A petition has been filed in the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan challenging the latest increase in petroleum product prices. The petition names the Government of Pakistan and the Secretary of the Establishment Division as respondents. The petitioner has requested the court to direct the government to fix petrol and diesel prices at Rs200 per litre.
Key Demands of the Petition
The plea also urges the government to procure petroleum products from Iran and seek concessional fuel rates from Gulf countries. According to the petition, petrol and diesel prices reaching nearly Rs400 per litre in a developing country are unjust and place a heavy burden on citizens.
Arguments Presented
The petition argues that factors such as war, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, and the International Monetary Fund are being used as reasons to justify repeated price hikes. It further states that the sharp increase in fuel prices is severely impacting the daily lives of ordinary people.
Recent Price Increases
Earlier, the government announced a fresh increase in petroleum prices, raising petrol by Rs6.51 per litre, according to an official notification issued on Thursday night. Diesel prices saw a steeper rise of Rs19.39 per litre, adding further pressure on transportation and industrial sectors.
Impact on Citizens
The petition highlights that the high fuel prices are causing significant hardship for the common man, affecting everything from daily commuting to the cost of goods. The petitioner urges the court to intervene and provide relief to the public.
