Quetta Commissioner Reviews Municipal Corporation Properties, Orders Rent Recovery Plan

Quetta: Quetta Commissioner Shahzaib Khan Kakar chaired a high-level meeting to review the management of Municipal Corporation properties, including shops and kiosks, with a focus on rent collection, outstanding dues, and regulatory compliance.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Quetta Mehrullah Badini, Additional Commissioner Agha Samiullah, Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) Syed Kaleemullah, Anjuman-e-Tajiran President Rahim Kakar, and officials of the Metropolitan Corporation.

During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that the Metropolitan Corporation manages around 90 kiosks. Of these, 42 kiosk owners have started paying their rent and outstanding dues, while the remaining tenants still owe rent dating back to 2021.

The meeting decided that all tenants must regularly pay the government-approved rent. Commissioner Kakar directed officials to facilitate tenants by allowing outstanding dues to be paid in installments instead of a single payment, making it easier for them to clear their liabilities. However, he emphasized that rent payments under existing agreements remain mandatory and that the contractual 10 percent annual rent increase will continue to apply.

The commissioner instructed all shopkeepers and kiosk owners to submit, within one week, a practical payment schedule ensuring regular monthly rent payments along with installment-based clearance of outstanding dues. He warned that legal action would be taken against those who fail to comply within the stipulated timeframe.

The meeting also discussed the issue of unauthorized roadside platforms (tharas) established in front of kiosks. Officials noted that some kiosk owners were allegedly subletting these structures to others in exchange for rent. Commissioner Kakar termed the practice a violation of regulations and directed the relevant authorities to remove all illegal structures and ensure that government properties are used strictly in accordance with the law.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen the transparent management of Municipal Corporation properties and ensure the regular collection of rent and outstanding payments.