KARACHI: A customs appellate bench of High Court of Sindh (SHC) comprising Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Justice Zulfiqar Ahmed Khan on Tuesday restrained Pakistan Custom’s Port Muhammad Bin Qasim Collectorate from taking any adverse action against Elysium and Zam Zam Corporation who imported plastic sheets.
Earlier a counsel from Franklin Law Associates appearing for the two importers submitted that they filed request for inspection before filing Goods Declaration. The request was acceded to and after examination, the consignment by Elysium comprising of two containers were marked for assessment while examination of Zam Zam’s consignment consisting of three containers was in process when custom officials allegedly stopped the process and placed the consignment on hold. Later when the reason for placing of hold was inquired into threats of lodging of FIR were extended , submitted the counsel for petitioner companies/importers. The counsel also sought protection against co-ercive measures by the respondent officials. It was also prayed that the respondents be directed to complete the examination of remaining portion of Zam Zam and to provisionally release the same.
The bench after a patient hearing restrained the respondents from taking any adverse action against the petitioners while the respondents were also asked to complete the assessment and other process including levy of duties, taxes etc.