LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday issued a notice to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) on a writ petition challenging recent increase in gas prices.

A lawyer filed the petition saying Ogra had increased gas prices in January and February which was violation of the basic human rights. He said the masses were already suffering from skyrocketing gas prices and the latest increase would add fuel to their miseries.

He pointed out that Rs70 billion had been embezzled in Ogra, and this burden was being shifted to consumers. He prayed that the notification of recent increase in gas prices be set aside. He also sought directions for the federal government to sack Dr Asim Husain as petroleum minister.

The court after hearing the arguments sought a reply from the federal government and Ogra till Feb 6.

HAJ QUOTA: The Lahore High Court chief justice on Friday directed the religious affairs secretary to produce record of the Haj policy 2011 on Feb 10.

The CJ passed this order on a petition filed by a lawyer alleging grave irregularities on part of the religious affairs ministry in awarding Haj quota among tour operators.

Advocate Azhar Siddique prayed that the ministry be directed to provide all details regarding quota keeping in view the right to information fundamentally guaranteed by Article 19-A of the Constitution.

The court after hearing the petitioner at length sought record of the Haj policy 2011 and adjourned hearing till Feb 10.