Quetta Traders Demand Reversal of Rent Hikes and “No Parking” Zones, Cite Business Losses

Quetta (Daily Qudrat) – A delegation of Quetta traders, led by Abdul Rahim Kakar, President of the Central Traders Association of Balochistan, met Commissioner Quetta Division Shahzaib Khan Kakar on Thursday to highlight the adverse impact of newly designated “No Parking” zones on local businesses.

The delegation, including prominent traders such as Maryasin Mengal, Imran Tarin, Saadullah Achakzai, Zafar Kakar, Syed Aftab Agha, Naimat Agha, and Kaleem Tarin, reported that areas including Jinnah Road, Kandhari Bazaar, Liaquat Agha, and Abdul Sattar Road have seen a sharp decline in customer traffic due to restricted parking. Traders claim that this has made it difficult to pay shop rents, with many forced to rely on loans to sustain their businesses.

They also expressed concerns over sudden, excessive rent increases imposed by the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation on more than 700 municipal shops, making it unaffordable for many small business owners. The delegation urged the Commissioner to revoke the “No Parking” designations, roll back excessive rent hikes, stop charging fees in the name of cleanliness, and remove FC check posts on Zarghoon Road and Airport Road, which they said cause daily traffic jams.

Commissioner Shahzaib Khan Kakar acknowledged the traders’ concerns, stating that they are vital to the city’s economy. He assured that the administration would take necessary measures to address their issues, reconsider the “No Parking” decisions, and collaborate with traders to improve Quetta’s business environment and urban cleanliness.