Drinking Water and Tree Plantation Must Be Ensured for Passengers’ Convenience on National Highways, Especially N-25 and N-50: Balochistan High Court Directive

Quetta (Daily Qudrat) – A two-member bench of the Balochistan High Court, comprising Chief Justice Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Mulakhil and Justice Muhammad Najamuddin Mengal, while hearing a filed constitutional petition, directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to take effective measures for passenger convenience, tree plantation, and the provision of drinking water on national highways, especially N-25 and N-50.

During the hearing, in compliance with the court’s order dated April 9, 2026, NHA Balochistan Member (West Zone) Basharat Hussain appeared in court. He informed the court that the Chairman of NHA has recently been transferred and the post of Chairman is currently vacant. He sought further time to submit a comprehensive report regarding the physical progress of ongoing developmental works on N-50 and N-25, as well as the implementation of the orders and directions issued by the court on various dates.

During the hearing, the court observed that there is a considerably long distance between the two proposed rest areas, due to which further measures are needed for the provision of basic facilities to passengers on national highways. The court directed that solar-powered tube wells be installed along the highways so that, along with ensuring tree plantation on both sides of the road, the facility of clean drinking water can also be made available to passengers and the local population.

The court further directed that separate space be allocated at appropriate locations for passengers’ rest and prayer, and that all these facilities be provided in such a manner that the underprivileged segments of society, especially residents of far-flung areas, can also benefit from them.

The court also ordered that wherever the aforementioned project is ongoing, the installation of solar-powered tube wells, drinking water facilities, and tree plantation work should be started on a priority basis. For this purpose, a suitable, comprehensive, and workable policy guideline should also be formulated, so that, along with leasing or renting out the land adjacent to the proposed tube wells and rest areas under appropriate conditions, small business centers and other necessary facilities can be ensured according to the needs of passengers.

The court held that the provision of the aforementioned basic facilities on national highways will not only facilitate passengers but also fulfill the needs of the local people, especially those in underprivileged and far-flung areas.

The court ordered that a copy of the decision be sent through the offices of the Additional Attorney General, Additional Advocate General, and NHA’s counsel to the relevant authorities for information and implementation. The court fixed November 23, 2026, as the date for further hearing of the case.