Importers, exporters can see clearance process on their computers and this is how we have tried to minimize corruption as much as possible
KARACHI: The Port Muhammad Bin Qasim authorities have collected Rs 312 billion against the assigned target of Rs 247 billion till March 27, 2017, Collector Saeed Akram has said.
In an exclusive interview with Customs Today, he said that the collection is 13 percent more than the assigned target.
The collector Port Muhammad Bin Qasim said that the port was handling bulk cargoes which enabled the department to cross the assigned target. However, he said that increase in shipping cargoes also brings challenges as well as opportunities for the department.
Collector Akram said that the port was number one in terms of revenue generation. “We have several departments including anti-smuggling, preventive, assessment, appraisement, enforcement,” he said, adding that “whatever comes in your mind related to a port activity we have all the services.”
“Handling the port services is a big challenge, so we try our best to facilitate taxpayers within due time and with transparency,” he said. “We have achieved the target with hardworking and devotion,” said the collector.
He said that, in future, coal is going to become the biggest source of energy in Pakistan. “We have developed a separate terminal, Pakistan International Bulk Terminal (PIBTL), for the transportation coal,” he said, adding that “the terminal is sprawling over an area of 72 acres and it costs the government $285 million.”
Collector Saeed said the terminal is environment friendly and the authorities have complied with all the international environmental laws during the construction of the terminal.
While answering a query about transparency on the port, Saeed Akram said that everything is online now. “The exporters, importers and officials can see the clearance process on their computers and this is how we have tried to minimize corruption in the department,” he said.
“We have also developed a mechanism in which every assistant collector would be responsible for whatever happens in his/ her jurisdiction irrespectively,” he said.
He stated that customs will have to play a key role in China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and that is why the customs department has acquired 12 acres of land in Gwadar and has started a mega infrastructure with the enormous amount of Rs 1.2 billion.
He added that “with the great responsibilities of CPEC, we will need a large number of employees, therefore, employment opportunities will be created in bulk in the country.
On a question of unnecessary delay to clear consignments, he replied that “we have adopted an efficient Risk Management System (RMS) which has expedited proper process of examination of containers.
Besides this, he said: “We have created a criteria for our officers to clear the consignments by checking the classification of items, valuation according to the ruling or historical data.” If somebody has applied or exemptions according to some SROs or FTAs, the officials would check it accordingly, he said, adding that “rationalization of taxes is the best way to prevent smuggling.
Saeed Akram said he has worked with some very professional and experienced people and among them are Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Dr Muhammad Irshad and Member Customs Zahid Khokhar. “I know how to handle affairs professionally,” he said. He said that both the senior officials are popular and efficient officers, I think they are the best choice for the department, he added.
