Daily Times

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday directed the Petroleum Commission to complete its investigation into the increase in prices of petroleum products by December 2.

Chief Justice Lahore High Court Muhammad Qasim Khan presided the hearing on petitions against the increase in prices of oil products as Additional Attorney General (AAG) Chaudhry Ishtiaq A Khan appeared on behalf of the federal government.

The government had earlier cut the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs1.57 and Rs0.84 per litre, respectively. The price of petrol was reduced from Rs103.97 to Rs102.40 per litre while HSD had been reduced to Rs103.22 from Rs104.06 per litre.

However, the price of LPG had been increased from the existing Rs120 to Rs130 per kilo whereas there had been no change in the prices of kerosene oil and light diesel oil.

During the proceedings, the LHC also ordered the commission to submit at least 25 to 30 copies of the completed probe report at the next hearing.

“If the investigation is not completed by the next hearing, the court will itself conduct the investigation,” the court remarked adding that it would be a case that would “shake your government”.

“Who was using such delay tactics?” the chief justice of LHC asked on an adjournment request filed on behalf of Pak Arab Refinery Ltd (PARCO) counsel Sheikh Anwar-ul-Haq as he was reportedly busy in proceedings at the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The judge added that he would personally call all those responsible.

AAG Khan prayed upon the judge that the commission had asked for six to eight weeks to complete the probe.

“In four weeks, we will complete the investigation,” the AAG said. “All the investigations have to be completed considering the judicial Terms of reference (TOR). We want the implementation of the report.”

The LHC chief justice added that the government would again ask for more time asking to consult the prime minister.

“I am giving 28 days.” the judge said. “If you cannot complete the investigation the court will conduct its own.”

The petitioner contended that the prices of petroleum products were increased without the approval of the Cabinet, while not observing the rules and regulations in place.

“Oil prices are falling in the world market, but prices in Pakistan have risen sharply,” the petitioner contended. He added that it was the responsibility of the government to provide relief to the people which it was not fulfilling.

“The court should issue a restraining order against the increase prices of petroleum products and annul the notification of increase,” the petitioner further prayed.