KARACHI: The Customs Court directed defense counsel to complete his final arguments for confirmation or otherwise an pre-arrest bail petition filed by suspect Aslam Khan allies Aslam Singapuri, sitting MNA 254 Karachi, booked in a case of mis-declaration and evading duty and taxes worth Rs28.57 million to the national exchequer.
On August 27, 2019, counsel for the applicant and customs department appeared before the court and argued their points over bail petition, after the hearing, court extended interim pre-arrest bail to above mentioned suspect for September 27, 2019 and seeks final arguments from both sides.
It needs to be pertained here that in general election 2018, Aslam Khan elected from NA 254 Karachi known Azizabad (Nine Zero area) on Pakistan Tehreek-Insaaf’s ticket.
According to the charge sheet, customs court framed charge on accused Muhammad Azam and Hameeddin on December 14, 1997 that “you along with absconding accused Muhammad Aslam Khan @ 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 personnels 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 the above mentioned two suspects giving benefit of doubt, however, court issued non bail-able warrants absconding suspects and filed was moved to office.
