KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed customs authorities to file para wise comments on a constitutional petition filed by Zulfiqar Ali Shaikh, Appraiser, Customs Collectorate Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, challenging an inquiry against him under the government servants (efficiency and discipline) rules 1973.
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, heard the petition. During the hearing, Allah Wasaya Zubair, Superintendent, Preventive Service, Customs House Karachi appeared before the court and sought time to submit the reply, therefore, the court adjourned the matter for August 8, 2017.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that he has been serving Pakistan Customs for the last 35 years with a spotless and unblemished track record and has received excellent ACRs throughout his carrier.
He further submitted that Muhammad Nadeem Memon, Additional Collector Customs Collectorate Preventive, conducted an inquiry, which was wrongly initiated against the plaintiff under the government servants (efficiency and discipline) rules 1973 on flimsy grounds as provided in charge sheet and statement of allegations dated 9/11/2016.
Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue and Muhammad Nadeem Memon, Additional Collector Customs Collectorate Preventive as respondents, he pleaded the court to declare the act of the respondents as illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
The counsel also pleaded the SHC may direct above mentioned respondent not to complete inquiry or pass any order without giving an opportunity of hearing. The government officer further pleaded that Chairman FBR be directed to appoint a new inquiry officer.
