Balochistan High Court Summons Finance Secretary, Bans Loader Rickshaws and Dilapidated Buses in Quetta

Quetta: The Balochistan High Court has expressed strong displeasure over the non-release of funds for the Traffic Police and ordered the Secretary Finance to ensure immediate release of funds, warning that failure to do so would result in his appearance before the court in a personal capacity.

The directions were issued by a bench comprising Chief Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Mulakhail and Justice Najmuddin Mengal during the hearing of Constitutional Petition No. 1951/2022.

During the proceedings, the Additional Advocate General presented a report on behalf of the Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA). According to the report, the Traffic Police have taken strict action against dilapidated local buses, detaining 64 unfit buses. Bus owners have submitted surety bonds before the Traffic Magistrate’s Court, undertaking not to operate these vehicles, while lists for cancellation of their route permits have been forwarded to the RTA.

The report further stated that the Commissioner and Chairman RTA have imposed a ban on all Chingchi motorcycle rickshaws and loader rickshaws within Quetta city limits. In line with the ban, Traffic Police have taken 111 Chingchi trolleys into custody.

Regarding illegal rickshaws, the court was informed that a meeting chaired by the SSP Traffic decided to issue RFID stickers to legally registered rickshaws, after which a large-scale crackdown against illegal rickshaws will be launched. It was also disclosed that a demand of Rs 188.7 million for the purchase of vehicles and equipment for the Traffic Police is pending with the Finance Department.

The court observed that the failure to release funds despite clear judicial orders reflects an undesirable attitude of the executive branch. The Deputy Commissioner and DIG Quetta were also directed to ensure the provision of police personnel to the RTA upon request, following the merger of Levies into the police force.

Further hearing of the case has been adjourned until January 8, 2025.