KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) directed parties to file their comments on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Anwar Associates, seeking restoration of its ID blocked by customs officials due the alleged its involvement in Afghan Transit scam. A two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Omer Sial was hearing the petition.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that it is engaged in the lawful business of the clearing and forwarding and engaged in Afghan Transit Trade as clearing agent and never involved in any case.
He argued that petitioner always fulfils its all the responsibilities properly, however, high officials of the customs department issued a show cause notice to the petitioner over its alleged involvement in Afghan Transit Scam, it filed replied accordance with law and informed the authorities that petitioner never involves in any scam, however, officials refused its all arguments and blocked its ID without shown any lawful authority and reason.
On last date of hearing, court had issued notices to the customs authorities and deputy attorney general directing them to file their respective para wise comments on next date of hearing.
Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Collector of Customs Port Muhammad Bin Qasim , Deputy Collector of Customs Recovery, Collector Model Customs Collectorate Appraisement and others, counsel pleaded the court to declare the act of the respondents as illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
He also pleaded the court may restore its ID immediately and restrain them from taking any coercive measures till final order in this petition.
