Balochistan High Court Seeks Google Coordinates, Photo Evidence in Quetta Development Funds Case

Quetta: The Balochistan High Court has sought Google coordinates and photographic evidence to verify development projects in Quetta after allegations of financial irregularities involving Rs1.44 billion in funds allocated to the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation.

The case was heard by a two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Mullahkhel and Justice Muhammad Najmuddin Mengal on a constitutional petition filed by the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and others.

During the hearing, petitioner’s counsel Habibullah Nasir Advocate, Additional Advocate General Shai Haq Baloch, and counsel for respondent No. 5 Hamidullah Kakar appeared before the court.

According to a report submitted in court, Rs1.44 billion (1,440 million) in development funds were released to the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. The official progress report claimed that Rs1.392 billion had already been spent on various projects.

However, the petitioner’s lawyer challenged the report, calling it unreliable and arguing that no visible development work on the ground reflects such large expenditures. He requested the court to halt the use of the remaining funds until the matter is thoroughly investigated.

Taking note of contradictions in the statements of both parties, the court issued a significant directive requiring them to submit Google coordinates along with pictorial and documentary evidence to confirm whether the projects have actually been completed at the claimed locations.

The court also granted time to the counsel for respondent No. 5 to submit a more detailed reply and directed the Additional Advocate General to file para-wise comments.

Meanwhile, the bench ordered the status quo on the remaining Rs48 million, effectively placing a restraining order on its utilization until further notice.

Copies of the court order have been sent to relevant authorities, and the hearing has been adjourned until next week for further proceedings.