ISLAMABAD: A three-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday sought a comprehensive report on the action taken against those responsible for importing poultry feed contaminated by pig meat in year 2005-06. The bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justices Chaudhry Ijaz Ahmed and Mahmood Akhtar Shahid Siddiqui gave the directives in the suo motu case. Munir Qureshi, member customs, Karachi, told the court that overall 41 specimens of imported poultry feed were collected, out of which 13 samples were tested in laboratory.
According to test results, he said, the poultry feed was free of contamination by pig meat. The court directed that all 41 specimen and not only 13 should be tested in the laboratory. The chief justice observed that it was a sensitive matter, thus the court would not tolerate any laxity in the case. Dr Muhammad Aslam, counsel for poultry feed importers, told the court that customs officials had been harassing the feed importers and many of their fresh consignments were returned back. The chief justice observed that the court would not remain quiet in case of any unrestrained behavior.
Appearing on notice, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Sohail Ahmed presented his report on the matter. The court then adjourned the hearing till July 7. Earlier on September 5, 2007, the chief justice ordered the FBR to collect samples from bone and meat meal importers and exporters and test them for traces of pork.
