The Lahore High Court has issued notices to Customs authorities and Pakistan Council for Scientific Industry Research (PCSIR) laboratories for September 17 in a petition of an importer of Indian sugar seeking release of its sugar kept at Railways Godown.
Petitioner Company Swera Traders submitted that it imported 2272 metric tons Indian sugar of the same quality that is being produced in Pakistan. It pointed out that they filed a bill of entry for clearance of sugar after paying the required custom duty. But the customs authorities refused to release sugar on the plea that a sample at random has to be taken from the consignment and sent to PCSIR laboratories to test whether it contains ingredients injurious to health.
He said this sugar is being consumed in India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and other countries, adding that in the past the sugar had been imported from the different countries but was never subjected to sampling. He said the samples were taken on September 08 but the PSCIR has not submitted its report.
The petitioner argued that it had no objection over sampling and testing the quality of sugar but delay on the part of custom officials was causing monetary loss to it as it is burdening with Rs 68,000 per day Railway Godown charges and interest payable to bank at rate of Rs 15,000 per day.