KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday disposed of a constitutional petition filed by M/s MOC Petroleum Products, seeking the release of its oil tanker and 5,000 liters of diesel seized by Customs Port Qasim’s Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO).
A two-judge bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhter and Justice Anwar Hussain, was hearing the petition. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner submitted a reply in which he informed the court that the official of the ASO released his client’s oil tanker along with diesel.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner being partnership firm is carrying on the business of supply of the diesel and allied products, adding that the petitioner is also authorised dealer of M/s Shell Petroleum Pakistan Limited.
According to the petitioner, an oil tanker bearing Registration No JP-1097 loaded 5000 liters of diesel was intercepted at National Highway near Gul Ahmed Textile Mills by the ASO staff and driver was allegedly asked to produce legal import documents in support of lawful possession of the diesel.
The petitioner further argued that the driver of the said vehicle produced legal documents which were not considered and diesel and oil tanker were impounded.
Citing Revenue Division secretary and Port Qasim’s ASO as respondents, the petitioner pleaded the SHC may declare the act of the respondents malafide, unjustified and illegal. The petitioner also pleaded the court may direct the respondents to release the said oil tanker and diesel.
