PESHAWAR: The recent major hike of Rs 55 per liter in petrol and diesel prices by the federal government has been challenged in the Peshawar High Court.
The federal government, Secretary Petroleum, and Secretary OGRA and other relevant authorities have been made parties in the petition. The petitioner has taken the position that this move of the government is completely against the public interest and amounts to further oppression on the people who are already burdened by inflation. The following arguments have been presented in the petition:
The petition states that the prices have not increased to this extent in countries (USA, Israel and Iran) which are in a direct war situation, while the increase in Pakistan is beyond comprehension.
The federal government has attributed the increase to the war between the US, Israel and Iran, however, the petitioner says that despite stability in the war-torn areas, the people of Pakistan are being targeted.
An increase of Rs 55 per liter will bring a new wave of inflation in the country, which will make the life of the common man even more unbearable. “The government has broken the back of the poor people by increasing the prices of petroleum products immensely. This move is not only illogical but will also worsen the economic situation.
The petitioner has requested the court to declare the recent notification of the increase in the prices of petroleum products null and void so that the people can be relieved of this additional financial burden.
Read also:PHC dismisses additional sessions judge over incompetence, misconduct
