KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed customs officials to file comments on a constitutional petition filed by Najeebullah son of Haji Abdul Samad, Azmatullah son of Such Dino Jatoi and others, seeking release of six oil tankers seized by customs officials. The tankers were allegedly used in smuggling of Iranian-origin high speed diesel. A two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Omer Sial was hearing the petition.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioners stated that petitioner namely Najeebullah is lawful owner of oil tanker bearing registration number TKB-028, Abdul Samad lawful owner of oil tanker bearing registration number TTA-673, Ali Ahmed lawful owner of oil tanker bearing registration number SWN-037 and others and never had been involved in any criminal case. However, the customs officials intercepted their oil tankers and alleged that they were involved in smuggling of high speed diesel.
Counsel stated that they filed appeal before customs appellate tribunal which directed customs officials to release their oil tankers, however, officials of the customs department are not following tribunal’s order.
Citing customs authorities as respondents, petitioners pleaded the court may directed them to release their oil tankers immediately.