KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed parties to file their para wise comments on a constitutional petition filed by Long Khan son of Dua Khan against seizing of his Hino truck bearing registration number AE-1636 seized by customs officials. A two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Umer Sial, was hearing the petition.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner in lawful owner of the vehicle and never involved in any crime, however, officials of the Anti-Smuggling Organization Model Customs Collecorate Hyderabad intercepted his Hino truck which was loaded with plastic scrap. During the search, the driver produce all relevant documents, however, the customs officials seized his vehicle without lawful authority and showing any lawful reason.
Being aggrieved, the petitioner moved to Customs Appellate Tribunal which allowed his appeal and directed customs officials to release his vehicle, however, high officials of the customs department are not following the tribunal’s orders.
Citing Secretary Finance and Director, Customs Appellate Tribunal, Collector of Customs Appeals, Deputy Collector of Customs Adjudication Model Customs Collectorate, Hyderabad as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court may direct them to release his vehicle immediately.
He also pleaded the court may restrain them from taking any coercive action against him till final order of this petition.