KARACHI: MCC Port Qasim is making progress in its hunt for a number of fabric importers, which disappeared after their consignments were released on payment of post-dated cheques; these post dated instruments were dishonored.
Collector Surayya Ahmed Butt formed a team comprising Additional Collectors Mohammad Tahir and Nayyar Shafique, Deputy Collector Ather Naveed and Principal Appraiser CIU Tariq Aziz. Two persons named Mohsin and Taufeeq have been identified and soon these two would be involved in the investigations.
According to the details of case, several fabric importers had a valuation dispute and they approached Islamabad High Court seeking release of their consignments against deposit of post-dated cheques of the differential amount.
Islamabad High Court contrary to the Customs Act, 1969 granted the appeal and advised the Customs to release the consignments against deposit of post-dated instruments. MCC Appraisement West considered this order inappropriate as Customs Act does not allow release of consignments against post-dated instruments.
MCC Port Qasim however honored the ruling of Islamabad High Court and released several consignments till the dispute was settled at IHC. But, interestingly all the importers/petitioners who had moved the court never appeared the hearings and therefore the Court dismissed the petition.
As the petition was dismissed, MCC Port Qasim opted for encashment of post-dated cheques to secure legitimate revenue worth hundreds of millions of rupees. The instruments deposited by M/s Nawaz Enterprises, M/s Ahsan Enterprises, M/s Al-Harmain Textiles, M/s Jacquard International, M/s Anwar & Sons, M/s Mak & Sons Enterprises and M/s Warasat Enterprises were dishonored. The bank accounts were found empty and there is no trace of the said importers.
Collector Port Qasim has formed a team and investigations are progressing fast. An official said that FIRs may also be lodged against the accused.