New Sui Gas Tariff Challenged in Balochistan High Court Over Constitutional Rights

QUETTA: A constitutional petition has been filed in the Balochistan High Court challenging the newly announced tariff schedule issued by Sui Gas, with the petitioner arguing that the revised rates violate constitutional provisions and undermine the rights of the people of Balochistan.

The petition was filed by senior lawyer Syed Nazir Agha Advocate, who contended that the new gas pricing structure is inconsistent with the Constitution of Pakistan and adversely affects the constitutional rights of residents of the province.

In a statement, Syed Nazir Agha said the matter has been challenged on legal and constitutional grounds and expressed confidence that the court would examine the case in accordance with the law.

The petition argues that Article 158 of the Constitution of Pakistan grants priority in the use of natural gas to the province where the gas is produced. Since a significant portion of Pakistan’s natural gas is extracted from Balochistan, the petition maintains that the province’s residents should receive preferential treatment, and that the new tariff schedule is contrary to this constitutional guarantee.

The petitioner further claimed that the revised tariff structure is also inconsistent with Articles 7, 8, and 25 of the Constitution, alleging that it results in discriminatory treatment and infringes upon fundamental constitutional rights.

The petition requests the court to declare the new tariff schedule null and void or suspend its implementation until a final decision is reached. It also seeks directions for the relevant authorities to formulate a revised gas pricing policy that takes into account the constitutional and legal rights of the people of Balochistan and avoids placing an unnecessary financial burden on consumers.

A hearing on the petition is expected in the coming days. Legal experts say the case could have broader implications for the interpretation of Article 158 and the constitutional rights of provinces over their natural resources. No ruling has yet been issued by the court, and the legal status of the revised gas tariff will be determined after judicial proceedings.