KARACHI: Pakistan Custom officials were restrained from arresting, harassing or any other action against a petitioner Muhammad Afzal, owner of Royal Steel, Karachi.
The petitioner was accused in three identical FIRs on ground that he is alleged financier of the smuggled steel coils. A counsel from Franklin Law Associates appeared for the petitioner and said that different claimants have claimed the ownership of alleged smuggled goods while petitioner is not a claimant, importer or otherwise has connection with the alleged smuggled goods. The petitioner was falsely implicated into the bogus FIRs aimed at decreasing the quantum of imports, the lawyer contended seeking protection to his client. The bench after a detailed hearing while issuing notices to the Director, Superintendent of Directorate of Intelligence and Investigations and FBR for Oct 30 restrained the custom authorities from arresting, harassing or taking any other coercive action against the petitioner till next date of hearing.