Muhammad Faizan Aslam Khan: The Federal Constitutional Court has questioned the Balochistan High Court’s authority to issue directions concerning gas tariffs in a case involving excessive bills in the province, observing that tariff determination falls within the jurisdiction of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
A three-member bench headed by Justice Aamer Farooq heard the case and sought affidavits from the lawyers to clarify whether the High Court’s order had been issued with the consent of the parties. The bench also summoned the High Court’s order sheet and adjourned further proceedings until November 17.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that the High Court had exceeded its jurisdiction by acting as a regulator and determining gas tariffs.
Justice Aamer Farooq questioned the legal basis for the directions issued by the High Court and asked under which law it could intervene in tariff matters.
Advocate Naseebullah Achakzai, however, argued that the High Court had not fixed the tariffs itself but had authorised the formation of a committee to deal with the matter. He told the bench that consent had been given during the proceedings for setting up the committee.
Justice Farooq observed that the original petition before the High Court concerned meter readings, but the proceedings had subsequently moved towards other matters.
The bench noted that the High Court’s order had already been suspended by the Constitutional Court.
The case stems from a petition filed by two lawyers before the Balochistan High Court challenging excessive gas bills in the province. The Constitutional Court adjourned the hearing until November 17 for further proceedings.
