Author: Faisal Shahnawaz

Rupee eases against dollar in early trading

KARACHI: The Pak Rupee eased slightly against US dollar in early day trading on Wednesday despite demand for import and corporate payments.

The dollar is being traded at Rs139.40 in interbank foreign exchange market. The foreign currency market was ended at Rs139.39 a day earlier.

Currency experts said that the local currency was under pressure for the last few days due to the government affirmation for new loan negotiation with the IMF.

The experts said that value of the local unit might rebound with the inflows of financial assistance from friendly countries.

March 20, 2019
Advance tax on sales to distributors, dealers and wholesalers

KARACHI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has made manufacturers responsible for collecting advance tax on sales to distributors, dealers and wholesalers.

The tax has been imposed under Section 236G of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

Section 236G: Advance tax on sales to distributors, dealers and wholesalers

Sub-Section (1): Every manufacturer or commercial importer of electronics, sugar, cement, iron and steel products, fertilizer, motorcycles, pesticides, cigarettes, glass, textile, beverages, paint or foam sector, at the time of sale to distributors, dealers and wholesalers, shall collect advance tax at the rate specified in Division XIV of Part IV of the First Schedule, from the aforesaid person to whom such sales have been made.

The rate of collection of tax under section 236G shall be as follows:-

Category of Sale Rate of Tax
Filer Non-Filer
Fertilizers 0.7 percent 1.4 percent
Other than Fertilizers 0.1 percent 0.2 percent

Sub-Section (2): Credit for tax collected under sub-section (1) shall be allowed in computing the tax due by the distributor, dealer or wholesaler on the taxable income for the tax year in which the tax was collected.

Section 236H: Advance tax on sales to retailers

Sub-Section (1): Every manufacturer, distributor, dealer, wholesaler or commercial importer of electronics, sugar, cement, iron and steel products, motorcycles, pesticides, cigarettes, glass, textile, beverages, paint or foam sector, at the time of sale to retailers, “and every distributor or dealer to another wholesaler in respect of the said sectors”, shall collect advance tax at the rate specified in Division XV of Part IV of the First Schedule, from the aforesaid person to whom such sales have been made.

The rate of collection of tax under section 236H on the gross amount of sales shall be as follows:-

Category of sale Rate of tax
Filer Non-Filer
(1) (2) (3)
Electronics 1 percent 1 percent
Others 0.5 percent

Sub-Section (2): Credit for the tax collected under sub-section (1) shall be allowed in computing the tax due by the retailer on the taxable income for the tax year in which the tax was collected.

Section 236HA: Tax on sale of certain petroleum products

Sub-Section (1): Every person selling petroleum products to a petrol pump operator or distributor, where such operator or distributor is not allowed a commission or discount, shall collect advance tax on ex-depot sale price of such products at the rate specified in Division XVA of Part IV of the First schedule.

The rate of collection of tax under section 236HA shall be 0.5 percent of ex-depot sale price for filers and 1 percent for non-filers.

Sub-Section (2): The tax deductible under sub-section (1) shall be a final tax on the income arising from the sale of petroleum products to which sub-section (1) applies.

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March 20, 2019
Engro Powergen successfully tests electricity generation

KARACHI: Engro Powergen Thar (Private) Limited (EPTL) has successfully tested and energized the first unit of 330MW of the combined 660MW coal based power plant – located in Thar Block II.

A statement on Tuesday said that the successful synchronization happened amidst presence of senior officials of the Company and from China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) – the EPC contractor of the project.

The injection of the electrons produced for the very first time from Thar coal – regarded as the 7th largest coal reserve in the world with 175 billion tons of lignite coal – has redefined Pakistan’s energy landscape and secured the country’s energy future on an indigenous, native footing which will eventually relinquish Pakistan’s dependence on foreign fuel mix.

EPTL – one of the early harvest projects of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) – commenced the construction of Pakistan’s first 660MW power plant after the financial close of the project in April 2016.

EPTL operates as a subsidiary of Engro Energy along with other sponsors that include HBL; Liberty and China Machinery Engineering Corporation.

The synchronization of the first unit of the power plant is a considerable achievement given that the project has been constructed in a record time of under 3 years – as per schedule and projected costs, a feat in itself given the complexity of the project.

EPTL power plant will utilize 3.8MTPA of coal supplied by Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company as both projects achieve their commercial operations date (COD) in June 2019.

Together both the mining and power projects, managed by Engro Energy, will be able to bring average foreign exchange savings of up to $1.6 billion per annum thereby delivering on Company’s promise of producing electricity which is from indigenous resources; is abundantly available and is economical.

The 660 MW power plant of EPTL will use circulating fluidized bed (CFB) technology to burn coal.

Post-COD, the plant will evacuate 660MW of electricity through a 282-km long 500 kV Double Circuit Quad-Bundle transmission line from EPTL plant to Matiari in Sindh province.

The power plant – although first for Pakistan to run on Thar coal – complies with all local environmental laws and has voluntarily adopted various international compliance standards.

Celebrating this transformational event, the President of Engro Corporation, Ghias Khan said: “The first sync of the power plant on Thar coal is truly a momentous occasion for entire Pakistan.

“Engro’s commitment to the Thar coal project goes back almost a decade when we entered into a public private partnership in 2009.

“The synchronization of the first unit of the 660MW power plant is both testament to Engro’s capacity to engineer excellence and deliver on this project of national importance which will ensure the energy security of the county.

“At this juncture, I would like to thank the Government of Sindh and the Federal Government for their catalytic role and support in helping us deliver on our commitments of the Thar coal projects.”

Commenting on the landmark achievement, Ahsan Zafar Syed – the Chief Executive Officer of Engro Energy and EPTL said: “This is a historic moment for us where Engro has not only delivered on its promise of realizing the Thar dream but technically demonstrated proof of the concept that Thar coal is suited to produce indigenous energy which can prove to be economical in the long run and reduce our dependence on imported fuel mix.

“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our partners and sponsors in the project who have played an instrumental role in this landmark achievement. I am confident that together with all our partners, Engro will forge ahead with synchronization of the second unit of the 660 MW power plant in April 2019 and Insha-Allah achieve the COD of both the mining and the power project, as per our commitment, in June 2019.”

Syed Abul Fazal Rizvi, CEO of Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), congratulated all the partners and teams involved in this achievement and said: “I congratulate the EPTL management on successful energization of the first unit of the plant.

“Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) has already commenced the delivery of coal to the EPTL plant and we will now further optimize the mine to deliver on our promise of providing economical, indigenous energy to Pakistan.”

March 20, 2019
SRB suspends tax registration of Cyber Internet Services

KARACHI: Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) has suspended sales tax registration of M/s. Cyber Internet Services (Private) Limited for making short payment on telecom services.

The SRB on Tuesday said that the services provided or rendered in respect of telecommunication including internet and bandwidth services are chargeable to the sales tax under the provincial law.

M/s. Cyber Internet Services (Private) Limited is registered with the SRB since August 04, 2011.

The SRB said that as per invoices services provided to end consumers of internet services from registered person, it has been observed that the registered person is charging/collecting/depositing Sindh sales tax at lower rate of tax or inappropriate rate of tax i.e. 15.6 percent despite the fact that internet or bandwidth services are chargeable to the Sindh sales tax at 19.5 percent.

As per the description given on one of the invoice, the registered person has billed the consumer for 10 Mbps internet services package for the month of March 2019 but has charged sales tax of Rs312 on value of taxable services of Rs1.999 (sales tax at 15.6 percent) whereas the applicable rate of tax is 19.50 percent.

“This is serious violation of provisions of Sindh Sales Tax Act, 2011.”

Considering the violation, the SRB suspended the sales tax registration of the company with immediate effect.

However, the provincial revenue authority has given opportunity to the company to take remedial action by April 02, 2019 including submitting the summary of tax collected and charged lower than applicable tax rate in case of telecommunication services from July 2011 till February 2019.

In case of non-satisfactory response or failure to take remedial measures as suggested on or before April 02, 2019, the case would be further proceeded for cancellation of registration with SRB, the board warned.

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March 19, 2019
Amnesty granted to government employees concealing service in passports

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved an amnesty for government employees, who concealed their government service in their passports.

Directorate General, Immigration & Passport (Headquarters) vide its letter No. 15/01/2019-Policy (Vol-III), dated 11-03-2019 has informed that Federal Cabinet vide Cabinet Division’s letter No. 096/CM/2019-D dated February 22, 2019 has approved proposed amnesty for Government Officers/Officials who obtained passports in private capacity being government employee in concealment of government service, as under:-

i. The government officers/officials, who obtained passport in concealment of profession, are advised to approach Passport Offices concerned, alongwith NOC and recommendations of their respective departments to get their passport data rectified and fresh passport issued, modifying profession as Government Service, within three months of issuance of this letter.

ii. The Government Officers/Officials who obtained passport before joining the Government service are advised to correct their data by applying a fresh passport and producing NOC from their parent departments, within three months of issuance of this letter.

iii. In addition to the prescribed passport fee, additional processing charges of Rs5000/- will be levied on defaulting Officers/Officials who obtained passports in private capacity being government servants.

iv. On expiry of given date/period of three months, the passports of defaulting officers/officials will be cancelled/blocked and legal action under the relevant Section of Passport Act 1974 shall be initiated against them by the departments concerned through FIA under intimation to this Directorate General.

March 19, 2019
SBP launches financing facilities for disable persons

KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Tuesday launches a concessionary Small Enterprise Financing and Credit Guarantee Facility for special persons.

Tariq Bajwa, SBP, governor announced this special facility in the 7th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs held at State Bank of Pakistan.

Members of the Standing Committee and senior executives of State Bank of Pakistan were also present on the occasion.

“Realizing the vulnerability of persons with disabilities in the country and cost associated with their exclusion for the economy, SBP in-line with its priority sector development has devised a scheme for special persons”, said Tariq Bajwa.

This financing facility is expected to improve access to finance for special persons falling under Small Enterprise (SE) category at a concessional rate of 5 percent per annum.

Under the scheme, banks and DFIs will provide financing facilities to special persons for establishing new business enterprises or for expansion of existing businesses.

The SBP will provide refinance to banks/ DFIs up to 100 percent of finance extended by them.

Special persons can avail financing up to Rs1.5 million for a maximum period of 5 years including grace period of 6 months.

SBP will also provide risk coverage of 60 percent to banks/DFIs on their outstanding loans under the scheme. This financing facility has been issued with the main objective of improving the socio-economic life of special persons in Pakistan.

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March 19, 2019
SCB Pakistan allowed Chinese Yuan clearing, settlement

KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has allowed Standard Chartered Bank, Pakistan to establish local Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) clearing and settlement setup in the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, the central banks said that Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) Pakistan can now open CNY accounts of the banks operating in Pakistan to facilitate settlement of CNY based transactions such as remittance to/from China.

SCB can also provide CNY liquidity to the interbank market for the settlement of CNY based transactions.

It may be mentioned here that over the years, the SBP has been at the forefront in providing a conducive policy and regulatory environment to encourage the use of local currencies in trade and financing transactions between China and Pakistan.

Earlier, SBP had also permitted Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited (ICBC) Pakistan in 2015 and Bank of China Limited (BOC) Pakistan in 2018 to establish similar local CNY clearing and settlement mechanism in Pakistan.

The expansion of local CNY clearing and settlement setup in Pakistan is expected to further improve efficiency of the local banking system in transacting in CNY, enhance market liquidity and facilitate rising trade and investment with China through fostering competition and increasing CNY resource avenues.

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March 19, 2019
Equity market falls by 240 points in dull trading

KARACHI: The equity market fell by 240 points on Tuesday as dull trading activities prevailed during the day.

The benchmark KSE-100 index of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed at 38,612 points as against 38,852 points showing a decline of 240 points.

Analysts at Arif Habib Limited said that KSE-100 index opened positive 61 points and carried the optimism from yesterday’s buying activity that saw market jumped 545 points.

Contrary to that market returned to the dull pace and non-interest that has been witnessed past whole week.

Trading volume was seen highest in PAEL that saw 15.4 million shares against a total market volume of 70.7 million shares.

Investors did not show interest in buying at prevailing prices, which eventually took the market down in the final hour by a wide margin.

Close to 30 million trading volume was seen in the final hour of trading.

Selling was seen across the board and large cap scrips saw the most declines including HBL, UBL, LUCK, GHNI and Auto sector stocks.

Sectors contributing to the performance include Banks (-63 points), Cement (-60 points), Power (-50 points), O&GMCs (-17 points), E&P (-12 points).

Volumes declined from 99 million shares to 70.8 million shares (-28 percent DoD). Average traded value also declined by 29 percent to reach US$ 22.7 million as against US$ 32.1 million.

Stocks that contributed significantly to the volumes include PAEL, BOP, TRG, MLCF and SNGP, which formed 42 percent of total volumes.

Stocks that contributed positively include BAFL (+14 points), PMPK (+12 points), POL (+10 points), ENGRO (+9 points), and HMB (+8 points). Stocks that contributed negatively include HUBC (-39 points), LUCK (-26 points), HBL (-26 points), UBL (-23 points) and BAHL (-12 points).

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March 19, 2019
Rupee unchanged against dollar

KARACHI: The Pak Rupee was remained unchanged against dollar on Tuesday in a range bound trading activity.

The rupee ended at Rs139.39 to the dollar, the same previous day’s closing, in interbank foreign exchange market.

The interbank foreign exchange market was initiated in the range of Rs139.35 and Rs139.40.

The market recorded day high of Rs139.40 and low of Rs139.38 and closed at Rs139.39.

The exchange rate in open market was also remained unchanged.

The buying and selling of dollar was recorded at Rs139.20/Rs139.70, the same previous day’s level, in cash ready market.

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March 19, 2019
NCCPL to collect capital gain tax on March 29

KARACHI: The National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL) on Tuesday said that it will collect Capital Gain Tax (CGT) on disposal of shares for February 2019 on March 29, 2019.

The aggregate amount of CGT arising on disposal of shares at Pakistan Stock Exchange for the period February 01, 2019 to February 28, 2019, would be collected on Friday, March 29, 2019 through respective settling banks of the clearing members, along with refund or adjustments on the basis of amount collected up to previous month, the NCCPL said.

All clearing members have been directed to ensure requisite amount in their respective settling bank’s account.

Further, the aggregate amount of CGT arising on trading of future commodity contracts at Pakistan Mercantile Exchange for the period February 01, 2019 to February 28, 2019, would also be collected from the Pakistan Mercantile Exchange on Friday, March 29, 2019.

Necessary details and reports for the period have already been made available.

Moreover, the aggregate amount of CGT arising on redemption of units of open end mutual funds have also been finalized for the period February 01, 2019 to February 28, 2019. Necessary details and reports have already been made available in the CGT System.

Clearing Members, Pakistan Mercantile Exchange and Mutual Funds are hereby requested to verify the investor wise details of capital gain or loss and tax thereon, if any, through reports/downloads.

The NCCPL warned that in case of none or partial collection of CGT, necessary action would be taken in accordance with the Rules and NCCPL Regulations.

March 19, 2019