ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Monday directed the Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDCL) to clear the dues of Shah Zain Bugti.

Mr Bugti, through his counsel, sought the payment of Rs125 million as the gas royalty from the company.

The counsel informed Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui that the petitioner had leased out a portion of his 3,207 acres land to the OGDCL for producing natural gas.

Under the lease agreement, the OGDCL was supposed to pay the amount to Mr Bugti in January 2014. He said the non-payment of the dues was a clear violation of the terms of agreement and promises of the OGDCL as well as the commitment of the Balochistan government.

Read: Shahzain Bugti held with `illegal arms`

He contended that it was the legal and contractual obligation of the respondent to pay the amount to the petitioner on time.

The counsel also said the non-payment of the amount was against the fundamental rights protected under Article 23 and 24 of the constitution.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2015

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