KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) directed customs officials to file comments on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Wan Hai Lines Ltd seeking release order of its 194 containers which are lying at Karachi Port since 2011. A two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Omer Sial was hearing the case.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that company belongs to Taiwan Republic of China and engaged in the lawful business of import and export, counsel argued that due to Salala Check Post an embargo which continued till July 2012, as a result 347 containers of the petitioner stuck up at Karachi Port, which were required to be de-stuffed and be handed over to the petitioner, out of which 153 containers were already been de-stuffed and handed over to the petitioner.
He stated that remaining containers are lying at Karachi Port which detained by high officials of the customs authorities since 2011, without any justification and lawful authority.
Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Chief Collector of Customs South, Trustees of Port of Karachi, Director General of National Logistic Cell and others as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court to declare the act of the respondents as illegal, mala fide and arbitrary, he also pleaded the Sindh High Court (SHC) to direct them to release the above mentioned containers immediately.
