KARACHI: A divisional bench of High Court of Sindh (SHC) comprising Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and Justice Zulfiqar Ahmed Khan on Tuesday allowed ten days to the Pakistan Customs, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim Model Custom Collectorate to decide an assessment case pending since 2013.
The bench was hearing an application filed by Mehtab Steels which imported Electrolytic Tin Plates. The consignment’s release was delayed for one reason or the other and later a controversy developed in respect of payment of Sales Tax.
The Customs held back even the payment of undisputed Sales tax into the computer network. The petitioner counsel maintained that it resulted in petitioner’s inability to file his Sales Tax returns as well as exposing him to action under section 33 of the Sales Tax Act 1990.
The petitioner was unable to make supplies to his buyers as per law resulting in loss of business, the counsel maintains agitating the issue of inordinate delay by the “One Customs”, a facility for swift clearance of the imported goods.
The bench noted the issue pertains to 2013 when the petition was filed and grievance of the petitioner seems to be reasonable. The bench expressed annoyance.
Ilyas Ahsan, Principal Appraiser (Legal) appearing for the respondent Collectorate sought ten days assuring the court that he will ensure that goods are finally assessed and such final assessment would redress all grievances of the petitioner.
The bench allowing the request adjourned further hearing till June 03.