KARACHI: A Sindh High Court’s division bench has allowed Jamal Apparal, SITE to operate.
The bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Omar Sial, was hearing a constitutional petition filed by the factory against Secretary Revenue Division/ FBR Chairman, Customs Preventive Collector, Deputy Collector and Customs Headquarters. The bench was informed by the counsel for petitioner as well as department that the inventory has been prepared.
The lawyer on panel of Franklin Law Associates appearing for the petitioner prayed for opening the factory and orders to Pakistan Custom officials to vacate the premises. He submitted that petitioner has incurred losses due to closure of the factory.
He maintained that factory provides dying and processing services to its clients including local manufacturers and about 150 labourer work at the factory. The petitioner has been served with a notice under section 163 of the Customs Act 1969. The officials of preventive collectorate and ASO are harassing the petitioner who is cooperating with the Custom officials.
The petitioner’s counsel submitted that pretext for taking over the factory premises was filmsy. The bench asked the department officials to come prepared and satisfy the bench about origin of the cloth. The bench recalled its order in a case known as Horizon case wherein the bench allowed release of Grey fabric dubbed as Indian cloth by the Pakistan Customs. The bench then adjourned further hearing till Nov 06.
