KARACHI: Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Court Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has granted interim pre-arrest bail to suspect namely Amir Shoukat, who was booked in a case of mega tax evasion and mis-declaration.
During the hearing, counsel for the accused moved a petition for bail, arguing that his client was innocent and was falsely implicated in this case. He said that his client was ready to face trail, therefore, the court might grant him bail till final judgment in the case.
After his arguments, the court granted him pre-arrest bail against the surety bonds of Rs 100,000 and directed the suspect to appear before the court on the next date of hearing.
The court also issued notices to the customs officials and special prosecutor for customs department, directing them to file their respective para wise comments on the next date of hearing.
It needs to be mentioned here when first information report (FIR) was produced before the court, suspect namely Amir Shoukat son of Shoukat Hayat showed as absconder now he moved the court and filed bail application for bail. However, several other suspect still absconder in this case.
According to the prosecution, case was registered for violation of under section 2 (37) 2 (9) 2 (14) a 3 (1) (a) & (b) (1) & (2) (1) (11) & (1) (a) (ca) & (d) & 21, 22(1) 23 (1) 25, 26 (1) and 73 of Sales Tax Act 1990 punishable under section 33 (3) (5) (8) (11c) (13) (16) (68) ibid.
It is necessary to mention here that Customs Anti Smuggling Court has already expedited its effort to conclude the hearing of pending cases on priority basis.
