Balochistan High Court Directs Action Against Illegal Gas Extraction in Quetta
Quetta:The two-member bench of the Balochistan High Court, comprising Justice Mohammad Kamran Khan Malakhail and Justice Shaukat Ali Rakhshani, heard a constitutional petition filed by Advocate Syed Nazir Ahmad Agha concerning the low gas pressure in Quetta. The petition was filed against the Federation of Pakistan, through the Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, and others.
The honorable judges directed the Chief Engineer, Billing Manager, and Legal Manager of Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) to hold a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner of Quetta. The meeting will focus on the installation of machines on SSGCL gas pipelines that pull gas illegally and will include the formation of a special team for the survey and monitoring of such illegal practices.
The judges emphasized that after the comprehensive survey by the special team, legal action should be taken against individuals who illegally divert gas for their use. They also instructed that the police, under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Quetta, be informed to provide assistance in this operation.
Furthermore, the court ordered that the Deputy Commissioner of Quetta, along with an SSGCL representative, form another special team to create a comprehensive procedure for regulating the sale, purchase, and supply of gas extraction machines in shops that deal with gas-related equipment.
The court also instructed SSGCL officials to ensure adequate gas pressure, particularly for domestic consumers, during the winter season. The judges made it clear that no leniency should be shown to habitual violators of the law, and legal actions should be taken against those violating relevant regulations.
A copy of the order has been sent to the relevant authorities, including the Advocate General and Assistant Attorney General, for compliance and information. The next hearing of the constitutional petition is scheduled for December 24, 2024.
