KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday issued notices to the tax authorities and deputy attorney general of Pakistan on a petition filed by M/s Brothers Recycling Unit, seeking release of its consignment of used tyres, which was held by the customs authorities subject to obtain approval from the climate change division.
While hearing the case, a two-member bench, comprising Justice Irfan Sadat Khan and Justice Muhammad Humayun Khan, also directed them to file their respective comments till November 30, 2016.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that his client is an importer of used/ scrap tires, which are used in raw material for pyrolysis plant. The petitioner had imported numbers of containers of similar nature and same were released through goods declaration till dated September 27, 2016.
According to the petitioner, however, staff of the customs authorities raised an objection on September 28, 2016 and refused to release 8 containers and directing the petitioner to obtain approval from the climate change division Islamabad.
The counsel for the importer further argued that petitioner was in compliance with all the requisite requirements for import of used tyres; therefore, no need further requirements.
Citing Ministry of Environment Protection Agency sectretary, Customs Port Qasim collector, Customs Appraisement deputy collector and additional collector as respondents, the petitioner pleaded the court may declare that act of the respondents is illegal and mala fide and court may direct the respondents to release the consignment immediately without further delay as the petitioner has fulfilled all the requirement under the law of import used/scrap tyres.
