ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday warned Aramco Asia Singapore Pvt Ltd and Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd (GO) that it could proceed with the case in their absence if they continued to delay submitting responses in a petition challenging the operation of Aramco-branded fuel stations in Islamabad.
The case was heard by Justice Muhammad Azam Khan, who expressed concern that several respondents had still not filed their replies despite being served notices on multiple occasions.
The court issued fresh notices to the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Capital Development Authority (CDA), District Magistrate, Explosives Department, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Aramco, and other parties, directing them to submit their responses before the next hearing.
Justice Azam Khan remarked that respondents who failed to comply would face ex parte proceedings, allowing the court to decide the matter without hearing their side.
Representing the petitioner, advocate Kashif Ali Malik told the court that nearly a year had passed since the petition was filed, yet several respondents had still not filed their written statements.
He also questioned the corporate relationship between GO Pakistan and Aramco, arguing that conflicting claims had been made regarding their ownership structure. According to the counsel, one position describes GO as an independent company, while another states that Aramco holds a 40% stake.
The petition, filed by Muhammad Shafiq Mir, owner of a Pakistan State Oil (PSO) filling station on Srinagar Highway, alleges that Aramco-branded fuel outlets are operating without securing the necessary marketing licence from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and without proper corporate registration in Pakistan.
The petitioner contends that these operations violate the OGRA Ordinance, Pakistan Oil Rules 2016, Petroleum Act, and Explosives Act.
According to the petition, an Aramco-branded station located near the petitioner’s outlet is allegedly operating under licences including an explosives licence that were originally issued to Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd and Askar Oil.
The petition further argues that permitting such arrangements has created regulatory, safety, and competitive concerns, resulting in financial losses for local fuel station operators. It also accuses OGRA and other relevant authorities of failing to enforce applicable regulations despite the alleged violations.
After issuing fresh notices to the respondents, the Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing until a later date.
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