High Court Takes Strong Notice of Gas Bills and Load Shedding; Sui Southern Chairman Summoned on December 11

Quetta (Qudrat Daily) — The Balochistan High Court has expressed serious concern over irregularities in gas billing and prolonged load shedding by Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), summoning the company’s chairman on December 11 for further proceedings.

Speaking to the media after the hearing, Supreme Court lawyer Syed Nazir Agha Advocate said the case, based on public complaints, has been pending since 2021. It highlights significant issues including unjustified increases in gas bills and extensive load shedding affecting residents.

The court took strong notice of the abnormal billing in various areas, reportedly caused by the installation of 16-inch and 12-inch pipelines in Quetta two years ago. The court directed that complaints from consumers who have either not received gas or received excessively high bills be addressed immediately. Additionally, instructions were issued to reduce load shedding temporarily during the winter season to provide relief to the public.

Syed Nazir Agha added that the next hearing is scheduled for December 11, during which the SSGC chairman and other relevant officials have been ordered to appear before the court to present progress on remedial measures. He emphasized that if public grievances remain unresolved, a fresh petition will be filed in the High Court, stressing that ensuring accurate billing and uninterrupted gas supply is a top priority.