The Lahore High Court has dismissed a public interest petition related to Load Shedding and energy shortages. The court ruled that such matters fall under expert regulators.
The case also included concerns about gas shortages and overall energy governance. However, the court said these issues cannot be decided by the judiciary.
Justice Khalid Ishaq stated that courts cannot act as regulators. He said they cannot replace the role of bodies like NEPRA and OGRA in energy matters.
The judgment emphasized that Load Shedding and related policy issues require technical expertise. These decisions belong to regulatory and executive institutions.
The court also imposed a fine of Rs. 100,000 on the petitioner. The amount must be deposited in the Lahore High Court Bar Association dispensary fund.
However, the penalty has been suspended for 30 days. This allows the petitioner to file an appeal in a higher court. The petition had requested action against Load Shedding and gas shortages. It also asked for uninterrupted supply to hospitals, courts, and other public institutions.
Additionally, it demanded inquiries into officials responsible for the energy crisis. The court, however, found the claims to be broad and unsupported. Justice Ishaq noted that public interest litigation must be used responsibly. He said it should serve genuine public welfare, not unverified allegations.
The court also observed that the petitioner failed to use available legal remedies. These remedies exist under the laws governing NEPRA and OGRA.
The judgment further explained that energy pricing and distribution involve complex policy decisions. Such matters require specialized knowledge and careful planning.
The court warned that excessive interference could disrupt governance. It said judicial overreach may create administrative and economic problems.
Following the ruling, Advocate Azhar Siddique criticized the decision. He said the petition raised real concerns about Load Shedding and public hardship.
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He announced plans to challenge the judgment in a higher court. He argued that citizens are facing serious difficulties due to ongoing energy shortages. The case highlights ongoing debate over Load Shedding and institutional responsibility in Pakistan’s energy sector.
