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pAkIStAN’S fIrSt INDepth NeWSpAper oN cuStomS
26 ABc certified vol 75 Issue No. 24
karachi, tue feb 05 - mon feb 11, 2019
Weekly Weekly
regd. No, mc-1381
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revIeWINg performANce
PM Imran Khan directed FBR to focus on recovery from tax evaders and to broaden tax net. | See pAge 04 |
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
BuIlDINg truSt
Asad Umar says FBR & private sector should give honour to each other for trust building. | See pAge 06 | SteerINg ecoNomy LAHORE
SAJID NAWAZ
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Hammad Azhar says govt measures steering economy towards stabilization as current account deficit comes down. | See pAge 12 | revISINg vAlueS
DGCustomsValuationrevised valuesofharddisk (internal/external)thruVRNo: 1353/2018underSection25A. | See pAge 02 |
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ollectorate of Customs Appraisement collected Rs3028 million under the head of customs duty against Rs2340 million collected during January 2018, thus registering a growth of 29 percent in the previous month. The Collectorate collected overall Rs6885 million during the month of January. These views were expressed by Collector Jamil Nasir while presiding over a meeting held at Mughalpura dry port to review performance and working of various sections and branches of the Collectorate. The senior ofNicers of the Collectorate were also present in the meeting. Sources said performance related to speedy clearance of cargo, recovery, and post release veriNication, proper application of valuation rulings assessment and progress of court cases were discussed in detail in the meeting. Collector Jamil Nasir issued instructions to recovery ofNicers to speed up their efforts for recovery of government dues where no valid stay order exists against recovery. It was also decided that all-out efforts be
made to auction immovable properties attached by the Collectorate through special auction where process of mutation and proclamation of sale has been completed. The collector also emphasized that liquidation claims Niled by the Collectorate should be pursued with liquidators for early disposal.
All-out efforts be made to auction immovable properties attached by Collectorate through special auction where process of mutation and proclamation of sale is completed He also underlined the importance of revenue collection through administrative measures in view of likely reduction in imports which may impact customs duty veriNication cell.
It was observed with the sense of satisfaction that in majority of cases, detected amount has been deposited voluntarily by the importers on pointation by PRV and cases where importers did not agree with the audit observations have been referred for adjudication. Meanwhile, Collectorate of Customs Preventive Collector Faiz Ahmad has said that Customs Preventive ofNicers and ofNicials are working to facilitates traders and curb smuggling of goods at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Railway Station, General Post OfNice and Wagha border. Pakistan Customs is working hard to curb smuggling to ensure zero smuggling in Pakistan. Talking with Customs Today, Collector Faiz Ahmed said that customs department is striving to control money laundering and smuggling of non-customs paid goods and vehicles. He said Customs Preventive is working with passion to facilitate trade and travel at each point like airport and border. The Collector said current government is taking some bold decisions for the betterment of economy and Pakistan Customs will stand side by side with the government. Faiz said that Pakistani importers must cooperate with the customs ofNicers and ofNicials to strengthen national economy and pay the taxes as prescribed by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
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NATIONAL
FEBRUARy 05 - FEBRUARy 11, 2019
Shc seeks reply on petition filed by m/s getco Agencies seeking restoration of NtN
KARACHI: The SHC sought comments from customs department on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Getco Agencies against lodging FIR and suspected its NTN/ID of customs clearing agent, who was allegedly involved in a case of fraudulent clearance of restricted betel nuts and fireworks in the garb of plastic material. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi was hearing the matter. Counsel for the petitioner stated that customs officials lodged a first information report and claimed that the importers have mis-delcared description.
FBR preparing mechanism for shifting industries from tariff areas
Dg valuation revises customs values of hard disk vide vr No. 1353/2018
ISLAMABAD
KARACHI
ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) is preparing a comprehensive mechanism regarding shifting the industries from tariff areas to non-tariff areas of the country, it is learnt here. Official sources told Customs Today that FBR has observed a huge revenue loss during last few years due to industry shift from tariff areas of the country to non-tariff areas like formally known FATA, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan to avoid taxes. The board has already started dialogue with administrations and relevant authorities of these non-tariff areas to impose a tax on the industries which are shifting as entrance in the non-tariff area of the country. However, the board is preparing comprehensive mechanism to halt the shifting of these industries and impose tax for shifting the industry. Sources told that mostly steel industries are moving towards nontariff area like FATA, while some other industries are shifting towards AJK and Gilgit Baltistan which is causing huge revenue loss to national exchequer. Sources also told that due to this move of industries to non-tariff areas the government compelled to provide Rs8 billions of tax exemptions, facilities or cut to tariff areas in order to discourage the shifting of these industries.
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Multan Customs torches huge quantity of expired food items MULTAN
ImrAN AlI khAN
www.customstoday.com ustoms Collectorate has given approval through a public order to the authorities concerned of Pakistan Customs-FBR for destruction of contraband/expired food items. According to details, smuggled ketchups, toffees and Rani Juices worth million were destroyed by the Multan Customs Collectorate after the items were found expired and not fit for human consumption. Multan Customs Collectorate found that 400 cartons of foreign origin Rani juices seized by Anti-Smuggling Organization were expired on 22nd December 2018. The Collectorate also destroyed 37 cartons of toffees which were expired on 8 January 2019.Customs also finalized 10 cartons of Tamil Ketchup for destruction. These food items cannot be auctioned due to expiry and said goods were also unfit for human consumption .Customs has decided to destroy all expire food items available in the State Warehouse. Multan Customs State Warehouse has finalized all arrangements and said food items would be destroyed next week.
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WAQAr AhmeD ANSArI www.customstoday.com
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he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs values of hard disk (internal/external) Valuation Ruling No: 1353/2018 under Section 25A of the Customs Act-1969. Representations were received from Appraisement-West that hard disks of various capacities are being cleared at lowers values. Therefore Directorate General was requested to determine its customs value under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969 for uniform assessment. Accordingly an exercise was initiated in this Directorate General to determine customs values of subject goods in terms of Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969. A number of meetings were held with stakeholders which were attended by different stakeholders including importers, ofNicers from clearance Collectorates and representatives from trade bodies. All the stakeholders were requested to submit invoices of imports during last three months showing factual value. Websites names and e-mail addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the item in question through which the actual current value can be ascertained. Copies of contracts made during the last three months showing the value of item in question. Copies of sales tax invoices issued during the last four months showing the values of supplies (excluding duty and taxes) to substantiate their views. The importers, during meetings,
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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stated that the prices of hard disks depend on different capacities, brands and data storage. They further requested that the retailer margin of proNit and warranty aspect may be considered while determining values of hard disc. Some of the stakeholders stated that used Hard Disks are being declared and assessed on very lower values. Despite lapse of considerable time the requisite
Dg valuation mukarram Jah Ansari
documents have not been submitted by the stakeholders. Valuation methods given in Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969 were applied sequentially to address the valuation issue at hand. Transaction Value Method under sub-section (1) of section 25 of the Act ibid was found inapplicable because the requisite information under the law was not provided by the importers.
Meanwhile, The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of Silicon Sealant vide Valuation Ruling No 1354/2018 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969. According to the details, Director Customs Valuation Iqbal Muneeb has revised the Custom values of Silicon Sealant vide Valuation Ruling No. 1354/2019. Earlier the customs values ofSilicon Sealant weredeterminedvide Valuation Ruling No. 706/2015.
Faisalabad I&I seizes Appraisement east earns artificial leather rs35778.33 million during January D
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KARACHI
WAQAr AhmeD ANSArI www.customstoday.com
ollectorate of Customs Appraisement East collected Rs35778.33 million during the month of January 2019 under heads of all duty and taxes. According to details, Appraisement East collected Rs10745.58 million under the head of customs duty (CD), Rs12474.74 million as sales tax (ST), Rs12475.44 million as income tax (IT) and Rs 82.57 million as federal excise duty (FED). Earlier in the month of December 2018, Appraisement East collected Rs33423.04 million which includes Rs 10548.47 million under the head of customs duty (CD), Rs11549.78 million as sales tax (ST), Rs11247.54 million as income tax
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
ShAhID mINhAS
(IT) and Rs 79.25 million as federal excise duty (FED). In the month of November, Appraisement East collected Rs38808.55 million under head of all duty and taxes which included Rs11245.78 million under the head of customs duty (CD), Rs12748.41 million as sales tax
(ST), Rs14724.24 as income tax (IT) and Rs 89.58 as federal excise duty (FED). Meanwhile, Collectorate of Customs Appraisement West generated Rs29454.77 million during the month of January 2019 under the head of all duty and taxes. According to details, Appraisement West collected Rs29454.77 million in January which includes Rs 14058.58 million as customs duty (CD), Rs9641.57 million as sales tax (ST), Rs5647.84 million as income tax (IT) and Rs106.78 million as federal excise duty (FED). Earlier during the month of December 2018, Collectorate of Customs Appraisement West generated Rs29003.85 million which included Rs13874.48 million as customs duty (CD), Rs9547.25 million as sales tax (ST), Rs5478.58 million as income tax (IT) and Rs103.54 million as FED.
irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) foiled an attempt to smuggle foreign origin artificial leather worth Rs6,50,000 during successful raid. Sources told Customs Today that Superintendent Muhammad Tahir Iqbal received information about smuggling of huge quantity of artificial leather. Consequently he formed a team who established check post at the exit points of the city. During the checking the intelligence team intercepted a Rikshwa loaded with 1725 kilograms of artificial leather. The customs officials asked the person namely Haji Akhtar about customs clearance documents and he provided some documents related which proved fake after checking. The team seized the smuggle items and forwarded the case to customs adjudication for further legal action. —CT Report
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NATIONAL 03
FEBRUARy 05 - FEBRUARy 11, 2019
customs court extends bail of ptI mNA in tax evasion case
KARACHI: The Customs Court extended pre-arrest bail of Aslam Khan, MNA NA-254, who was declared as proclaimed offender in a case of mis-declaration and evading the duty and taxes to the tune of Rs28.57 million. Abovementioned suspect appeared before the court along with counsel where the court directed investigation officer to produce progress report on next date of hearing. It needs to be mentioned here that in general elections 2018, Aslam Khan elected from NA 254 Karachi known Azizabad (Nine Zero area) on Pakistan Tahreek-Insaaf’s ticket.
Revenue shortfall rises to Rs197billion during first seven months
Adjudication hearing cases without any influence: ADc talib
ISLAMABD
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MULTAN
ImrAN AlI khAN
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ollectorate of Customs Adjudication showed outstanding performance throughout 2018 by concluding more than 500 seizure cases after trial and generated record revenue of Rs815.915 millions during Nirst six months of the current economic year by providing speedy justice after adjudicating. This was stated by Additional Collector Adjudication Talib Hussain during an exclusive interview with Customs Today the other day in his ofNice. He said that Collectorate of Customs Adjudication is one of the most signiNicant Collectorates for the generation of revenue in customs through disposal of seizure cases. The Collectorate of Customs Adjudication ensures that the taxpayers cases should be heard on merit without any inNluence and interference of tax department. He said that the philosophy of the right to speedy trial has grown now and this concept deals with disposal of seizure cases as soon as possible so as to make the Collectorate of Adjudication more efNicient and trustworthy. The main aim of Right to Speedy trial is to inculcate Justice in the society and being a part of civilized society organized with law and a system, it is essential for Customs Adjudication to ensure speedy justice with respondents in a reasonably digniNied manner. Customs Adjudication has
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
espite introduction of two supplementary finance bills, the revenue collection for the first seven months of the fiscal year showed a shortfall of more than Rs197 billion, with a meagre 3pc growth in the July- January period. According to media reports, provisional figures collected by the FBR show that revenues for the period reached Rs2,059 billion against a target of Rs2,256 billion. In comparison to last year collection of Rs2,996 billion the revenue collection posted a growth of 3pc to Rs2,059 billion. On monthly basis, the revenue collection has reached to Rs280 billion in January 2019 as against the projected target of Rs307 billion, posting a shortfall of Rs27 billion and growth of 2.2pc as against Rs274 billion collected in the same month last year. An FBR source with access to the data told that the revenue collection data is still coming in and will be adjusted in the next week. However, the source said the collection is far behind the projected targets. January has emerged the second worst month after December in terms of revenue collection when FBR has received lower tax collection. In December FBR posted Rs75 billion shortfall in revenue collection. The major contributor in the shortfall is Inland Revenue Services (IRS) while custom collections almost remain on target because of currency devaluation.The sluggish growth was seen in revenue despite low refund payments. The widening revenue shortfall means the government will have to take drastic measures going forward.The State Bank has already called for greater focus on“fiscal consolidation” and raised the policy discount rate largely on account of poor fiscal performance.
conducted speedy justice by disposing off highest number of seizure cases after completion of their trial during 2018. Customs Adjudication Multan sidestepped granting of frequent and unnecessary delay for hearing of seizure cases and directed detecting agency along with litigants to precede trial without wasting any time for early disposal of seizure cases. He said that speedy trial in the seizure cases beneNits taxpayers by saving precious time, money and energy by avoiding unnecessary
Additional collector talib hussain
litigation. Customs Adjudication addresses all the genuine problems of the taxpayers and clears the pending adjudication cases in given time bound. He said that Collectorate of Customs Adjudication gears up their efforts to meet the new challenges faced by the Customs and the country. Customs Adjudication decides seizure cases, contravention on the basis of substantial evidences provided by detecting agency and offenders during trial and all cases are purely decided on merit.
He said that Customs Adjudication Camp OfNice set example of extraordinary performance in the department efNiciently by increasing overall efNicacy of our legal system. Customs Adjudication Multan disposed all seizure cases within prescribed limit and did not take extension in any seizure case from Federal Board of Revenue. Customs Adjudication is protecting the national revenue of the country by imposing penalties on tax evaders and conNiscating smuggled goods after completion of trial.
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04 NATIONAL
FEBRUARy 05 - FEBRUARy 11, 2019
Amended ftA with china to be finalised in mid-feb
ISLAMABAD: In order to improve Pakistan-China trade relations, amendments in the Free Trade Agreement will be finalised in mid-February dialogue between the two sides. It is expected that in early March, both the countries will sign an amended FTA. According to details, Pakistan has prepared a draft document for amendments to the FTA, which has been shared with Chinese officials. They said according to the draft, duties and taxes on the import of goods from China, which were made locally in Pakistan as well, would be reviewed.
pm Imran directs fBr to catch tax evaders and broaden tax net
Sialkot surgical exporters appeal govt to establish training centers SIALKOT
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M/s Arsalan Enterprises approaches SHC against detention of consignments KARACHI
m.B rANA
www.customstoday.com /s Arsalan Enterprises approached the Sindh High Court (SHC) against detention of imported kitchen cabinets due to disputed valuation by customs department. Counsel for the petitioner stated in his petition that petitioner is a commercial importer of various products including kitchen cabinets from worldwide sources and enjoys good name and reputation in the local market, the petitioner has through sheer hard work and untiring efforts, developed a sizeable clientele all over the country. He further submitted that the petitioner imported the above-mentioned goods and filed goods declaration which arrived at Karachi Port and requested the respondents to release the subject goods provisionally in terms of Section 81 of the Customs Act 1969 by securing the differential amount of duty and taxes between the declared value and values determined vide ruling dated 08/11/2018 till the final decision of the respondents. He argued that despite petitioner request, officials of the respondents stopped his consignments illegally. Citing chairman FBR, collector Customs Collectorate Appraisement East, Collector AppraisementWest, DGValuationas respondents, petitioner pleaded the court may declare that the action of the respondents to refuse the release of the petitioner goods provisionally is illegal, mala fide and arbitrary without jurisdiction and against the direction of this court. He further argued that the said goods imported by the petitioner are liable to assess/release provisionally on furnishing the pay order/ bank guarantee of the differential amount. Importer also pleaded the court may restrain them from taking any coercive action against the petitioner till final order in this petition.
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ISLAMABAD
muhAmmAD fAIZAN www.customstoday.com
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rime Minister Imran Khan directed Federal Board of Revenue(FBR) to focus on recovery from tax evaders and to broaden the tax net. He was chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday to introduce reforms in Federal Board of Revenue. Prime Minister Imran Khan also advised Offshore Taxation Commissionerates to solve cases pertaining to offshore assets
at the earliest. He emphasised to restoring people’s trust in FBR. Prime Minister said unfortunately all previous governments had intentionally or unintentionally ignored the lapses in the tax system. The prime minister was briefed that new website and facilitation desk are being launched by the chairman Federal Board of Revenue. It was said that internal audit department is being separated from FBR to enhance performance of the organization and ensure transparency. It was informed that notices have been issued to hundreds of people in light of the information received from various sources
ialkot based surgical instruments manufacturers, vendors and exporters have urged the government to announce advanced training programmes and workshops of the essential skills for preparing and providing the skilled labour to the surgical industry of Sialkot, enabling it to meet the global trade challenges, besides, ensuring surgical exporters’easy access to world’s international trade markets as well. Leader of surgical industry of Sialkot-Pakistan Chairman Jehangir Bajwa stated this while talking to the newsmen here. Chairman Surgical Instruments Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SIMAP) Khalilur Rehman Mughal was also present on this occasion. Jehangir Bajwa said that Sialkot’s surgical industry has been suffering from the shortage of skilled labour. He added that more than one century old surgical industry of Sialkot-Pakistan was in dire need of skilled labour. He revealed that the time was high to modernize the surgical industry by ensuring the early transfer of advanced manufacturing technology from European countries to this industry in Sialkot as well. He disclosed that the surgical industry of Sialkot-Pakistan has enough potential to double the surgical exports from existing US $ 400 million within the next couple of years with the proper patronage by the government, in this regard. On this occasion, Chairman SIMAP Khalilur Rehman askedthesurgicalexporterstoalsofocusonthediversificationof traditionaltonon-traditionalsurgicalinstruments.Headdedthatthisdirelyneeded earlydiversificationcouldhelptoboostsurgicalinstruments’exports.Hesaidthat surgicalIndustryisproducingoverten thousanddifferentmedicalinstruments.
regarding Pakistani citizens having taxable assets on foreign lands. The meeting was told that Offshore Taxation Commissionerates have been established in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, and Multan to investigate foreign assets of Pakistani citizens and to dispose of such cases on priority basis. The prime minister was briefed that a comprehensive plan has been prepared to introduce reforms in Federal Board of Revenue aimed at facilitating taxpayers. Prime minister also directed to the chairman Federal Board of Revenue to form the rules under the relevant laws regarding the benami assets as soon as possible.
Islamabad customs generates rs50 million through auction of goods, vehicles C
ISLAMABAD
tArIQ DeryA
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ollectorate of Customs earned Rs50 million revenue through auction of non-duty paid goods and vehicles. Deputy Collector Wajid Zaman told Customs Today that smuggled goods were sold in Rs6 million while 28 vehicles were sold in Rs44 million. He said letters were sent to chambers of commerce and industry for participation in auction while informed the public through print and electronic media whereas banners were also displayed at different locations to inform general public. He said that the staff of the Collectorate conducted auction with transparent manner and according to Customs Act 1969.
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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06
SPECIALREPORT
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Policy estment export v In d r Relate 023” fo “Trade k 2015-2 . The IT sector in r o w . e s m it a un as nts Fr otential investme f existing sector cement o -holding of SME ten- oriented as remarkable p mber of IT la p e R o h d n an ue p g nu ister For the h it to realize its tr ounce a Pakista by the increasin . To enhance ance Min n n g nt ederal Fin Technology n ta n e F a li is ”. b id k ld r a v a u e be n P to o e c h e rtups in tor, it should also r ation e and e Government s the new SMEs. ta private s m rc s r fo d fo e k s s In a c b ta fo r e t th s A a fo s l, r a t. e y IT th r a ti f b to a d o e is he said should rity sec exports Tax Holi a p a c ka g near to h Nive year at Prior notice fNicials on the ded in the prio ents. AppropriSector is formed and soon r. ISLAMABAD toDAy report O th lu tm x c s a e id T in cto it of e sa d inv S ay.com n also has been ounced for IT se cuSt.cousm mis- H ved before the vis ess community. rt oriente payment solutio o m p o od x c st e n m n o to n r l a ti se ta a sy busin ector. atiza www will be at the to mises of r d for IT s te and e with full that Priv He said n asked to work sector the pre s Hyder said th reduced to 6 a eds to be designe Ashraf called fo c a e d e n e li a n b o e b lm ti b m u ld A a s . p u m it a ha bil r es sho ion h aking xes e.g Mian Mu easures for reha ar said Asad s rottle for loss m that 11-membe ber of tax bour related ta sional m r u te n h is m k in ti te a s If la immedia inance M d to make th terprises. He said ed for “Sarmay WF Profe clubbing y, Farooq f LPG e d e ra l F en en- by I, PESSI, WPPF, W eral and Provin- of steel industr cal producers o isar form s ledge n l re p e p e ra s e b re a d s h 8 e B a d N F lo e e h O x f v e F E m a o ta d x th r h ju e s a a n e Umer T o e in ld ian A erty y of th t issu of taxes men b kistan” that wou te sector whil and Prop ax. The frequenc labor tax tha ld be resolved. M allow purchase clubbing te the business a a t. P n iv r e p T nm ou sed nt to s. facilita cial Sales the gover and sh ve propo of taxes. ves from overnme non-Niler Budget to g a large number de this tati ining will be from R Chairman Dr. payments of abo F, WWF Clubbed) ial urged the g vehicles to the that old c a a P in P FB m in nd id rem who pay reforms PESSI, W ccasion, n d P rov of land a d Ali Mian sa iven same Minister the LCCI On this o an said that FBR of the (EOBI, ax (Federal a year. g ma e m b Federal nt on demand of peaking a o h u ls T a e s a h M e of Sales rioritie es nzeb K be onc should p a il eme ts ered to th c s h h n ld ff p n e u ie w Je o u o to m r tr o g h y s e n s e a in d u n ) & e y p d a th d d b e H . e e in e f g b s rc ll o re th a e b a a in c f e d m lu e C on om t Alm buil shari lso b which ncy o Presiden ore Chamber of C President are rnment for trust n is nothing else e freque me Tax should a e to- facilities blished. Sohail La stry while h T e e o h ic at the La he LCCI Senior V , former gov said that litigati capital. He said Corporate Inco ill bring down th ear. newly esta n of tourism indu lled for T ir He ca otio n his w 6ay e and Industry. Shahzad Nas ommittee Sheikh for prom resolutio ments to e a year. T ste of tim C but a wa native dispute d to settle onc equency of tax pay (Wholesale & Shahid Hassan rday’s off. Khawaja rs and Executive ccasion. ue r tu tal fr o romote t alter are for Reven es secto rage & tion of Sa ofNice-be also spoke on the business tha anism is being p rt and Lahore he servic nsportation, Sto rance elimina l Minister of State t Standard T h u t c s o a e r c ra th m tha Insu t-ofde, T in this Federa Membe being sues ou facility of har said mer said partner ratio retail tra ation, Finance & driver of mad Az edures (SOPs) are ption Asad U ould be given the federal the is r will be FBR’s ic m P in n a a u D H m m -G o m e a c th Co em mbe Tax-t ity w ming tan with rating Pro sing) is of tax ex commun ollector in the co t building Cha rd. He said that ved. and Hou growth in Pakis e GDP. To Ope ed for issuance c s a ro x g u p e ta id tr r a im le s t e g th a r lv b ic th sin vo ess to t in yde He said ess prem d busin s would have resident Almas H ent of econom tion of 60 percen e services e tiNicates. budget. government an u s at busin SOPs are m P er th c y I ib r a id a C u tr p C ra o n le L s t h o e b a c e it a e h th th n T e ze He said en ceased and between y is need of th economy neNit of sory note should to reali s of well. He e g it t the be is sector rm te s have b in this regard as ntation commun tor will be leadin vernment tha ds through prom e other sectors e in is l a ti e n b d c te o th n e e g m o ld ll s p refu to a shou s. He Imple e g form while private extended zero rated sector es century xports, it ized and bein at Tax Reforms e tax policy and e e t b s o 1 2 ls a e ti Du hil Nive id th ator. in th tor incentiv the sa eparated is active w Regulatory ddition to ivate sec t as facilit cluded in ec- Committee ation are being s r Mian would ac that FBR and pr each other in a at elimination of aterial lines to in th tr s te He said honor to t promis- said on all the raw m usiness and priority the tax adminis rovincial Minis at draf a ) ve to give gb P aid th s l a b tors in would ha uilding. He said th r was the (RD ce the cost of doin ompetitive. Iq ha Aslam c b u cto l policy for trust for industrial se will help red g manufacturing vernment industria by the cab f o in s it o k g te a d o n m that at e roved sory n ctor a rivate se He said th been app on Quaid-e-Aza He said teps to reduce th idea of p issue of liquidity. bill soon. s in k e r e k o ik ta W e nt h uld ce 0 acres a net. resolve th ill approve Ninan at interest sho st rate. The rece to 10% rk on 150 Zones a P l re a re p w th Ap inte said y rate conomic cabinet stion, he nk saying the SBP polic ears) has made Special E the way. Cabi To a que tter of central ba y e le v n r b Ni a o fo in b e well sustain e ma (highest highly expensiv ges passed la rate is th s are a must for has also policy w ing ura w o g c ro is r in d o v a b d s t. n n t en er tha debt deletio ector a developm nly 10.4 p regulat private s t that needs ld economic r, savings were o u o rules and ase p h n s e t n tm e s e m v n r in d e . n v w o Last yea to eG cate y lo for la le per cent were ver ncing. Th s, demar cent that hould be 25 to 28 rget of 7 Nina ne urban centre t up SEZs all would d t rowth ta would rezo ial land and se These s g forwarde l a u n n n a tr ta e s is u th t k d e a e in v P cabin k of at achie n. so t said th State Ban r Pakista approval per cent. intain a balance. provincial ove e LCCI Presiden payment h a e T re m a th s to m ie l fro have plant at industr t. Federa emption He said th 18th amendmen ld take the ex Tax on imported Nield u s n r o w ale fte ree subject a cial government get their of S machinery for G udget in ini-B and M e and Prov ers on board to th e in projects o be granted to th r stakehold edback. Zones ls fo a ic m ld o u fe ts n o c o le h je s l Ec valuab ld pro nd at Specia brownNie Modernization a He said th importance. f o s n , o g ti t in s ra c o e n p la tm o a u t B tha are of hands of “I believe He said, hould be in the Zs s these SE
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— Exclusive Customs Today photo
d d. n ft as biam and s is inet bour while tions policy be to the for oon.
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FEBRUARy 05 - FEBRUARy 11, 2019
SPECIALREPORT 07
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08 EDITORIAL
FEBRUARy 05 - FEBRUARy 11, 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
SBp’s quarterly report
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irst quarterly report for the year 2018-19 released by the State Bank on 29th January contains, as usual, an apt description of state of the economy. This could be due to the fact that the report was published with a considerable delay when most of the macro-economic indicators were actually available. According to the report, "overall macroeconomic environment remained challenging during the first quarter of Fy19". There were also uncertainties about balance of payments (BoP) support. Fiscal pressures too remained intact as expenditure rigidities left a limited room for manoeuvre. The response of the new government was cuts in development spending, partial reversal of tax relief measures and finding avenues to bridge the external financing gap. While the stabilisation process could continue, at least in the short-term, it is important to urgently initiate and expedite the needed structural reforms in the economy. After achieving a 13-year high growth of 5.8 percent in Fy18, Pakistan's economy is showing signs of moderation due to underperformance of both agricultural and industrial sectors. While underlying inflationary pressures remained strong and the twin deficits stayed at elevated levels, monetary policy was tightened with the policy rate raised by 100 basis points during the quarter. Average inflation during Q1-Fy19 increased to 5.6 percent -the highest quarterly growth since Q1-Fy15 and was projected to increase to 6.5-7.5 percent during 2018-19 as against the target of 6.0 percent during the year. Fiscal deficit widened to Rs 541.7 billion during Q1-Fy19 compared to 440.8 billion in the corresponding period of last year due mainly to a steep rise in current spending. SBP has projected the overall fiscal deficit at 4.5-5.5 percent of GDP during Fy19 as compared to the target of 4.0 percent. Although there was a slight narrowing of C/A deficit, the level of deficit, nonetheless, remained worrisome. The pressure on the balance of payments continued to mount, with the country's FX reserves declining by dollar 1.4 billion and PKR depreciating by 2.2 percent during the quarter. C/A deficit has been projected to range between 4.55.5 percent of GDP compared to the target of 4.0 percent during Fy19. While the macro-economic indicators during the first quarter were deeply troubling, the report gives some hope about the prospects of the economy during the remaining period of Fy19. According to the outlook, C/A deficit could improve as foreign exchange inflows are expected during the year from both private and official sources.
Doing business I
LAHORE
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n the next Nive years, the PTI government wants Pakistan to be in the list of the top 50 countries where it is easier to do business than elsewhere in the world. The target appears ambitious given Pakistan’s current position at 136 among 190 economies ranked by the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index. Yet, many would say it is doable. The country has already successfully improved its rank by 11 points from 147 in 2017 because of reforms initiated three years back. However, the bureaucracy’s anti-business bias and red tape could delay the execution of the required reforms. After all, the simpliNication of procedures and friendlier regulations will weaken ofNicialdom’s control over businesses and plug one of the most
lucrative avenues of corruption. The government is trying to remove snags hampering investment and industrial growth by tweaking policies and attempting to improve regulations to unshackle industry and attract investors to escalate economic growth. It has announced several Niscal and policy incentives that it expects will help revive investor conNidence. Now it is focusing on creating a sustainable business-friendly regulatory environment to woo domestic and foreign investment, essential for long-term, rapid economic growth. Top trade and investment ofNicials the other day highlighted some of the measures they had executed or are going to implement in the next few months to make it easier for an investor to start a business or set up an industry. These measures include a decrease in the number of tax and other payments companies make to the government from 47 to 16, reduced
The govt needs to give equal attention to improve factors of production if it wants to reverse the process of deindustrialisa tion
interaction between state functionaries and businesspeople through the use of technology, launch of a one-window facility for registration of a company or property, automation of construction permits and the creation of dedicated ofNices to facilitate smooth business operations. Going forward, it plans to club together multiple federal and provincial taxes and levies into one to make it easier for Nirms to pay their government dues. Indeed, simpler laws, regulations and procedures are crucial for encouraging private investment. However, the government needs to give equal attention to improve factors of production if it wants to reverse the process of deindustrialisation and boost exports. For example, it should initiate projects to improve labour productivity, ensure availability of lowcost capital to the industry especially the small and medium entrepreneurs and develop efNicient industrial estates with plug-and-play facility for investors.
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NATIONAL 09
FEBRUARy 05 - FEBRUARy 11, 2019
punjab gets 0.9pc IDc on imports from India through Wagha
LAHORE: Punjab receives 0.9 percent Infrastructure Development Cess (IDC) on imports from India through Wagha This was stated by the Minister for Finance Hashim Jawan Bakht in Punjab Assembly on question asked by member assembly Naseer Ahmad. All taxes are being collected by the federal board of revenue on imports from India and Punjab on provincial basis is not receiving any tax on imports from India through Wagha border. While during movement of goods from city to city Punjab government gets 0.9 percent infrastructure development cess only.
FBRlodgescomplaint againstAirport LimousineServices for concealment of income
‘NAB should take action against illegal appointment of Indians at QIct’
KARACHI
LAHORE
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he Customs Court directed investigation officer to complete investigation and submit charge sheet against Muhammad Amir Sadagar, director M/s Airport Limousine Services and others, who are nominated in a case of tax evasion through investing in the name of employee, depriving exchequer of due amount of tax. Investigation officer appeared before the court and informed that during the investigation, it was revealed that the abovenamed suspect has no financial resources available to purchase property amounting to Rs110,000,000 and no sources to have shareholding in the huge company namely M/s Airport Limousine Services. He submitted that in a show cause notice, suspect was asked to explain the source of investment in above-mentioned company, where he is director, in response thereof as well, he stated that he has no source available to invest in the above-referred company and he is only a name lender and his employer Saleem Habib Godil is the real owner of his holding in the referred company. Investigation officer further said that it was found that Muhammad Amir Sadagar and others are involved in concealment of income by using an employee and introducing in the company as director or committing tax evasion and depriving the exchequer of due amount.
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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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arrister Ejaz Ali Bhatti has urged the Ministry of Interior and National Accountability Bureau to take stern action against illegal appointment of Indians at Qasim International Containers Terminal (QICT) Karachi. While talking to Customs Today, senior lawyer Lahore High Court (LHC) Barrister Ejaz Ali Bhatti who is also a foreign qualiNied legal expert, said that Indians allegedly working unlawfully at Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT) without the issuance of No Objection CertiNicate (NOC) by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) might be a national security risk. He said that law enforcement agencies must hold the license of 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 ofNicials at key posts in DP World Karachi who are operating Pakistan strategic ports, posing threat to national security of Pakistan. Talking with Customs Today, Barrister Ejaz Ali Bhatti expressed shock at the presence of Indians working at key posts at the QICT. Indian involvement could also be seen in increasing irregularities at the QICT where importers based in Pakistan got frustrated due to demands of extra demurrage & detention charges, the advocate
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
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Barrister ejaz Ali Bhatti added. He further said that the Interior Ministry should immediately start prob against the presence of Indian ofNicials at QICT in any shape in order to safeguard the national economy & security. Barrister added that the Supreme Court of Pakistan should take notice against the QICT as most of its shares
are given in hands of enemies. He appealed to the Chief Justice to direct the government agencies like FIA and NAB to take action against such acts of QICT as discreet control of highly sensitive port could pose a serious risk to national security. He said in order to secure national economy, the government must stop
Indian nationals to get information like in and out movement at the port which could be made possible only if people like Rizwan Sultanali Soomar, chairman and director of M/s DP World Karachi and Devang Mankodi a Director at DP World Karachi, should not be allowed to control Pakistani ports.
Appeal to take steps to reduce interest rate To,
Asad Umar Federal Minister for Finance, Islamabad Dear Sir,
This is to bring in your notice that the recent hike in the SBP policy rate by 10% (highest in Nive years) has made borrowing highly expensive for private sector and discourages investment. Sir the beneNit of the payment of refunds through promissory note should also be extended to all the other sectors in addition to Nive zero-rated sectors while elimination of Regulatory Duties (RD) on all the raw material lines to reduce the cost of doing business and making manufacturing competitive. Now the government should take
steps to reduce the interest rate. The recent hike in the SBP policy rate by 10% (highest in Nive years) has made borrowing highly expensive for private sector and discourages investment that needs debt Ninancing. The current government should rezone urban centers, demarcate industrial land and set up SEZs all over Pakistan.
The exemption from the payment of sales tax on imported plant and machinery for GreenNield projects in the mini-budget should also be granted to the brownNield projects for Balancing, Modernization and Replacement of existing units. For the hand-holding of SME sector and enabling it to realize its true potential, the Government should
announce a Nive year Tax Holiday for the new SMEs. Prior notice should be served before the visit of Tax OfNicials on the premises of the business community. Total number of taxes should be reduced to 6by clubbing Laborrelated taxes e.g. EOBI, PESSI, WPPF, WWF Professional andProperty Tax Federal and Provincial Sales Tax. The frequency of the tax payments of above-proposed labor tax (EOBI, PESSI, WPPF, WWFClubbed) and Sales Tax (Federal and Provincial Clubbed) should be once a year. The frequency of the payments of Corporate Income Tax should also be once a year. This will bring down the total frequency of tax payments to 6 a year. Best Regards,
Almas Hyder, LCCI President, Lahore
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10 NATIONAL
FEBRUARy 05 - FEBRUARy 11, 2019
Deputy collector Ittrat hussain distributes work among staff of class-Iv
LAHORE: Collectorate of Customs Preventive Deputy Collector Syed Ittrat Hussain issued office order for distribution of work among staff of class-IV. According to office order no havaldar or sepoy shall work in depature or arrival lounges whose duty is assigned at gates, while no havaldar or sepoy will work on examination counters ay deviation shall entail disciplinary proceedings against the delinquent official under E&D rules. Sepoy Shahid Hussain will perform his duty at Hajj Gate, Salahuddin at Project Gate.
presence of Indians at QIct a serious security threat: Advocate Aamir Shoukat ISLAMABAD
ShAhID mINhAS
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resence of Indians at Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT) is not only an issue of increasing irregularities at the QICT but also a national security risk. As Indians support for terrorism in Pakistan is well-known so Interior Ministry should take immediate action on the matter and conduct a high-level investigation into the issue to punish the responsible ofNicials in order to secure economy by banning those Indians involved in the suspicious and anti-state activities in Pakistan. These views were expressed by Member High Court Bar Association, Senior Organizer Human Rights Forum and Advocate High Court Aamir Shaukat while exclusively talking to Customs Today. Advocate Aamir Shoukat showed serious concerns that Indians are operating and controlling one of the strategic assets of Pakistan in the shape of QICT where importers based in Pakistan got discouraged due to demands of extra demurrage & detention charges. It is a serious national security issue and should be addressed with immediate effect. He added that Indians always defame our image as a nation at large and discourage importers through ill-treating. They are damaging Pakistan at every forum. Our investigative institutions including NAB and speciNically Interior Ministry
must address this issue with immediate effect as ‘we are not in a position to ignore such serious matters’. Aamir said that as a political worker and former Information Secretary Mardan of PPP Sherpao, he will raise this issue in party meeting to highlight this at Nloor of the House in Provincial Assembly. He said ‘we should raise this serious issue at every level as it is a national security issue. Aamir added how it is possible that without interior ministry permission and NOC
law enforcement agencies must hold the license of m/s QIct due to its operations without clearance of moI these Indians are allowed to work here in such an important area of the country. He demanded that law enforcement agencies must hold the license of 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 officials at key posts in DP World Karachi who are operating Pakistan strategic ports, posing threat to national security of Pakistan. Aamir Shoukat also said that in order to secure national economy, the government must stop
Indian nationals to get information like in and out movement at the port while QICT as most of its shares are given in hands of enemies. FIA and NAB should take action against such acts of QICT as discreet control of highly sensitive port could pose a serious risk to national security.
FBR reviewing duties & taxes on tobacco sector, Senate body told F
ISLAMABAD
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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has informed the Senate Ninance committee that FBR is in process of rationalizing the duties and taxes on the tobacco sector and has hired the consultants in this regard, whereas other measures were also put in place to check the smuggling of cigarettes. The committee also unanimously proposed 10 per cent increase in the salaries of government employees due to increasing inNlationary impact on an ordinary person. However, the ofNicials of the Ministry of Finance opposed the suggestion due to the mount-
ing Niscal deNicit. Committee has directed the Ministry of Planning Development and Reforms to ensure the appropriate release of funds allocated for the construction of small dams and water conservation projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the Ninancial year 2018-19. The committee met with Senator Farooq H Naek in the chair and discussed the recommendation on the Finance Supplementary (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019. Senator Kalsoom Parveen told the meeting that tobacco growers and industry in the country were facing problems as Federal Excise Duty (FED) of Rs300 per kg was imposed on the commodity, which
had forced the industrialists to shut down their businesses. She continued that the tobacco sector was contributing about Rs4.5 billion in terms of revenue and each unit was also providing livelihood to 100 to 150 people, adding that “tax burden has crippled the sector badly”. Meanwhile, the Federal Board of Revenue’s member apprised the committee that domestic tobacco production was recorded at 70 million kg annually and out of the total production of the commodity, 10 million kg were exported. He said that two major multinational companies, including Philip Morris Pakistan and Pakistan Tobacco Company, were the major buyers of domestic produce,
adding that a large quantity of the output was smuggled to Azad Kashmir for value addition, which caused revenue losses. He said that in order to check the smuggling of tobacco and penetration of non-duty paid cigarettes in the domestic markets, Rs300 per kg duty was imposed on domestic tobacco. He added that domestic produces were only contributing one percent in total revenue whereas the rest of the amount was paid by the multinational companies. Senator Dilawar Khan asked the FBR to rationalize the SRO 1149 to protect the local industry and attract the foreign investment as well as facilitate the tobacco growers across the country.
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CARTOONSSPECIAL 11
FEBRUARy 05 - FEBRUARy 11, 2019
Additional collector Asma declares seizure of NDp toyota coaster as legal
FAISALABAD: Customs Adjudication Deputy Collector Asma Hameed issued ONO in favor of the Anti-Smuggling Organization Jhang. Sources told Customs Today that ASO team received credible information about some non-customs paid vehicles. The anti-smuggling squad enhanced checking on main roads of Jhang. The ASO team impounded a Toyota Coaster bearing registration no: LES-112662. The owner Nazir Ahmed failed to produce any documents. During the checking process of the vehicle It was clear that the Mini Bus was brought to the country without payment of any duty.
customs court accepts charge sheet against accused in hSD smuggling KARACHI
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he Customs Court accepted interim charge sheet and granted bail to suspects namely Abdul Subhan son of Ameer Khan and Mir Gul son of Muhammad Murrad, who were booked in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid 17,200 liters High Speed Diesel (HSD). Investigation ofNicer of customs department submitted interim charge sheet against the above-mentioned suspects which was accepted by the court. During the hearing, counsel for the accused persons also Niled bail petition and argued that their clients are innocents and falsely implicated in this case, who are ready to face trail. Therefore, court may grant their bail till Ninal judgment in this case. After the hearing, court granted their bail against the surety of Rs100,000 and directed them to appear before the court on next date of hearing. Earlier, investigation
ofNicer of customs preventive had produced the above-mentioned suspects before the court and informed that an information was received to the effect that a Nissan Dumper Truck bearing registration no TLP-259 was
carrying smuggled/non-duty paid diesel oil concealed in a hidden tank under the cover load of gravel (crushed stones( would pass from Ghaggar Phattak, Karachi. He submitted that staff of ASO, Customs Preventive
reached at spot and found said Nissan dumper truck and during the search, customs ofNicials found 17,200 liters HSD oil from hidden tank fabricated under load of gravel/crush stones. According to the prosecution,
Quetta ASO impounds six trucks loaded with smuggled HSD worth Rs21 million
case was registered for violation of under Section 2(s) 156 (2) 157 (2) and 178 of Customs act, 1969, punishable under Clause 8 & 89 of Section 156 (1) ibid read with Section 3 (i) of Imports & Export Control Act, 1950.
prA serves notices to pmtA & lDA for not paying St of rs20 billion LAHORE
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C
QUETTA
tArIQ DeryA
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ollectorate of Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) impounded six trucks loaded with huge quantity of foreign origin diesel near Kolpur check post. Sources told Customs Today that Collector Ashraf Ali received credible information about smuggling attempt. He formed a team which
includes inspectors Asghar Khan and Salahuddin. The established check post near Kolpur and started checking of vehicles. During checking the ASO team intercepted a Hino truck bearing registration no: TKJ655 and during thorough search recovered 30000 liters of HSD which was tactfully hidden in crush stone worth more than Rs3 million, while at Baleli Check Post Inspectors Shabir Khan , Masroor Mangle, Abdul Qahir and Qurban Hussain
intercepted oil tankers bearing registration mo. JU-8056, TKV-331, TLG-453 TUA-870 and TKX-677 loaded with smuggled Iranian origin diesel. Sources informed that on demand the drivers of above said vehicles provided fake copies of delivery orders whereas the drivers and owners of the said loaded diesel could not satisfy custom authorities and therefore the fuel was detained worth Rs21.6 million.
he Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has issued show-cause notices to the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA) and the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) for not depositing about Rs20.2 billion sales tax from May 2016 to June 2018. According to the details, the Punjab Mass Transit Authority has been served a show-cause notice for non-payment of Rs12.7 billion tax against services. Similarly, the tax liable to be paid by the LDA has been assessed at Rs7.2 billion. “The Punjab Mass Transit Authority has been issued a notice for not withholding and depositing taxable amount of Rs12.9 billion against services received from the China Railways Corporation during the aforementioned period whereas the LDA has been questioned over non-payment of Rs7.2 billion it made to different contractors for civil works done in the wake of the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project. Both parties have been given 10 days to reply to the notices failing which the aforementioned amount would be received with fine,”said a PRA official.
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12
FEBRUARy 05 - FEBRUARy 11, 2019
faisalabad I&I seizes two smuggled generators worth rs35m
FAISALABAD: Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation impounded two smuggled generatord worth Rs 35 million. As per details, intelligence team intercepted the trailer bearing registration no: JV-1741 near Jhang Road and recovered a generator of 1200 KVA and 1500 KVA made in Japan. Team asked the driver namely Muhammad Saleem to produce the legal documents for having the legal possession of generator but he could not produce any kind of evidence in this regard.
Govt measures steering economy towards stabilization: Hammad Azhar ISLAMABAD
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M
inister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar said the government measures were steering the economy towards stabilization as the current account deNicit was coming down, exports were on the rise and measures were put in place to control hike in external and internal debt. “We have to take some tough decisions. The stabilization measures are not popular and slowdown occurs in the economy. We have to restructure the public sector enterprises,” he said while responding to a calling attention notice of Senator Sherry Rehman in the Senate about Pakistan’s total debt. The minister said according to the ofNicial debt Nigures, during the period from June to November, 2018, the domestic borrowing was Rs 11 billion less than the corresponding period of previous year. The external net borrowing from June to December, 2017 was at $ 6.8 billion while in the same period this year, the present government took loan of $ one billion, he explained. He said during the present government tenure, loans increased by Rs 2.3 trillion but still the external and net borrowing was less than the previous year. There was an impact due to devaluation of rupee against the dollar.
The minister said the economy inherited by the government was not that of Sweden or Switzerland as the current account deNicit and budget deNicits were high. In the sixth budget which the PMLN government should not have presented, the revenue was overstated and expenditure was
minister of State for revenue hammad Azhar understated. The previous government set the revenue target of Rs 5400 billion while this year, Rs 1946 billion were to be set aside for paying interest on loans, he noted. He said the circular debt rose from Rs 400 billion to Rs 1400 billion by the previous government and the losses of public sector
enterprises increased threefold to Rs 1200 billion. The government had to retire $ nine billion of Paris debt, he said adding state gas companies incurred losses of Rs 157 billion. Hammad said since 1971, the last ten years was a period of lowest growth and highest debt taking as
the debt grew from Rs 6000 billion to Rs 26000 billion, the current account deNicit rose from 2.5 percent and subsequently to 7, 12 and 19 percent and the imports grew by 26 percent. He said the devaluation of rupee against the dollar increased loans by Rs 1333 billion, while similarly due to devaluation of dollar during the last year of PMLN government the debt hiked by Rs 1100 billion. He said the former Ninance minister who was not in the country had the audacity to point Ningers at the present government for the present state of the economy. In the last two years, $ 25 billion were taken to defend the overvaluation of the dollar by the past government, he noted. Earlier, explaining her calling attention notice, Senator Sherry said Parliament was the source of democracy and in order to become a sovereign country, the government had to take care of economy and all segments of population. She said rising loans were affecting foreign reserves and decision making of the government. The total external and internal debt of Pakistan had surged to Rs 26.452 trillion, she told. The domestic debt had increased by 21 percent since June, 2018, adding the budget still could not be balanced due to rising deNicit which had put pressure on everyday prices and essential commodities in use of common man. The devaluation of Pakistani rupee by Rs 15 in last months had increased loans of Pakistan by Rs 1500 billions, she added.
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Presence of Indians without permission of Interior Ministry at Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT) is a huge risk for national security and these appointed Indians are allegedly involved into suspicious activities for creating economic unrest in the country. This was stated by Advocate Zafar Iqbal Ansari while talking to Customs Today about presence of Indian nationals at Qasim International Container Terminal. He said that relations between Pakistan and India remained complex and hostile due to multi-
ple conNlicts including Kashmir and others. Indian security agencies are highly involved in aiding terrorism to destroy peace and economic activities of our country. Everyone knew about Indian interference and support for terrorism in Balochistan and Karachi as well as its security and intelligence agencies’ link with the banned outNit organizations, and Indians are sponsoring terrorism to weaken Pakistan. Our security forces have arrested red-handedly Indian Kulbhusan Sudhir Jadhav from Balochistan on charges of terrorism and spying for Indian Intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Terrorist Kulbhusan Sudhir Jadhav admitted in his confession
— Exclusive Customs Today photo
Indians involvement in suspicious activities at QIct may create economic unrest: Advocate Zafar
Advocate Zafar Iqbal Ansari
that he was on a mission of destabilizing Balochistan and Karachi by promoting terrorism and he was strengthening separatist movements by assisting them Ninancially. He expressed that safety and economic security of Pakistan depended upon the secure use of the Qasim International Container Terminal. But there is also a question mark on the integrity of the national security that Indians are operating and controlling one of the strategic assets of Pakistan in the shape of QICT. After the implementation of national action plan, terrorism has been curbed in the country but responsible departments need to take up this issue and initiate strict action against M/s DP World Group which
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holds 75% shares in QICT and majority of the management staff, directors of board belongs to Indian nationals. These Indians are also causing unnecessary delay in the clearance of legal shipments and blackmail importers by charging exorbitant detention and demurrage charges which decelerates the revenue collection of government. Importers are upset due to their blackmailing and compelled to give additional charges for the timely clearance which enhances their cost of business. Indians are defaming national image at large and discouraging importers through ill-treating. Government needs to revisit its national policy to secure economy by banning those Indians involved in the suspicious and anti-national activities.