KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to customs officials and deputy attorney general on a petition filed by Sheikh Abdullah Khalid HA Al Thani, member ruling family of Qatar seeking permission for re-export of remaining 3 vehicles Toyota Land Cruiser out of 22.
On December 28, 2018 during the hearing of petition, a two-member bench headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi directed them to make sure to file their comments on next date of hearing.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioners stated in his constitutional petition that petitioner no 1, Muhammad Hashim Khan is a businessman and acquaintance with Sheikh Abdullah Khalid H.A Al Thani and sometime provides services to him on his annual or occasional visit to Pakistan.
He submitted that Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad undisputedly granted permission from temporary import-cum-export of 22 vehicles in favour of Sheikh Abdullah Khalid H.A Al Thani vide letter no ACP (IV) 05/01/2016 dated 02/12/2016.
He further argued that due to unavoidable circumstances out of aforesaid 22 vehicles, he could not re-export remaining 3 vehicles within stipulated time period and approached the ministry of foreign affairs and commerce to grant extension of time for export of remaining 3 Toyota Land Cruisers.
He stated that Collector Preventive detained the above-said vehicles and referred the matter to the Collector Adjudication-1 for adjudication. The Collector Preventive announced order without hearing counsel for the petitioners.
Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Collector of Customs Adjudication-1, Collector of Customs Preventive as respondents, petitioners pleaded the court to declare that act of the respondents as illegal, mala-fide and arbitrary and direct them to allow re-exporting of above-mentioned vehicles.