequer.