KARACHI: A division bench, headed by Justice Shafi Muhammad Siddiqui directed customs officials of Afghan Transit to file their comments on a contempt application filed by M/s D TO D Logistics Private Limited against not implementing order for restoration of its user ID.
On 4 August 2021, during the hearing, alleged contemnors namely Ahmed Raza, Director General Afghan Transit, Feroz Alam Junejo, Director and Rizwan Mahmood, Assistant Director appeared before the court, court asked them why they are not complying order of this court, Ahmed Raza told the Court that Afghan Transit department has restored petitioner’s user ID, however, if container does not reach Afghanistan within seven days from Karachi than user ID blocks automatically.
Ahmed Raza, Director General Afghan Transit further informed the court that above said rules is not implemented only for petitioners, it is a general rule, after the hearing, court directed parties to submit their comments for next date of hearing. Court also adjourned the hearing for after summer vacations.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner’s vehicle bearing registration no TLE-794 loaded with container was carrying goods of textile products dated Nov 10, 2020 for transit to Afghanistan, the consignment was insured vide insurance guarantee for imported goods in transit, it is necessary to mention that about Rs2.5 crore are kept with the respondents as security deposit.
He further argues that while the vehicle of petitioner was entered in customs station Torkham premises on Nov 29, 2020, got the entry pass No 63, said vehicle was stopped and examined when some of the booked goods were allegedly shown to be replaced with used clothes and artificial leather stock lot, hence an FIR no 50/2020 was registered at Customs Transit Station Torkham by investigation and prosecution Branch, MCC Preventive, Peshawar.
He states that after registration of said FIR, the assistant director HQ has sent a demand notice dated Dec 1, 2020 along with bill of lading to M/s Shaheen Insurance Company whereby it was required to pay the amount of duty and taxes leviable on the said container amounting to Rs15,228,219 as pledged by insurance company in the aforesaid insurance guarantee within.
Counsel submits that petitioner was shocked when it came to know that his NTN also blocked by the customs officials, petitioner approached the respondents to de-block the same but on several visits to their offices, no response/ reply has yet been received by the petitioner.
Citing Chairman FBR, Collector of Customs Appraisement West and Director Directorate of Transit Trade as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court to declare that act of the respondents is illegal, mala fide and arbitrary and de-block his NTN.
