QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court (BHC) on Wednesday declared as null and void the ‘other charges’ being received by the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) from its consumers.

A BHC bench comprising Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Rozi Khan Barech observed that the ‘other charges’ are in conflict with Articles 4, 5 and 13 of the Constitution.

The court passed this order while hearing a constitutional petition filed by Advocates Syed Nazir Agha, Sultana Sarwat and Farzana Khilji.

Advocate Kashif Hanif represented the SSGC and Advocate Syed Jaffar Baqri appeared in the court on behalf of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority.

The petition contended that a two-member bench of the Supreme Court declared on Dec 23 last year the PUG / slow meter charges sent to consumers by the SSGC against the law.

Advocate Syed Nazir Agha termed the court decision a victory of truth and justice.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2022