Balochistan High Court Orders Uninterrupted Work on Samungli Road, Warns of Contempt Action Against Obstruction
Quetta – The Balochistan High Court has taken strong notice of reported obstructions in the construction and grade improvement of Samungli Road, as well as the repeated digging of newly built footpaths. A two-member bench, comprising Chief Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Malakhail and Justice Muhammad Najamuddin Mengal, directed relevant authorities to ensure that development work continues without interruption.
The hearing was attended by petitioner Syed Nazir Ahmed Agha (Advocate), Additional Advocate General Zahoor Ahmed Baloch, Additional Attorney General Muhammad Farid Dogar, Cantonment Board Quetta’s counsel Rajesh Nath Kohli, Sanaullah Khan Bugti (Advocate), SP Legal Quetta Rahim Khan, Project Director CMPQD Rafiq Baloch, Advocate Convenor of the Committee Shaye Haq Baloch, Metropolitan Corporation Quetta’s counsel Izhar-ul-Haq Tareen, Director Administration Shakil Ahmed, and Pakistan Railways’ counsel Rizwan Ali Somro.
Additional Attorney General Muhammad Farid Dogar informed the court that the widening work at the Coal Phataak crossing has been completed, but final approval from Pakistan Railways Headquarters in Lahore is pending. Once the necessary formalities are done, the work will commence shortly.
A civil miscellaneous application under Section 151 CPC was also filed to place documents on record, and the attached documents were made part of the judicial record. The SSP presented a report stating that all traffic authorities had been informed of the court’s orders and that all measures would be taken to ensure compliance.
The Project Director CMPQD submitted a detailed report regarding the temporary median opening and traffic situation in front of Colon Road. According to the report, the daily traffic volume on Colon Road is 12,342 vehicles, with 1,270 vehicles per hour during peak hours, while the relevant section of Incom Road records 6,416 vehicles daily and 631 vehicles per hour during peak times.
The traffic experts’ report concluded that wrong-way movement toward Colon Road is a behavioral issue of road users, and therefore a permanent median opening in front of Colon Road is not required. The report warned that a new opening could create uncontrolled turns and traffic queues on Zarghoon Road, especially since Incom Road already serves as an alternative and purpose-built route.
The report recommended installing directional signboards, effective traffic police enforcement, driver awareness campaigns, and a re-evaluation of the traffic situation after 30 days to improve traffic flow.
The court was informed that since August 24, 2026, officials of the Cantonment Board Quetta had halted the grade improvement work on Samungli Road. After several meetings, including one attended by the Chief Minister of Balochistan, relevant authorities had agreed to continue the work. However, construction activities were later suspended again without any written notice.
Cantonment Board Quetta’s counsel Rajesh Nath Kohli told the court that the Executive Officer had taken some action, but he personally was not aware of any written directive or order to halt the work.
The Project Director further informed the court that on February 13, 2026, letters had been sent to relevant government and private agencies, instructing them to protect newly constructed footpaths and other development works on Samungli, Sariab, and Zarghoon Roads from unnecessary digging, and to give prior notice to the Project Director before any utility work. Despite this, newly constructed footpaths were still being broken at certain locations by private laborers.
The court directed the Cantonment Board Quetta’s counsel to immediately contact the relevant authorities and, if any order halting construction on Samungli Road had been issued, to have it suspended promptly. The court made it clear that obstruction in development projects would not be tolerated, and any future violation would result in strict legal action, including contempt of court proceedings.
The Deputy Commissioner of Quetta was also directed to ensure that legal action is taken against those responsible in case of any violation of court orders.
The court further ordered that all government, semi-government, and private agencies working in previously developed areas must obtain an NOC from the Project Director before starting any excavation or utility work. Violations would result in legal and criminal proceedings against those responsible.
The court adjourned further hearing of the constitutional petition until September 24, 2026, while directing that copies of the order be sent to all relevant authorities for information and compliance.
