Syed Muhammad Qaseem;
The Divisional Bench of the Balochistan High Court, comprising Mr. Justice Abdullah Baloch and Mr. Justice Iqbal Ahmed Kasi, has directed the federal government to resolve the ongoing blockade of vehicles carrying import and export goods. The court ordered the Ministry of Interior and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to convene a meeting within a week with importers, exporters, and the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with a progress report due by October 31, 2024.
A show cause notice was issued to the Director of Customs Intelligence Balochistan for failing to submit a response, following a petition filed by the All Pakistan Dry Fruits Importers and Exporters Association. The petition highlighted severe financial losses resulting from halted border trade.
The bench stressed that poor communication and supervision between departments caused the issue, urging swift cooperation to prevent further economic damage. The court noted the significant contributions importers and exporters make to the national treasury through customs duties, sales taxes, and income taxes.
Officials from the Ministry of Interior, FBR, and Customs attended the hearing, though the Interior Secretary was absent due to commitments at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization conference in Islamabad. The absence of a response from Customs Intelligence led to the show cause notice.
The court has mandated the presence of all key officials, including the Secretary of the Interior, FBR Chairman, and Customs personnel, at the next hearing to ensure a timely resolution.
