KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the customs authorities and deputy attorney general of Pakistan on a constitutional petition filed by Mumtaz Hussain, seeking release order of a truck along with 220 units of Mitsubishi air conditioners.
While hearing a petition, a two-member bench, comprising Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro and Justice Khadim Hussain M Sheikh also directed the respondents to submit their respective comments for August 17, 2018.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that his client is engaged in transportation of goods under the name M/s Al-Haider Transport Agency, Truck Stand Lahore as well as Karachi. He booked a container of 220 units of Mitsubishi air conditioners from the factory of M/s Orient Electronics, Lahore to be delivered to M/s Abbas Traders at Karachi through public carrier vehicle Nissan Trailer bearing registration number TLF-369 against a proper delivery.
According to the petitioner, however, officials of the customs authorities intercepted the trailer vehicle dated April 05, 2016 when it was about to unload the cargo at the Abdullah Haroon Road, Saddar Town, Karachi. He argued that driver of the vehicle produced all relevant documents, but respondents alleged that goods are smuggled and demanded unjustly, unfairly and with ulterior motives the import documents and proof of payment of duties, which was beyond the reproach.
Citing FBR chairman, Customs Adjudication – I collector and Customs Intelligence director general as respondents, the petitioner pleaded the SHC may direct the respondents to release the truck along with 220 units of indoor and outdoor splits air conditioners.