The summons were issued in response to a constitutional petition filed by the All Pakistan Dry Fruit Importers and Exporters Association, seeking clarification on the stopping of customs-cleared trucks at various check-posts.

During the hearing of the petition, the bench was informed that trucks carrying goods from neighboring countries Afghanistan and Iran, after being cleared and sealed by the Customs House in Quetta, are stopped at various check-posts across Pakistan. Despite having customs clearance, the officials stationed at these check-posts allegedly demand bribes, threatening to file false cases against the transporters.

If refused, baseless cases are registered, and the goods-laden trucks are impounded and held at stations outside Balochistan. Eventually, the trucks and shipments are released as legal, but by then, the goods are often spoiled.

It was further revealed that the officials involved in filing such baseless and illegal cases face no accountability, and many such incidents have been reported. The respondents have failed to take action against these customs officials.

On behalf of the petitioners, Deputy General Nasir Ahmed Bangulzai and NLC Dry Port representative Masah Azka Zafar were present in court. The judges noted that while the respondents have already submitted their comments, this is not sufficient to resolve the issue. Therefore, considering the circumstances, it is deemed appropriate for the Secretary of the Interior, relevant FBR officials from Islamabad, the Collector of Customs from the Model Customs Collectorate, Samungli Road Quetta, and the Collector of Customs Intelligence Balochistan to appear in person at the next hearing to address the matter.

The bench also directed the Additional Attorney General of Balochistan to issue a notice to the Attorney General’s Office to ensure the attendance of the concerned officials at the next hearing. Following this, the court adjourned the hearing of the petition.