KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to the customs officials directing them to file their respective para wise comments on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Middle East Construction Company seeking release order for its imported old and used Hino Prime Mover Trucks seized by customs officials.
On 4 March 2020, a two-member bench headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi heard the matter.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner had imported vehicle old and used Hino Prime Mover trucks and filed goods declarations dated Feb 20, 2019 which were seized by the customs officials.
He further stated that petitioner is suffering since 2019 despite the order passed by the customs appellate tribunal-II Karachi in customs appeal is in favor of the petitioner and the condition of the vehicles is rusting day by day and demurrage charges is increasing day by day.
Counsel argued that there is no stay against the vehicles of the petitioner and the said order, that the act of the refusal release of the vehicles by the respondents is ultra viral and the violation of articles for 4, 18, 24, 25 of the constitution.
Citing secretary Ministry of Finance, Collector of Customs Appraisement West, Operating Manager Al-Hmad International Container as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court may direct them to release his consignments of vehicles which were seized by customs officials and restrain them from taking any coercive action against the petitioner till final order in this case.
