KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) dismissed reference application filed by Muhammad Shafiq Awan against detention of his imported gas cylinders seized by customs officials alleging involvement in smuggling.
On 22 October 2021, a two-member bench, headed By Justice Shafi Muhammad Siddiqui heard the matter.
After the hearing, court passed order and observed in its order that “none present for the petitioner, this matter was fixed on the last date of hearing when at the request of counsel for the applicant one week’s time was granted for compliance, today against this matter was fixed for non prosecution, however, no one is in attendance, the instant reference application for non-prosecution”.
Earlier, counsel for the applicant stated that being aggrieved and dissatisfied by the orders passed by the customs appellate tribunal.
He argued that it has been reported by the directorate general Intelligence & Investigation-FBR customs Anti-Smuggling that an information was received at the directorate general that large quantity of smuggled/ non-duty paid gas cylinders filled with SF-6 were lying at M/s Sialkot International Transport Company, Tower Railway Dock (Godi) Karachi.
Counsel added that on that information, customs officials raided the same, and more than 100 gas cylinders were taken into custody, petitioner submitted that said gas cylinders not related with smuggling goods, he purchased all said goods according to law and fulfilled all the legal requirements.
Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Director General for Directorate General Customs Intelligence & Investigation-FBR and others, the applicant had pleaded the court may declare that act of the respondents, is illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
Petitioner also pleaded the court may direct them to release the applicant’s imported cylinders which were imported according to law.
