Lahore: Lahore High Court (LHC) while issuing notice to federal government on constitutional petition against Petroleum Development Levy has sought reply on constitutional status and legal justification of petroleum levy.

LHC bench comprising Justice Hassan Nawaz Makhdoom and Justice Khalid Ishaq has issued order after hearing. LHC took up for hearing on the petition filed by Judicial Activism Panel and Wahid Shahzad Butt.

The court has issued notice to federal government on the petition filed through Muhammad Azhar Siddique advocate Supreme Court. The step of imposing and increasing petroleum development levy without parliamentary approval was challenged.

The petition said petroleum levy in fact is a tax and only parliament can approve it. LHC has sought report regarding petroleum levy and parawise comments. The persistent increase in petroleum levy has been described against the constitution in the petition. The limitless powers given to executive for determination and enhancement in levy were challenged.

The petitioners are of the view petroleum amount is affecting financial rights of provinces. LHC division bench while issuing notice to the respondents has sought reply.