Karachi: (SHC) comprising Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Justice Zulfiqar Ahmed Khan questioned the locus standi of Pakistan Steel Melters and Re-rolling Association in a petition seeking revision of a valuation ruling for import of re-meltable iron scrap.

Why the importer have not come forward. Under the laws the remedy is available to importers, the bench observed.

The petitioner association is a stake holder and has been invited to the meetings etc arranged for evaluation of market price and subsequent rate of duty after which a valuation ruling is issued.

The last valuation ruling was issued in 2015 and after it no revision was made. The price at relevant time was 360 US $ per metric ton which has now fallen to IUS $ 270 with a net difference in price value of 60 US $’s per metric ton. The custom authorities have been assessing at the previous rate which is causing huge loss to them, the counsel for the association pleaded.

The counsel while responding to the issue of maintainability of the petition relied on a judgment of Lahore High Court in which it was held that any aggrieved person can knock the doors of the court.

The bench however after preliminary hearing adjourned further proceedings till  Sept 26.