Lahore, Pakistan – Web Desk: The Lahore High Court on Monday reserved its verdict on a petition challenging the imposition of a petroleum levy on fuel prices in Pakistan.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Hassan Nawaz Makhdum and Justice Khalid Ishaq heard the case, with lawyer Azhar Siddique representing the petitioner.
During proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel argued that under the law, the authority to determine the Petroleum Development Levy rests with parliament, and the prime minister cannot impose such a tax unilaterally. He further stated that the levy was initially set at Rs161 per litre before being reduced by Rs80.
In response, the federal government maintained that the petition was not maintainable and asserted that the prime minister holds full authority to impose the levy under existing legal provisions.
The court concluded the hearing after arguments from both sides and reserved its judgment, which is expected to clarify the legal scope of executive powers in taxation matters.
