KARACHI: The Sindh High Court issued notices to customs officials and deputy attorney general and directed them to file comprehensive para wise comments on a petition filed by Muhammad Ali Chandna, proprietor of M/s Pure Enterprises against insertion of his name in exit control list (ECL) on the basis of lodging FIR under Section 32 of the Customs Act, 1969.
On March 13, 2019, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi was hearing the matter.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner stated in his petition that petitioner is engaged in imports of assorted chemicals of various descriptions and supply thereof for use in multiple industries and registered with the name and style of M/s Pure Enterprises.
He argued that on March 4, 2015, FIR was lodged by the officials of the customs department wherein it is alleged that he has imported two consignments on January 27, 2014 from China. It was further alleged that according to the informer, the goods were in fact “paracetamol”, that’s why the petitioner was arrested.
He argued that despite the fact, customs officials sent recommendation to high officials for placing name of petitioner in exit control list, therefore, his name was inserted in exit control list, and however, several complaints/requests were made by the petitioner to the respondents for removing his name from ECL but to no avail.
Citing Ministry of Interior, DG Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Collector of Customs Appraisement East and others as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court to declare that said collector is not authorized to recommend the name of petitioner for insertion in exit control list on the basis of lodging FIR.
He further pleaded the court may direct the respondents to remove his name from the exit control list with immediate effect.
