KARACHI: The Customs Court directed suspect namely Aslam Khan alias Aslam Singapuri, sitting MNA 254 Karachi to make sure his appearance on next date of hearing before the court; otherwise court can re-call his pre-arrest bail, he was booked in a case of mis-declaration and evading the duty and taxes to the tune of Rs28.57 million.
On June 17, 2019, counsel for the suspect appeared before the court and informed that Aslam Singapuri is busy in parliament session and due to his political activities, he could not appear before the court, therefore, court may accept his application for leave and adjourn hearing till July-end.
However, counsel for customs department opposed for long date of hearing and argued that court may fix the case for first week of July, after the hearing, court directed suspect to make sure his presence before the court on July 17, 2019.
It needs to be pertained here that in general election 2018, Aslam Khan was elected from NA 254 Karachi known Azizabad (Nine Zero Area) on Pakistan Tahreek-Insaaf’s ticket.
According to the charge sheet, customs court framed charge on accused Muhammad Azam and Hameeddin on Dec 14, 1997 that “you along with absconding accused Muhammad Aslam Khan alias Aslam Singapuri, Muhammad Saleem Khan, Ch. Sajjad, Asif and Akhlaq Ahmed, in the year 1997 smuggled into Pakistan electronic goods worth Rs28.57 million in association with Pakistan Air Force personnel and under the garb of defence stores of Pakistan Air Force and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 156 (1) (8) (9) (89) and 14 read with section 178 of the Customs Act, 1969 and within the section 178 of the customs act, 1969″.
Documents further revealed that on August 3, 2004 court announced judgment in this case and acquitted above-mentioned two suspects giving benefit of doubt, however, court issued non bailable warrants against absconding suspects.
