HC rejects petition against increase in price of petroleum products.

ISLAMABAD -- The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Wednesday rejected a petition filed against the recent increase in the price petroleum products in the country.

A single bench of IHC comprising Chief Justice of IHC Justice Athar Minallah conducted hearing of the petition filed by former Member of National Assembly Mian Muhammad Aslam and dismissed the same after hearing the arguments in this matter. Justice Athar observed in the judgment that in the instant case, nothing has been placed on record to indicate that a case is made out for interference by this court in a matter, which exclusively falls within the domain of the executive. The petitioner invoked the jurisdiction of this court because he is aggrieved on account of the recent increase in the prices of petroleum products by the Federal Government. He sought appropriate writs for declaring the increase in petroleum products as unconstitutional and a direction to the Federal Government to reduce the recently increased prices.

The IHC bench observed in the verdict that the pricing of a commodity involves several factors and is obviously directed by market forces. It has nexus with the economic conditions and policies of the executive.

'It thus falls within the exclusive domain of the executive branch of the State. The executive is led by elected representatives and they are accountable to the people of Pakistan for their policies and its consequences. No executive would willingly invite the wrath of the people by allowing increase in prices of essential commodities through deliberate or reckless decisions,'...