SC grills Govt over excessive POL prices
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—The Supreme Court in its remarks expressed its concern over increasing prices of petroleum and sought the report of Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Resources in this regard.
The full bench of the Supreme Court comprised of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Ch, Justice Muhammad Nawaz Abassi and Justice Syed Saeed Ashad. The petitioners Senator Rukhsana Zubairi and Maulvi Iqbal Haider were also present on the occasion. The Chief Justice has asked the officers of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to reduce the prices of Petroleum. He also directed the authorities to present Senate Standing Committee report prepared by Senator Dilawer Abass. Senator Rukhsana Zubairi said that the report 2005 is on the record of the Court. Ibrahim Satti, NAB’s lawyer on the occasion presented a one page of the investigation report which was refused by the Chief Justice and directed him to present complete investigation report prepared by NAB. Ibrahim Satti in response opined that the government donnot want to publish the report. The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing till December 11 and issued the orders for the formation of a Larger Bench.
Dr Salman Shah advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance has said no decision has been taken to curtail petroleum products prices adding government will however keep petroleum development levy at zero level which may result into gradual reduction in the prices. He said in his informal talks with the journalists after inaugural session of IPDF Forum here Wednesday. Listing the objectives of the forum, he said it is aimed at using international expertise in the development of country. Four working groups have been set up in this forum. They include government, private, local governments and other persons so that all could be made part of development process of infrastructure of the country . The private sector is also being invited to play its role in this regard as construction of infrastructure from within government budget stands ruled out.
Earlier addressing the inaugural session, he said Pakistan will adopt expertise of robust economies to meet its requirements as it will set the country on the trajectory of growth. He informed government would allow subsidy in such projects where tariff is inaccessible to the consumers. Speaking on the occasion IPDF chief executive Ejaz Ahmad said government has formulated a comprehensive strategy under which development projects will be executed through public, private partnership.