KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) sought comments from tax department on a constitutional petition filed by Abdul Rauf Shaikh seeking release order of his Toyota Prius, Model 2016 detained by customs authorities due to alleged smuggled vehicle.
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar was hearing the petition. During the petition, Khalid Rajpar advocate filed power on behalf of the customs department and seeks time to file comments, therefore, court grants time and adjourned the matter for July 13, 2017.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that he purchased a Toyota Prius, Model 2016 while color from the importer Malak Zada for valuable consideration, which was in transit at Dubai Port has sold to Malak Zada by one Asim Muhammad in the UAE.
According the petitioner, after the formalities, duties were paid against the vehicle, to the tune of Rs1,479,243, however, officials of the customs department snatched it from petitioner without assigning any reason and lawful authorities.
Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Collector of Customs (Preventive), Sardar Quyyam, Superintendent Collectorate of Customs Preventive NMB Wharf as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court may declare that act of the respondents is illegal, mala fide and arbitrary, counsel also pleaded the court may direct them to release his vehicle immediately.
