Fuel price hike notification challenged in Peshawar High Court

PESHAWAR: A petition has been filed in the Peshawar High Court (PHC) challenging the recent notification issued by the federal government regarding an increase in fuel prices.

According to a report in Dawn, the petitioner, Advocate Malik Ajmal Khan, has requested the court to declare the fuel price hike notification illegal. The petition argues that the increase in prices is unjustified and has a direct impact on the public, particularly those with limited financial resources.

The petition further claims that the notification was issued without proper justification and that the government did not take into account the hardships faced by the people due to rising inflation. It also contends that the process for determining fuel prices lacks transparency and does not adequately consider the interests of the general public.

Advocate Malik Ajmal Khan has asked the court to suspend the implementation of the notification until a final decision is made on the petition. The petition names the federal government, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), and other relevant authorities as respondents in the case.

The Dawn report states that the petition has been fixed for hearing by a bench of the Peshawar High Court. The court is expected to review the arguments presented by the petitioner regarding the legality of the fuel price hike and the procedures followed by the authorities in issuing the notification.

The notification in question was issued earlier this month, resulting in an increase in the prices of petroleum products across the country. The move has led to widespread criticism from various segments of society, with concerns raised about its impact on the cost of living.

Further proceedings in the case will be determined by the Peshawar High Court as it considers the petitioner's arguments and the responses from the concerned authorities.