SSGCL slammed for 'running a fiefdom'

BHC summons CS, principal secretaries to PM, CM over inflated gas bills

QUETTA:

The Balochistan High Court expressed its displeasure over the failure to implement court orders regarding gas bills, specifically those involving the addition of new charges, load shedding, and reduced gas pressure in the province.

During the hearing, a divisional bench comprising Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Malakhail and Mr. Justice Shaukat Ali Rakhshani summoned the principal secretary to the prime minister, chief secretary of Balochistan, and the principal secretary to the Balochistan chief minister for the next hearing.

The case, filed by senior jurist Syed Nazir Agha Advocate, addresses complaints about inflated gas bills, frequent load shedding, and inadequate gas pressure.

Several legal representatives and officials from Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL), including SSGC Quetta's legal team and SSGC Karachi's recovery management, appeared in court to respond to the issues raised.

During proceedings, the SSGC management admitted that an IT-related technical error caused miscalculations in consumer bills. This explanation, however, did little to satisfy the court, which voiced concerns over the company's overall handling of the issue. The bench sharply criticized SSGCL officials for what it described as "non-technical, non-professional, obstinate, and arrogant behavior," accusing the company of running its operations like a "fiefdom."

In a stern warning, the bench directed the principal secretary to the PM to ensure compliance with its orders. Failure to do so would require the principal secretary to personally appear before the court. The court has also instructed the chief secretary of Balochistan and the principal secretary to the CM to attend the next hearing in person and submit progress reports on the implementation of the court's previous directives.

The case will be resumed in the next hearing, where the summoned officials are expected to provide updates on compliance with the court's orders.

In a landmark ruling earlier this year, the Balochistan High Court (BHC) ordered 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 against excessive billing.

A BHC division bench, comprising Justices Kamran Malakhail and 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.