KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed customs officials to file their respective para wise comments on the next date of hearing on a constitutional petition filed by Shahid Khalid, proprietor of M/s S.K Packages, against alleged harassment by customs authorities.
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, was hearing the petition filed by the suspect who was allegedly involvement in tax fraud cases.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that he is engaged in the business of purchase and sales/ supply of waste/ scrap paper and non-specialized wholesale trade.
According to the petitioner, officials of the Intelligence and Investigation-FBR registered some First Information Reports (FIRs) against tax fraudsters accusing issuance of fake/ flying invoices for claiming input tax against fake input and fake loaded purchases. Investigation officer of these cases started proceeding by issuing notices to the petitioner regarding these cases, and demanding Rs28,429,945 for recovery of illegal sales tax.
Citing Secretary Ministry of Finance, chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Director Directorate Intelligence & Investigation-IR, Deputy Director Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation-IR and investigation officer of these cases as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court to restrain them from taking any coercive action against the petitioner. He also pleaded the court may declare act of the respondents is illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
