ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a show-cause notice to a Customs Collector over the return of gold bars, seeking an explanation regarding the matter.
The court took notice of the issue concerning the return of gold bars and directed the concerned customs official to explain the department’s position. The IHC judge expressed displeasure over the Customs Collector’s offer of payment of Rs4.8 million in exchange for gold bars to the petitioner. Petitioner Waqar-un-Nisa demanded return of gold bars seized in 2023 and rejected Customs Collector offer to receive Rs 4.8 million, a price that was calculated at the time of the seizure of the gold. At this time, price of gold has doubled, hence, passenger-turned-petitioner demanded gold not cash.
The development highlights questions surrounding the handling and release of gold seized by customs authorities. Such cases often involve disputes over the ownership of confiscated valuables, their legal status and the procedures required for their return. The court’s notice requires the concerned official to respond to the issues raised before the bench.
However, further details regarding the specific proceedings, the quantity of gold involved and the response deadline were not independently verified from the available information.
The case comes amid broader judicial scrutiny of customs procedures involving seized precious metals. In a separate matter earlier this year, the Lahore High Court directed customs authorities to return a refined gold bar weighing approximately 2.47 kilograms to its rightful owner after a prolonged legal dispute.
The latest proceedings are expected to clarify the department’s position and determine the next steps in the case. Further developments will depend on the explanation submitted by the concerned official and the court’s subsequent orders.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com), subscribe to the YouTube channel, and follow the Instagram and Facebook pages.
