LAHORE: The special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti Smuggling has approved the post arrest bail plea of accused who was in jail since four years facing charges of alcohol smuggling.
According to details available to Customs Today accused Muhammad Farhad was involved in smuggling of alcohol from India. He was in jail since 2013 and 12 bottles of alcohol were also recovered from his possession when he was booked by the authorities. Lawyer of the accused argued before the court that accused is facing jail since four years while charges on him are very small in nature. On other hand customs lawyer told the court that he was not in jail in fact he was on bail. He also said that accused has faced jail in these four years in another case. Government consular said that such elements are mostly on pay role of other enemy’s agencies so he must be in jail.
Customs Court after hearing both sides approved bail of the accused. Bail plea of Muhammad Farhad has approved by the Customs Court against cash guarantee of Rs50,000 and personal guarantee as well.
On other hand the Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling heard 16 cases, including pre-arrest bail pleas filed by suspects.
Most of the cases were adjourned without any proceedings as the parties and lawyers concerned did not appear in the court. Hearing of pre-arrest bail pleas filed by accused Abdul Razzaq and Salman were adjourned for new dates in next week. A case against Shaukat Ali was also scheduled for hearing in which court recorded statements of the parties.
Final arguments and statements of the concerned parties in case of smuggling against Rafique Ali was also scheduled for hearing which is rescheduled for next week.