KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to customs officials and deputy attorney general on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Wan Hai Lines Limited, seeking release of its 194 containers which are laying at Karachi Port since 2011.
While the hearing of the petition, a two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Umer Sial, directed them to file their para wise comments on the next date of hearing. The court adjourned the matter for October 9, 2017.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that the company belongs to Taiwan and engaged in the lawful business of import and export. The counsel argued that due to Salala Check Post incident, an embargo was placed on NATO supplies which continued till July 2012. As a result, 347 containers of the petitioner stuck up at Karachi Port, which were required to be unloaded and be handed over to the petitioner. He said that 153 containers have already been unloaded and handed over to the petitioner.
He stated that remaining containers are lying at Karachi Port which have been detained by the customs authorities since 2011 without justification and lawful authority.
Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Chief Collector of Customs South, Trustees of Port of Karachi, Director General of National Logistic Cell and others as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court may declare that act of the respondents is illegal, mala fide and arbitrary, he also pleaded the Sindh High Court (SHC) may direct them to release above mentioned containers immediately.
