Balochistan High Court Issues Directions on Traffic Management and Improvement Projects in Quetta

Quetta:A two-member bench of the Balochistan High Court, comprising Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Malakhel and Justice Shoaib Ali Rakhshani, heard the constitutional petition filed by Jaleela Haider regarding traffic management issues in Quetta city. The petition named the provincial government, the Chief Minister, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, and other relevant authorities.

During the hearing, the Executive Engineer of Project-I Communications and Works, Quetta, informed the court that the required PC-I (Project Proposal) for the construction of the DSP Traffic Saryab Office on the KDA parking plot had been submitted to the P&D Department. However, the P&D Department had raised some questions and observations related to the departments of Communications & Works and Home, which were answered, but the response from the Home Department is still awaited.

The court instructed the ACS (Development) to expedite the process by organizing a meeting with the Commissioner Quetta Division, Chairman of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), Administrator MCQ, and SSP Traffic Quetta. The aim is to address traffic risks and resolve the parking issues, particularly related to Zarghoon Road and Double Road.

The Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) informed the court that an ongoing campaign against illegal rickshaws and local buses was in progress. He further stated that all transporters had been given a two-month deadline to replace their old passenger buses. The court ordered an urgent meeting involving the Secretary of the Transport Department, Chairman of the Provincial Transport Authority, Commissioner Quetta Division, and other stakeholders to find a solution to these issues.

In response to the issue of old buses, the court recommended replacing them with either smart and fully-equipped mini-buses or mini-vans, especially in densely populated areas. The court also emphasized that in case of any hesitation or obstruction from bus owners, provisions of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965 should be strictly enforced, and their route permits should be canceled.

The Director of the Traffic Engineering Bureau (TEB) mentioned that a road improvement project previously rejected by the P&D department has now been approved by the Cabinet. The authorized authorities have instructed P&D to restart the proposed project. Additionally, a proposal for introducing electric vehicles (shuttle service) in the Central Business District (CBD) is under consideration. The PC-I for this project has already been approved and reflected in the current fiscal year’s PSDP.

The court directed the ACS (Development) to organize a comprehensive proposal for the introduction of electric vehicles in Quetta’s Central Business District to reduce the influx of rickshaws. The court also emphasized the importance of inviting private sector interest to minimize additional burdens on the government budget, as previously directed in the court’s order on March 5, 2024.

In conclusion, the court ordered that all concerned officials obtain copies of the directives issued in this case and ensure the implementation of the court’s orders within the next 60 days. The case has been adjourned until March 6, 2025.