On Friday, 25th June the Lahore High Court instructed the federal government to take a look at the illegal profits made by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMC's) by faking a shortage of petroleum products in the country.
Chief Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan ordered the government to form a committee for the recovery of unlawful gains from the OMCs. The government was also asked to examine the rules and regulations, form a committee and take necessary steps for the audit of the OMC's. After taking a look at the current facts and situation, the committee may make amendments or propose a new legislation.
Moreover, the judge also said that the federal government must initiate legal action against those involved in malpractices or found responsible for creating the artificial shortage. The Chief Justice ordered chief secretaries of the provinces to take effective steps to empower the district administrations so that they may play a better role in such a situation.
Furthermore, he also asked the government to examine the report of the commission regarding dissolution of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) through a high-powered committee.