Latest news with #PakistanCustoms
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Customs data purge raises red flags over audit integrity
LAHORE: The Pakistan Customs is facing criticism for purging import-export data older than five years from its central digital repository, WeBOC. The data purge, which began in March 2025, is part of the transition to the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) platform. However, this move has raised concerns about the transparency and accountability. The purge may disrupt statutory audits, particularly for oil and gas imports, where audits are conducted after five years to levy surcharges or recover duties. Furthermore, several court cases involving customs fraud and misdeclaration, some dating back over five years, may be impacted, potentially compromising justice and revenue recovery. The data purge has also resulted in limited access, with only the deputy collector RMS retaining limited access to legacy data. This centralizes control and restricts oversight, raising concerns about accountability and the potential for data manipulation. The implications of this policy shift are far-reaching. The purge may hinder revenue recovery efforts, particularly in cases where audits and investigations are pending. Trade and legal circles are urging caution, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the data purge process. Stakeholders are demanding a more nuanced approach to ensure that the rights of all parties are protected. The lack of transparency and limited access to data may compromise the integrity of audits and investigations, ultimately affecting revenue recovery and justice. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Tax exemption misuse: Senate panel voices concern over abuse of IT sector
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Finance, while voicing its reservations over the statistics of the IT export proceeds provided by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), expressed apprehensions that other export sectors were using it for tax evasion. In a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance held under the chairmanship of Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, the SBP official said that the total IT exports from Pakistan was $920 million. He said that this amount was compiled on the basis of data provided by the banks. Senator Anusha Rahman questioned the credibility of the data. She said that in this amount there is no bifurcation that how much amount comes through the software exports or services provided by freelancers. Rahman said because of the non-availability of authentic data of freelancers export proceeds, the government is finding it difficult to convince international payment platforms such as PayPal to start operations in Pakistan because they think that the consumer base for them is very small. Chairman Committee Saleem Mandviwala said that a lot of textile mills have opened software houses and they were remitting a portion of their export proceeds in guise of IT exports. Rahmansaid there is only one percent tax on non-registered freelancers and IT exporters and on registered freelancers the tax rate is mere 0.25percent, whereas, the tax rate on textile and other sectors is 30 percent. She said there is a strong possibility that the exporters from other sectors might be using IT platform for tax evasion. The SBP official said the banks were fully vigilant and responsible to find out that whether any exporter was misusing the IT platform for tax evasion. He said so far, the SBPhad not find out any such dubious activity. He assured the committee that from now onwards the SBP would bifurcate freelancers' exports data on its website. While discussing software exports over the last 15 years, the committee recommended the SBP to submit data with the clear categorisation of freelancers' share in software exports. The committee also recommended the non-inclusion of periodical and journal subscriptions in the IT services list. Furthermore, the committee was briefed on the AI-based customs system introduced within the Export Facilitation Scheme. Officials informed that the AI system has been introduced to upgrade the existing machine learning model in order to bring efficiency to Pakistan Customs. Senator Mandviwalla inquired about the FBR's plan to introduce AI in Pakistan Customs and its expected benefits for the business sector. The committee recommended a detailed briefing on the inclusion of AI in Pakistan Customs, following the models of developed nations, in the upcoming meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
19-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Gerry's Dnata establishes help desk to accept claims from importers
LAHORE: Gerry's dnata, a leading ground handling and cargo services provider, has established a help desk and dedicated email address, [email protected], to accept claims from importers whose consignments were damaged in the recent warehouse fire at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport. This move aims to provide efficient support to affected customers and facilitate the claims process. This development comes on the heels of a recent incident where a massive fire engulfed the Gerry Dnata warehouse at Allama Iqbal International Airport, resulting in significant damage to consignments. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. The fire sparked controversy, with customs clearing agents expressing frustration over delays in processing Goods Declarations (GDs) by Pakistan Customs appraisers. A devastating fire broke out at the Gerry Dnata warehouse on Wednesday, causing extensive damage to goods worth millions of rupees. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, suspected to be linked to the ongoing rainy weather conditions. Meanwhile, Customs clearing agents have expressed frustration over delays in GD processing, leading to demurrages and losses. A delegation from the All Pakistan Customs Agents Association had already met with the Collector of Customs Air Freight Unit (AFU) Exports section to register their protest and discuss issues leading to the incident. The Collector had assured that show-cause notices would be issued to responsible staff and duties would be refunded after due confirmation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
08-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan plans to slash container dwell time at ports by 70% to boost trade efficiency
KARACHI: Pakistan plans to cut container dwell time at its seaports by up to 70% to improve trade competitiveness and ease congestion, according to an official statement by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs on Tuesday, which also announced the formation of a committee to present recommendations within ten days. The initiative is part of the government's broader efforts to modernize its port infrastructure and position Pakistan as a regional trade and transit hub. Islamabad is working to increase the efficiency of its ports in Karachi and Gwadar as it seeks to expand connectivity with global markets, including plans to launch a ferry service to Gulf countries and encourage landlocked Central Asian states to use Pakistani ports for access to international sea lanes. The announcement to reduce the dwell time followed a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry at the Federal Board of Revenue headquarters with senior officials from Pakistan Customs, Karachi Port Trust and other relevant bodies. 'Minister Junaid Chaudhry emphasized that reducing dwell time is not merely an administrative change, but a strategic move to enhance port efficiency, lower logistics costs and strengthen Pakistan's standing in the regional trade and logistics landscape,' the statement said. He also announced the formation of the committee and tasked its members with identifying procedural bottlenecks and proposing measures to expedite cargo clearance. Currently, container dwell time at Pakistani ports averages around a week. The government's target is to reduce this to just two days, following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. To support implementation, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs will establish a dedicated monitoring room to oversee real-time container movements. 'Drones and AI technology will also be deployed to monitor vessel docking operations through to the container's exit from the terminal,' the minister said during the meeting. He noted that persistent delays in container release impose additional costs on importers and exporters, diminishing Pakistan's competitiveness in international markets.
Business Recorder
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan Customs detects import fraud at AHICT, KICT
KARACHI: Pakistan Customs has detected tax fraud involving mis-declaration of high-value electronic goods and machinery in two separate cases at Al-Hamd International Container Terminal (AHICT) and Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT). According to the details, the Collectorate of Customs, Appraisement, West has registered two separate FIRs for high-value import frauds through mis-declaration of goods. The first fraud was reported at Al-Hamd International Container Terminal, where customs officials discovered severe discrepancies between the declared items and actual contents during examination. 'The accused attempted to evade approximately Rs. 74 million in taxes and duties through falsified documentation,' the documents said. 'The mis-declared goods, valued at Rs. 213 million, included concealed high-value electronics and switched items.' The investigation revealed the importer had submitted manipulated invoices and bills of lading through the WeBOC system. In another case, the accused company allegedly attempted to pass off advanced computerized injection moulding machines as older, less valuable equipment by affixing fake identification plates. Customs officials conducting a re-examination at Karachi International Container Terminal discovered undeclared equipment, including vertical colour mixers and hoppers. The scheme attempted to evade Rs. 2 million in duties on goods valued at Rs. 15.23 million. Multiple individuals have been implicated, including company directors, clearing agents, KICT, and AHICT staff. The investigation remains ongoing with further arrests expected as authorities work to identify all involved parties. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
