ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) warned Aramco Asia Singapore Pvt Ltd and Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd on Monday of ex parte proceedings unless they submitted responses in a fuel station case.
Justice Muhammad Azam Khan issued the warning while hearing a petition challenging the operation of Aramco-branded petrol stations in Islamabad. He expressed displeasure that several respondents had not replied despite repeated notices.
The court issued fresh notices to the Islamabad deputy commissioner, the Capital Development Authority, the district magistrate, the Explosives Department, the Federal Investigation Agency and other respondents.
“Those who have not submitted their replies will face an ex parte decision,” Justice Khan said. The court would proceed with an order if the respondents remained absent, he added.
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Muhammad Shafiq Mir, who owns a Pakistan State Oil station on Srinagar Highway, filed the petition. His counsel, Kashif Ali Malik, told the court that nearly a year had passed without responses from several parties.
Malik also questioned the relationship between Saudi Aramco and GO Pakistan. He said the respondents had described GO Pakistan as a separate entity while also claiming that Aramco held a 40% stake.
The petition alleged that Aramco-branded stations were operating without a marketing licence from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). It also claimed that Aramco was not registered as a corporate entity in Pakistan.
According to the petitioner, one Aramco-branded outlet was using permits originally issued to GO Pakistan and Askar Oil, including an explosives licence.
The petition alleged violations of the OGRA Ordinance, the Pakistan Oil Rules 2016, the Petroleum Act and the Explosives Act. It also accused regulators of failing to act against the disputed operations. The IHC adjourned further proceedings after issuing the fresh notices.
