KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has sought final arguments from customs officials on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Anwar Associates, seeking restoration of its ID due to his alleged involvement in Afghan Transit Scam. A two-member bench heard the petition.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that he is engaged in the lawful business of the clearing and forwarding and engaged in Afghan Transit Trade as clearing agent and never involved in any case.
He argued that petitioner always fulfills its all the responsibilities properly. However, high officials of the customs department issued a show cause notice to the petitioner over its alleged involvement in Afghan Transit scam. He filed a reply in accordance with law and informed the authorities that the petitioner had never been involved in any scam. However, the officials refused to accept his reply and blocked his ID without showing any lawful reason.
On last date of hearing, court had issued notices to the customs authorities and deputy attorney general of Pakistan and directing them to file their respective para wise comments on next date of hearing.
Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Collector of Customs Port Muhammad Bin Qasim , Deputy Collector of Customs Recovery, Collector of Customs Collectorate Appraisement and others, counsel pleaded the court to declare the act of the respondents as illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
He also pleaded the court may restore its ID immediately and restrain them from taking any coercive measures till final order in this petition.
