.
The Supreme Court said that as a constitutional body under Article 175 of the Constitution, it must have autonomy to conceive, design and approve infrastructure projects in accordance with its institutional requirements. Photo: Online
ISLAMABAD:
The Supreme Court has ruled that any legally registered vehicle found transporting smuggled or unduty goods cannot be released upon payment of a fine, as SRO 499(I)/2009 of the Federal Board of Revenue and its subsequent amendments have abolished this discretion.
The court overturned the decisions of the Peshawar High Court and the Customs Appellate Court, reinstating full confiscation of the vehicle and goods.
According to the detailed judgment, once the FBR invokes its authority, customs officials and appellate forums no longer have the power to allow release against ransom fine.
