KARACHI: An appellate bench of High Court of Sindh (SHC) comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Mrs Ashraf Jahan on Friday adjourned hearing in a petition filed by an exporter of animal hides till March 14.
The petitioner challenged detention of his consignment on the basis of a letter issued by Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) asking the Pakistan Customs to assess the value of hides according to length (square feet) .
Qasim Brothers, exporters of hides moved the court and were represented by Franklin Law Associates. The petitioner maintains that as per tariff issued by Pakistan Customs, the value of hides is to be determined according to weight. Internationally also the assessment is made on the basis of weight, the petitioner’s counsel argued. He said that PTA is a private association and its letter is not binding upon Pakistan Customs. The unwarranted letter and assessment by customs of the basis of said letter is detrimental to export s from Pakistan which are dwindling too causing loss of precious foreign exchange, the petitioner’s counsel submitted.
The bench after initial hearing ordered issuance of notices to the respondent Pakistan Customs has suspending the PTA’s letter.
A counsel made an appearance for respondent Pakistan Customs today in the petition and was asked to come up with written comments while fixing March 14 for a conclusive hearing.
The same bench also issued notices for March 13 in a petition filed by Hansika International against violation of section 25-D and assessing consignment on the basis of guideline by the DG Valuation.
In a third petition challenging circular issued by the Collector Customs denying benefit of section 81 provisional release of imported goods, the bench after hearing counsel for Franklin Law Associates, fixed March 13 for a final hearing.