KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the tax authorities and deputy attorney general of Pakistan on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Overseas Business Corporation, seeking release orders of its consignments of Quaker Qats (easy to cook) imported from Dubai.
While the hearing of the petition, a two-member bench also directed them to file their respective comments on the next date of hearing. The court adjourned the hearing for January 20, 2017.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that the petitioner is engaged in the imports of UK based Quaker Qats from Dubai for onward sale and supply in Pakistan. The petitioner imported two consignments of the same and filed goods declaration after fulfilment of all requirements. It approached the tax authorities for release of its consignments, however, the officials of the Customs Department blocked the same without showing any lawful reason.
According to the petitioner, it is aggrieved of the arbitrary, illegal and mala fide action of the respondents whereby on the basis of facts the consignments of Quaker Qats from Dubai is being held without at the Port Muhammad Bin Qasim without any lawful reason and justification.
Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Collector Model Custom Collectorate Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Collector/ Directorate Adjudication Collector if Customs Adjudication-1 as respondents, the petitioner pleaded the court may declare that act of the respondents is illegal, mala fide and arbitrary, importer also pleaded the court may direct the customs authorities to release the consignments immediately and restrain them from taking any adverse action against the petitioner.
