BHC orders massive relief against inflated gas bills

Bench orders consumers to pay 10% of bills during past three months

QUETTA:

In a landmark ruling, the Balochistan High Court (BHC) has ordered the citizens to pay only 10% of their bills from the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) issued over the past three months, in a bid to address the mounting grievances of the people of Balochistan against excessive billing.

A BHC division bench, comprising Justice Kamran Malakhail and Justice Nazir Ahmed Langove, found that despite assurances from the gas company of fair billing, the situation was dire. The justices gave the ruling with a view to easing the sufferings of the masses.

“It is unjustifiable for the people of Balochistan to bear the brunt of inflated gas bills,” declared Justice Malakhail. “Henceforth, citizens shall only be obligated to pay 10% of the bills issued over the past three months,” Justice Malakhail added.

The courtroom was packed with citizens concerned, eager for respite from the financial strain caused by hefty bills. Renowned lawyers, including Syed Nazeer Agha Advocate, appeared in the case, along with renowned human rights activist and senior lawyer Jalila Haider.

Gas company officials were summoned to account for the staggering bills burdening the populace. Following an hour-long proceedings, the bench gave the ruling that came as relief to many struggling families, who had been grappling with the dilemma of paying exorbitant bills or facing disconnection.

However, the court’s intervention underscored a deeper issue of systemic negligence. Despite repeated admonitions from the court, the gas authorities persisted in imposing unjust charges on the impoverished populace and in instances of non-payment, residents faced punitive measures.

The case was adjourned until April 18, signalling a continued effort by the judiciary to hold accountable those responsible for the economic hardships endured by the people of Balochistan.