KARACHI: A customs appellate bench of High Court of Sindh (SHC) comprising Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Justice Mahmood A Khan on Wednesday restrained Pakistan Customs from initiating any criminal proceedings against United Marine Shipping Agency.
The bench was earlier informed by a counsel from Franklin Law Associates appearing for the petitioner company that they have filed IGMs (Import General Manifest) in respect of more than 300 containers lying “unclaimed” at the port on the basis of Bills of Ladings.
The custom officials are making inquiries in cases of such containers also, harassing and nominating the petitioner in cases one after another without any due process, the counsel submitted adding that the petitioner company has responded to the notices issued to them under section 26 of the Customs Act yet harassment is unending.
The bench held that if custom officials require any documents, they may call for such record by writing a letter and also afford proper hearing to the petitioner. The bench later deferring further proceedings till Nov 11 directed that no criminal proceedings be initiated against the petitioner till next date of hearing.