Balochistan High Court Issues Key Directives on Quetta Development, Traffic Management and Civic Facilities
Quetta: The Balochistan High Court has issued a series of important directives regarding ongoing development projects, traffic management, and civic infrastructure in Quetta during the hearing of a constitutional petition.
A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Mulakhail and Justice Muhammad Najamuddin Mengal ordered that the existing traffic model at Railway Station Chowk be maintained and directed authorities to improve the current U-turn instead of constructing a new one near Imdad Chowk or Railway Station Chowk.
The court also ordered the immediate removal of all illegal encroachments, roadside cabins, temporary stalls, and unauthorized parking along Zarghoon Road. The DIG Police, SSP Traffic, Deputy Commissioner Quetta, and the Metropolitan Corporation Quetta (MCQ) were directed to conduct a joint operation against encroachments.
The bench instructed authorities to take strict legal action against individuals dumping debris and waste into drainage chambers and directed the Deputy Commissioner Quetta and MCQ to ensure the protection and proper functioning of the city’s drainage system.
Expressing concern over unauthorized excavation of newly constructed roads and footpaths under the Safe City Project, the court ordered project authorities to obtain prior approval from the relevant departments before carrying out any digging work.
The High Court further directed the authorities to expedite the land acquisition process for the Samungli Road upgradation project and ordered the immediate commencement of civil works for the expansion of the Coal Phatak railway crossing.
The court also recommended that the Government of Balochistan take necessary steps to clear outstanding dues amounting to Rs. 876.523 million owed to the Cantonment Board Quetta.
Expressing dissatisfaction over traffic congestion at the FC checkpoint on Imdad Chowk, the court instructed the relevant authorities to address the issue without delay.
The bench also sought a comprehensive report, supported by photographs and video evidence, on the unsatisfactory construction work on the Sariab Service Road. It directed law enforcement agencies to strengthen surveillance against those damaging overhead bridges and instructed police stations concerned to take effective preventive measures.
Noting the shortage of traffic police personnel, the court ordered the Inspector General of Police and the DIG Traffic to immediately restore the required manpower.
The High Court observed that the special committee formed to oversee these matters had completed its responsibilities and formally dissolved the committee. It further directed all relevant departments to ensure prompt and effective implementation of the court’s orders.
