KARACHI: Pre-admission notices were issued for March 10 in two identical constitution petitions challenging enhanced rate of duty under Sales Tax General Order (STGO).
The petitions were filed by A.Q. Enterprises, Uzair International, Fast Trading Company and S.I.K Impex through Franklin Law Associates.
A counsel from the law firm appearing before the appellate bench of High Court of Sindh comprising Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Justice Mahmood A Khan submitted that under the impugned clause II of STGO 103/2019 dated 7-08-2019, the rate of Sales tax has been enhanced from 100 per cent to 130 per cent arbitrarily. The counsel informed the bench that two petitions have already been filed and now are fixed for hearing on March 10. The bench was requested to tag these petitions with the identical petition. The counsel for prayed to the court to order release of the items (toilet soap and cosmetics) against securing of disputed amount before the collectorate concerned. The bench allowing the request directed the respondents to consider the request of the petitioners in accordance with law.
The respondents include Secretary Revenue Division, Secretary (ST & FE Policy FBR), Model Customs Collectorate (Appraisement) East, West, Preventive and Port Muhammad Bin Qasim.