PHC de-seals chemical factory

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Friday issued de-sealing order of a chemical factory in Mardan which had been sealed by the Excise and Taxation Department a month ago.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Qaiser Rashid Khan and Justice Syed Afsar Shah suspended the notification by the Excise and Taxation Department and ordered de-sealing of the factory till the next order of the court.

The court issued direction in a writ petition filed by management of MYF Chemicals Mardan. The petitioner claimed that the Excise and Taxation Department had sealed the factory on May 3, citing the reason that it was preparing dangerous chemicals and could claim the lives of the laborers if not stopped.

The lawyer submitted that the Excise and Taxation Department took action on the report of Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO) of Charsadda, who has no jurisdiction in Mardan district. The lawyer said that the ETO had personnel grudges against the factory owners.

During the hearing, Justice Qaiser Rashid Khan expressed concern over the acts of Excise and Taxation Department, saying excise inspector in his report had declared the chemical safe and the ETO of Charsadda, who had no jurisdiction to inspect the factory in Mardan declared the chemicals dangerous.