Balochistan High Court Orders Immediate Removal of Encroachments on Sariab Road, Expresses Strong Displeasure

Quetta (Daily Qudrat): The Balochistan High Court has directed the immediate removal of illegal encroachments along Sariab Road and issued strict instructions for the early commencement of development work on the project to prevent the lapse of public funds.
The directives were issued by a two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Mullahkhail and Justice Najamuddin Mengal while hearing a constitutional petition regarding the shifting of a roundabout and construction of a new road on Sariab Road (north side) and Sariab Link Road (west side).
During the hearing, the Additional Advocate General informed the court that a committee formed under the court’s earlier order had submitted its progress report, proposed plan, and Google Maps layout. The report noted that despite repeated notices, many lawyers and stakeholders did not attend meetings, while private individuals claiming ownership of land and shops near the old fruit and vegetable market failed to provide documentary proof.
The committee recommended that the Communication and Works Department be directed to immediately begin development work as per the approved PC-I to avoid the lapse of allocated funds in the current fiscal year. It also suggested compensating affected shopkeepers through allotment in proposed commercial plazas.
The court was informed that the project is part of the current Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), but delays could result in the lapse of funds. In response, the court directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Development), Secretary Finance, and Secretary C&W to ensure that funds are protected and not surrendered or reallocated.
Quetta Development Authority (QDA) counsel informed the court that the governing body had already approved the proposed plan and that a business center would be constructed on the site of the old fruit and vegetable market. He assured that no shopkeeper would be evicted until alternative arrangements were provided.
However, private parties opposed the plan, alleging that QDA intended to divert the road alignment to protect its own land and that proposed alternate shops were inadequate compensation.
Taking serious note of the situation, the court directed that all stakeholders appear before the committee on May 2, 2026, along with complete documentary evidence of land ownership. It also ordered the inclusion of QDA estate officials, the Sariab Tehsildar, and revenue authorities for verification of claims.
Expressing strong displeasure over the continued presence of illegal encroachments, the court ordered the DG QDA, Deputy Commissioner Quetta, and the Administrator of Quetta Metropolitan Corporation to immediately remove all encroachments without discrimination.
The court also sought photographic evidence and a comprehensive compliance report, directing the Deputy Commissioner and the DIG Police to fully cooperate in enforcement.
The matter will be taken up again on May 7, 2026, for further proceedings and compliance review.