Petition seeking decrease in petrol prices dismissed.

Byline: Malik Asad

ISLAMABAD -- Islamabad High Court (IHC) dismissed the petition seeking decrease in petrol price.

The court observed that fixation of price was a sole discretion of the executive, and the judiciary had nothing to do with it.

The petitioner, Jamaat-i-Islami leader Mian Mohammad Aslam, invoked the jurisdiction of the IHC for being aggrieved on account of the recent increase in prices of petroleum products by the federal government. He has sought appropriate writs for declaring the increase in petroleum products unconstitutional and a direction to the federal government to reduce the recently increased prices.

The court noted 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.

IHC observes that fixation of price is the discretion of the executive, and the judiciary has nothing to do with it

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, the court observed.

It is also unimaginable that elected representatives would not want to keep the electorate content by ensuring availability of essential commodities at affordable prices.

The courts are neither equipped nor have the expertise to intervene or adjudicate upon matters relating to economic policies of the executive, particularly fixation of prices of essential commodities, it added.

By entertaining the petition in hand...