Seized Land Cruiser from Islamabad Found in Use by Inland Revenue Commissioner in Karachi

**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily)** — A startling revelation was made in the **Islamabad High Court (IHC)** that a **Land Cruiser seized from a citizen in Islamabad** was found to be in **use by an Inland Revenue Commissioner in Karachi**. The court, expressing serious concern, **issued show-cause notices for contempt of court** to the **Collector Customs** and **Member Legal Customs**, ordering a full inquiry and report submission.

The case was heard by **Justice Babar Sattar** and **Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan**, during which it was disclosed that although Customs authorities had earlier claimed the vehicle was handed over to the **Archaeology Department Peshawar**, it was actually being used by **Commissioner Inland Revenue Sardar Taimur Khan Durrani** in Karachi.

According to the **Collector Customs**, the **Land Cruiser Prado** had been given to the Archaeology Department for a **token amount of Rs 100,000**. However, during the hearing, he also admitted that the vehicle had been brought to the court **with a fake number plate**.

The IHC issued **contempt notices** to both the **Collector Customs Rizwan Salabat** and **Member Legal Customs**, directing them to clarify **who ordered the replacement of the original number plate** and to submit an **affidavit-backed inquiry report**. Additionally, a notice was sent to **Commissioner Inland Revenue Sardar Taimur Durrani** via the **FBR Chairman’s office**.

The court summoned **Commissioner Durrani**, the **Director General of the Archaeology Department Peshawar**, and the **relevant driver** to appear **in person on November 10**. The DG Archaeology was instructed to explain **how the vehicle transferred from the department to the Inland Revenue office** and to submit a detailed inquiry report.

During proceedings, **Justice Babar Sattar** sternly questioned the Customs officials, asking:

> “Who ordered the installation of a fake number plate? Why was an Alto’s plate from Karachi put on this vehicle? Under what law did you do this, and why shouldn’t you be sent to jail for it?”

The **Collector Customs** claimed the fake plate was used to bring the vehicle into Islamabad’s **Red Zone**, arguing it was “routine practice,” which prompted sharp criticism from the bench.

Justice Sattar admonished the officials, saying:

> “Have some shame. You are senior officers, yet you blame drivers for your actions. If officers lie in court, what option is left other than contempt proceedings?”

The court observed that the purpose of contempt proceedings is not punishment but to **ensure compliance with judicial orders**. However, Justice Sattar warned that the officers’ **dishonesty and illegal conduct** would have consequences.

The court adjourned the hearing until **November 10**, directing all concerned officials to appear with complete inquiry reports and affidavits.