LAHORE: In the wake of recent hike in petroleum prices, Judicial Activism Forum has invoked jurisdiction of the Lahore High Court saying the increase violates constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights.
Through Advocate Azhar Siddique, the forum filed a civil miscellaneous application in a pending constitutional petition challenging the petroleum pricing mechanism, urging the court to suspend the latest increase in fuel prices. Advocate Siddique submitted that the federal government has raised petrol and diesel prices in an abrupt, excessive and non-transparent manner during the pendency of the main case, further burdening the public.
It highlights that petrol prices have surged to around Rs458 per litre and diesel beyond Rs520 per litre, terming the increase disproportionate and economically exploitative. The plea claims the hike violates multiple constitutional provisions, including Articles 3, 9, 14 and 25, by undermining citizens` right to dignity, livelihood and protection against exploitation.
It has also questioned the petroleum pricing mechanism, alleging lack of transparency in cost structure and excessive imposition of levies, particularly the Petroleum Development Levy, reportedly reaching up to Rs160 per litre. The plea has asked the court to suspend the recent price hike, declare the existing pricing mechanism unlawful, and restrain authorities from further increases without a transparent, legally justified formula linked to international benchmarks.
The application is likely to be fixed for hearing on Monday. Dawn reported that lawyers call price hike `unjustified` The Sindh Bar Council and Sindh High Court Bar Association on Friday strongly condemned the unprecedented increase in petroleum prices.
The SBA said that such unjustified surge has placed a heavy burden on the public as well as members of legal fraternity and will further increase the inflation and economic hardship. The council urged the federal government to immediately review and reduce the prices of petroleum products in the interest of people. The SHCBA in a statement said that such unprecedented and unjustified increase has caused an unbearable financial burden on the common man rendering basic necessities increasingly unaffordable.
It is highly concerning that despite smart lockdown measures implemented by the government aimed at reducing fuel consumption, such a significant hike in petroleum prices has been enforced, it added. It also maintained that this decision was not only contradictory but also reflected a lack of consideration for the already struggling public including the legal fraternity. The SHCBA further urged the government to review and revise the petroleum prices in the greater public interest as prompt action in this regard is essential to provide relief to the masses and restore public confidence.
