KARACHI: M/s. Telenor has clarified news item posted on Customnews.pk dated August 31, 2014 headlined “Duty demand of Rs33.037 million created against M/s Telenor”.
In a statement, Telenor Pakistan said that the entity is a law abiding, responsible corporate entity and always meets its legal and ethical obligations.
“The allegation of tax evasion in this report is not correct and misconceived. It was a simple matter of different interpretation and confusion regarding the alteration in taxes and import duties on import of equipment as per the latest fiscal budget effective from 1 July 2014,” the statement said. The equipment was imported under specific HS Codes and was declared accordingly, it added.
The issue was sorted out amicably with the Customs authorities and differential payments have been made as per the new import regulations.
It is important to note that Telenor Pakistan is one of the largest taxpayers in Pakistan and has contributed Rs147 billion in various forms of direct and indirect taxes. In addition Telenor Pakistan has also won High Tax Payer Award from Pakistan Customs several times.
Editor’s Note: The reporter filed the story on the basis of document possessed with Customnews.pk. After reading the entire story titled Duty demand of Rs33.037 million created against M/s Telenor nowhere the reporter attributed the word evasion with M/s Telenor.
Customnews.pk is body of professionals having full command on tax related issues and also fully aware with the words evasion and avoidance. The word evasion has been used in the story with reference to practices of other companies.