LHC rejects petition challenging electricity tariffs, capacity charges

The Lahore High Court has rejected a petition challenging electricity tariffs and capacity charges, ruling that the matter is not maintainable before the court. In a detailed verdict, Justice Ahmad Nadeem Arshad stated that decisions regarding energy policies fall within the authority of the government and Parliament rather than the judiciary. The court observed that it cannot serve as an appellate body for financial, economic or regulatory policymaking, adding that disagreement with state policy alone does not provide sufficient grounds for a constitutional petition. The judgment further explained that issues related to electricity tariff structures and capacity payments are matters for policymakers and regulatory authorities, not the courts. It noted that the petitioner failed to demonstrate any infringement of fundamental rights. The court also emphasised that judicial interference in constitutional matters is only warranted where actions are illegal or unconstitutional. Referring to the principle of separation of powers, the ruling stated that courts should avoid unnecessary intervention in administrative and executive affairs. The court held that directing the recovery of payments made to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) falls outside judicial authority, adding that courts cannot frame or alter public policy through public interest litigation. The petition, filed by Ashba Kamran, had challenged the inclusion of capacity charges in electricity bills and sought a broad review of the power sector’s regulatory system. The court ultimately dismissed the plea as non-maintainable. No more file-based property trading in Lahore from July 1, 2026