KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the tax authorities to file para-wise comments on a constitutional petition filed by Shafiullah seeking de-sealing of his premises. Earlier, the property was sealed by officials of the Customs Collectorate Preventive.
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhter and Justice Saeeduddin Nasir, was hearing the case. During the hearing, counsel for the Custom Department sought time to submit para-wise comments, therefore, court granted him time and adjourned the hearing for November 2, 2016. The court also extended the interim order until the next hearing. On the last hearing, the court had directed both parties to maintain the status-quo till further orders.
Earlier, petitioner’s counsel stated in his constitution petition that he is a law abiding citizen and running a business the name of M/s Sami Group International and has good reputation in the field of business.
According to petitioner, on August 29, 2016 at 04:30 pm some officers on behalf of the deputy collector of customs, model customs collectorate, Preventive came to the premises god down/shop situated at plot no-272, Gul-Bai Shershah near Mari Pur Road, Karachi and detained all the relevant documents of the said warehouse and laptop, USB etc and sealed the premises and there is strictly prohibited that no one come to the premises for any purpose.
Counsel further argued that act of the respondents is illegal, mala fide, unjustified and violation of the article 10 of the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Citing Revenue Division secretary and Customs Deputy Collector Model Customs Collectorate, Preventive as respondents, he pleaded the SHC may direct the respondents to de-seal the premises of the petitioner and restrain the respondents from taking any coercive action against the petitioner.
