The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has decided to establish a 'Model' customs collectorate (MCC) at Gwadar to facilitate international importers and foreign companies. Sources said on Friday that the decision was part of CBR plan to set up MCCs in all major cities, including Gawadar.
All MCCs would become operational by December 2007. In this connection, the CBR Chairman Abdullah Yusuf convened a meeting with project directors of Nespak and tax managers to review the layout design of various MCCs and security measures necessary for these stations.
Sources said that it has been decided that the Board would take up the matter with the provincial government of Balochistan for acquisition/provision of land for the establishment of Model Customs Collectorate at Gwadar. The step has been taken to encourage foreign investment and streamline import/exports of non-resident companies and investors through MCC, Gwadar.
The Chairman observed that Gwadar Port Development Authority was willing to provide space within the port area for customs operations. It was, accordingly, decided that Quetta Customs Collector should pursue the matter with Gwader Port Development Authority for allocation of space in the port area for customs operations/requirements.
The Board has also decided that the assessment area of the MCC, Quetta should be restricted/secluded from general area by fixing/erecting a glass doors. As far as security arrangements are concerned, sources said that all customs houses should have proper security arrangements, with scanners and computerised entry cards as biometric attendance systems. Buildings must be secured against illegal/unauthorised entry. The areas restricted for general public should be clearly demarcated and made prohibited, sources said.
The CBR approved the priority/sequence of work on six MCCs with instructions that timelines be reduced for all operations for timely completion of the projects. Outlining the approved plan of MCC, sources said, the implementation plan has been devised on the basis of region-wise jurisdiction of MCCs.
SOUTHERN REGION: MCC, Hyderabad: It has been decided that space for the office of Collector of Customs (Appeals) should also be made available in the layout design of MCC Hyderabad if it has not already been provided in the Hyderabad RTO building. The Regional Project Director has subsequently confirmed that a provision for the office of Collector Appeals has been already made in the RTO building.
Establishment of TFC at Khokharapar Railway Station: It was decided that Collector, Hyderabad, would discuss the matter regarding location of the TFC at Khokhrapar Railway Station with all stakeholders and apprise of the latest position to the Board.
Shifting of Appellate Tribunal building to Customs House Karachi: It was observed that shifting of Tribunal to Customs House premises would not be feasible because of its locational disadvantages to advocates as the current premises is in close proximity of courts.
NORTHERN REGION: Tax Facilitation Centre at Wagha: The tender for construction of TFC at Wagha has already been approved by the Board and the World Bank and the same has been forwarded to Law Division for clearance/approval. The contractor will be mobilised to start the work on receipt of approval from the Law Division.
MCC LAHORE: A 300-person auditorium is planned adjacent to the income tax building and the same can be used by customs as well. It was accordingly decided that the 162-person auditorium proposed in the new MCC structure was not needed. The space available on this account would be used for other purposes so that the floor of main building can have more space available for Income Tax Enforcement.
MCC SAMBRIAL: The Board found the design satisfactory. However, some relocation and re-designation of offices were required. It was decided to complete the work on priority.
MCC ISLAMABAD: Design was found satisfactory. However, some relocation of warehouse and jail cells were required which would be done in consultation with the rest of the stakeholders.
MCC PESHAWAR: The Board agreed with the new design of MCC at Peshawar. But some technical changes would be made for proper relocation and accommodation under the MCC.
MCC FAISALABAD: The MCC is to be established in the existing building of Faisalabad Dry Port Trust for which renewed efforts have to be made to get the requisite space allocated by the Trust. The examination centre will be made in the present PRAL area.
MCC MULTAN: It was agreed that the single-storey building was in a poor state with plaster crumbling at places. The new customs house building designed by PWD, for which PC-1 has already been approved, is not conducive to present and future needs of the MCC.
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