KARACHI: A two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Ahmed Ali M Shaikh directed NAB officials to release suspects clearing agents namely Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Idress, Imran Khan and others who were kept by NAB, booked in several tax evasion cases.
On 13 February 2020, chief justice of Sindh High Court asked from special prosecutor for NAB department that after amendment in NAB ordinance, why they were in NAB custody because their case does not fall in their jurisdiction.
NAB prosecutor argued that after amendment, NAB officials are examining such cases and if their cases would not be fall within NAB jurisdiction than case would be shifted to concerned court, however, bench did not satisfy his arguments and directed NAB officials to release them on bail.
It needs to be mentioned here that the above mentioned suspects were taken custody by customs officials and after granting their bail, NAB officials arrested them.
According to the prosecution, earlier investigation officer of Customs Collectorate Appraisement West has submitted charge sheet against Mehmood Iqbal, proprietor of M/s M. M Trading Co, Qaiser Abbas, Muhammad Idress, clearing agents, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ahsan, Imran Khan, Aslam alias Aini, owners/ directors/ partners of M/s United Marine Agencies, booked in Rs6.34 million tax evasion case and informed that above mentioned importer and others attempted to clear high tariff/ banned goods under the guise of used clothing and worn articles, he further submits that on a credible information, detailed examination was conducted by AIB staff in the presence of appraising officer examination of the Collectorate as well as surveyor of the custodian namely M/s AICT which authenticate the gross mis-declaration of contents as upon examination the goods comprising 51 refrigerators, 15 automatic washing machines and furniture valuing of Rs 6.41 million involving taxes to Rs. 6.34 million as against the importer declaration in IGM/ Bill of lading to contain 79 packages STC old and used clothing and other worn articles.
Investigation officer said that during the investigation, it was established that above mentioned suspects have attempting to clear the impugned consignment with malafide intention and are guilty of offence as defined under the provisions of section 16, 32A, 32C 79 (1) ibid and other sections.
