KARACHI: The Customs Court sent suspects namely Muhammad Iqbal and Yasir Ali, who were booked in a case of attempting to smuggle and sell Direct to Home (DTH) equipment in open market, to customs department on physical remand.
On October 29, 2018, investigation officer of Customs Preventive produced the above mentioned suspects before the court and informed that in the light of suo moto notice of Chief Justice of Pakistan regarding availability and illegal sale of Direct to Home (DTH) equipment, used to broadcast Indian channels and transfer of money charged against these services and shifting abroad through illegal channels, a team of customs department, FIA, PEMRA raided at stored in a godown situated at Korangi No 5-1/2, Karachi.
He submitted that raiding team found thousands of different foreign branded DTH, Dish TV Switch, STAR GOLD Satellite Dish Antenna HD Ready, Dish, Platinum, Satcom, Fast Radio Frequency Remote Control for DH (Indian) and other goods worth Rs14,295,000.
He further informed the court that investigations are in progress and after completion, outcome will also be communicated/shared with FIA and PEMRA for further course of action to be adopted invoking the relevant section of PPC, PECA, Anti-Money Laundering Act/FERA, after proper interrogation of accused persons and the hawala operators etc as envisaged under the relevant laws.
He argued that prosecution needs further investigations from them. Therefore the court approved their physical remand and directed investigation officer to produce them on next date of hearing along with progress report.
