KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has postponed the hearing of a constitutional petition filed by Abdul Hameed Shaikh, seeking release of his Toyota Hilux Surf jeep impounded by officials of the Customs Intelligence (anti-smuggling).
The case was fixed before a two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhter and Justice Anwar Hussain; however, it was discharged due to shortage of the time and postponed for next date, which would be announced by office of the SHC.
On the last date of hearing, Customs Intelligence Assistant Director Riffat Hussain submitted a report before the court. According to the report, the customs authorities had intercepted and impounded smuggled/non-duty paid Toyota Hilux Surf and the petitioner was not entitled for any equitable relief.
He had argued that the petitioner is misleading and pleaded the court that petition being devoid of law and without any substance may graciously be dismissed in along with listed applications.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that he purchased a vehicle bearing Registration No WAH-390 (Quetta) Toyota Hilux Surf Jeep model 2005 in an open letter. The petitioner is neither the importer and nor the first owner of the said vehicle, the counsel said, adding that he is subsequently owner of the said vehicle on dated April 14, 2016.
According to the petitioner, when the petitioner was playing the said vehicle with his family members, officials of the Customs Intelligence intercepted the said vehicle near Clifton, Karachi, dragged the petitioner along with his family members out of the vehicle, snatched the key and did not allow him to collect any personal articles out of the said vehicle.
The petitioner said that he had shown all the relevant documents but they refused the documents and impounded the said vehicle which was misused of power.
Citing Ministry of Finance secretary, Customs Intelligence director general as respondents, the petitioner pleaded the SHC may declare that the act of the respondent impounding the said vehicle of the petitioner is illegal, ultra viral and without legal authority.