KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has adjourned hearing in a petition filed by an exporter of animal hides till March 14.
The hearing was adjourned by an appellate bench comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Mrs Ashraf Jahan.
The petitioner challenged detention of his consignment on the basis of a letter issued by Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) asking the Pakistan Customs to assess the value of hides according to length (square feet).
The petitioner, Qasim Brothers, exporters of hides, maintains that as per tariff issued by Pakistan Customs, the value of hides is to be determined according to weight. Internationally also the assessment is made on the basis of weight, the petitioner’s counsel argued. He said that PTA is a private association and its letter is not binding upon Pakistan Customs. The unwarranted letter and assessment by customs of the basis of said letter is detrimental to export s from Pakistan which are dwindling too causing loss of precious foreign exchange, the petitioner’s counsel submitted.
The bench after initial hearing ordered issuance of notices to the respondent Pakistan Customs has suspending the PTA’s letter.
A counsel made an appearance for respondent Pakistan Customs in the petition and was asked to come up with written comments while fixing March 14 for a conclusive hearing.
