KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has granted urgent hearing against Pakistan Customs Intelligence and Investigations and fixed June 2 for a detailed hearing.
An SHC appellate bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Arshas Hussain Khan, issued directive on the application by Anam Traders, Hyderabad against Intelligence and Investigations, Pakistan Customs.
The counsel for petitioner explaining urgency submitted that due to delay in release of undisputed goods the company is facing erosion of business activity and huge financial loss.
The FBR chairman, Member Administration, Director General of Customs Intelligence and Investigations, Collector Customs, Model Customs Collectorate Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Director Customs and Examining Officer, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim are cited as respondents in the petition.
The petitioner maintains that it imported a consignment comprising PVC Speed Breaker, Horn Monster Brand, Circuit Breaker Brand Ovel, Mini Switch, Motorcycle Spoket chain and plastic flower (assorted). The petitioner completed all formalities and paid the custom duty, taxes etc amounting to rupees 21, 56, 877 on 31-8-2016. The consignment was out of charge and gate pass was also issued but I&I officials detained the consignment on ground that it contains some items which were not declared and thus section 79 and 80 of the Customs Act 1969 was violated.
The petitioner went into appeal and as per judgment by the special custom appellate tribunal, custom officials were directed to remit the fine, penalty and to release the consignment but same was not implemented forcing the petitioner to file the instant petition.