Lahore High Court has directed the federal government to form a high-level commission to probe into the petroleum crisis that gripped the country recently.

The court, while ordering the constitution of a commission to probe the matter, asked the attorney general to submit names in this regard. The LHC top judge remarked that if the AG failed to submit the names of suitable candidates, then the High Court will recommend the appropriate persons for the commission.

“I need strong people in the commission, if anyone tries to hide the government record then strict action will be taken [against them],” he said in an apparent warning.

Through the listening to, the LHC chief justice mentioned that the secretary to the prime minister holds a giant place and he has been displaying dereliction of responsibility. “Principal secretary to PM runs the government, and the Establishment also, despite being called four times he does not appear (before the court), this is the height of bad governance,” he said

The chief justice warned the government officials of strict action if anyone found involved in concealing or tampering with the official record.

He further observed, “Prima facie all the authorities concerned are suspects in the petrol crisis.” He also warned the Ogra chairperson not to try to protect the real culprits.

The court warned that if the government did not give a satisfactory response in relation to the shortage of fuel across the country, then it will raise questions of its claims of good governance in the order. Noting that the crisis surfaced during the current government’s tenure, the LHC ordered the formation of an inquiry commission and adjourned the hearing until July 16.