KARACHI: A two-member bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to the customs officials and deputy attorney general of Pakistan and directed them to make sure filing their respective para wise comments on a constitutional petition filed by importer and clearing agent against complaint regarding anti-money laundering started by customs officials on illegal import/ smuggling of liquor in the garb of diplomatic cargo through mis-declaration.
On 5 November 2021, during the hearing, counsel for petitioner Syed Khurram Hussain Naqvi and Muhammad Sohail, partner of M/s World Ocean Centre argued that Collectorate of Customs has lodged an FIR regarding illegal import/ smuggling of liquor in the garb of diplomatic cargo through mis-declaration.
He added that now customs officials submitted a complaint before a trial court regarding the proceeding of anti-money laundering act, which is totally illegal and mala fide.
Counsel for the petitioners argued that petitioners have acted bonafidely and they have discharged their obligations as authorized customs agents truly in accordance with the applicable laws, the petitioners have no concern with the allegedly committed offence.
Citing Secretary Ministry of Finance, Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, G I&I-FBR as respondents, petitioners pleaded the court may quash the said complaint submitted by customs officials against the petitioners and restrain them from taking any adverse action against the petitioners till final order in this petition.
Earlier, petitioners had claimed that petitioners are being called by different persons or customs officials through telephone calls but despite repeated requests by the petitioners, none of them have required the petitioners through proper notices.
Earlier, the investigation officer of Customs Hyderabad informed the customs court that on actionable information, customs officials intercepted Hino Truck bearing registration No C-1456 along with a 20 feet container.
He further informs the court that during the search, customs officials found Diplomatic cargo wine of 543 liters valuing of Rs3,99,554 which was cleared under the garb of against ministry of foreign affairs
According to the prosecution, case was registered for violation of under 2 (s), 15, 16, 32 & 157 of the customs act, 1969 read with section 3 (1) of the import & export (control) act, 1950, punishable under clauses (8) & 89 of section 156 (1) of the customs act, 1969 and section 157 (2) ibid read with SRO 566(1)/2005 dated June 06, 2005.
