A petition has been filed in the Peshawar High Court (PHC) challenging the federal government’s recent notification regarding an increase in fuel prices across Pakistan. The petitioner has requested the court to declare the notification illegal, arguing that the price hike is unjustified and places an additional financial burden on the public.
According to reports, the petition was submitted by Advocate Malik Ajmal Khan, who raised concerns about the transparency and legality of the process used to determine the new fuel prices. The petition states that the government failed to provide sufficient justification for the sudden increase in petrol and diesel prices.
The petitioner also emphasized that the rise in fuel prices has a direct impact on ordinary citizens, particularly those already struggling with high inflation and increasing living costs. The legal challenge argues that the government did not properly consider the economic hardships faced by the public before issuing the notification.
Furthermore, the petition claims that the mechanism used to determine petroleum prices lacks transparency and does not adequately represent the interests of the general population. The petitioner has asked the court to examine whether the procedures followed by the authorities were lawful and fair.
In the petition, the federal government, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), and other relevant authorities have been named as respondents. The petitioner has requested the court to suspend the implementation of the fuel price increase notification until the case is fully reviewed and a final decision is announced.
The report states that the case has already been scheduled for hearing before a bench of the Peshawar High Court. During the hearing, the court will consider the arguments presented by the petitioner and review the legal basis of the government’s decision to increase fuel prices.
The notification that triggered the petition was issued earlier this month, resulting in higher petroleum product prices across the country. The move has received criticism from various sectors of society, with many citizens expressing concern over its effect on transportation costs, goods prices, and the overall cost of living.
As the court proceedings begin, the decision of the Peshawar High Court could play an important role in determining whether the recent fuel price hike will remain in place or be reconsidered by the authorities.
