KARACHI: The Cloth Merchants Association has expressed deep concerns over the seizure of six trucks containing imported fabric during a raid conducted by FBR Directorate General of Customs Intelligence & Investigation Karachi and Pakistan Rangers near Allahwala Market, Lucknow Plaza.
As per details, the association termed the raid “illegal” and alleged that the customs intelligence was misusing powers by breaking the locks in order to seize the duty paid imported fabric.
The association further alleged that the law enforcing agencies have also tortured the members of association and harassed the people.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Cloth Merchants Association also staged protest against the unfair attitude and demanded the clearance of the confiscated consignments of imported fabric.
On contrary, FBR Customs Intelligence and Investigation Additional Director Nadeem Ahsan while talking to Customs Today said that if the fabric importers have any reservations over the seizure of consignments, they can just present the legal import documents of the fabric consignments confiscated by the directorate and clear their seized items.
Nadeem Ahsan further said that the fate of the case would be decided by the end of this current week, adding that the director has clear directives to decide case on legal grounds.
Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) In charge Haji Muhammad Aslam while denying the allegations leveled by the Cloth Merchants Association said that the ASO had search warrant when more than 200 people tried to attack ASO team during raid and injured two personnel of customs.
He further informed this scribe that the seized fabric was imported from India, Korea and China, adding that the import of fabric from India has already banned in Import Policy Order (IPO).
The sources informed this scribe that the seized imported fabric was estimated value around Rs 40 million.
