Two passengers who attempted to take prohibited goods worth over Rs140 million through Lahore airport's green channel have lost their legal battle to send them back abroad after the Lahore High Court (LHC) ruled that such a concession is only available to travellers who make a truthful customs declaration.
The case dates back to March 5, 2023, when the passengers arrived from Abu Dhabi at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport.
They opted for the green channel, which is reserved for travellers with no banned or dutiable goods, and denied carrying any such items when questioned by customs officials.
A subsequent baggage search revealed 1,040 mobile phones of foreign origin, 10 drones, a PlayStation set, and other prohibited items.
The passengers were unable to provide any evidence of lawful import, ownership, or payment of duties and taxes.
The items — banned under Pakistan's import policy — were seized, and an FIR was registered. The matter was referred to the Additional Collector Customs (Adjudication).
On April 20, 2023, an Order-in-Original was passed against them, but they appealed before the Customs Appellate Tribunal.
The Tribunal allowed their appeal under Section 142 of the Customs Act, 1969, permitting the re-export of the goods upon payment of duties, taxes, and fines, subject to obtaining no-objection certificates from the relevant authorities.
Following post-remand proceedings, the Additional Collector Customs on October 17, 2023, ordered release on similar terms.
Customs authorities challenged this decision in the Lahore High Court, arguing that the tribunal had erred in allowing re-export of goods brought in without declaration, through misuse of the green channel, and in permitting re-export of smuggled items.
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