The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has directed authorities to remove encroachments, protect newly constructed roads, and improve traffic management and civic infrastructure across Quetta to ease congestion and improve public services.
A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Mulakhail and Justice Muhammad Najmuddin Mengal issued the directives while hearing a constitutional petition filed by Advocate Syed Nazir Agha.
Traffic Study Presented Before Court
During the proceedings, officials submitted a detailed report and video briefing on traffic conditions at Zarghoon Road, Railway Station Chowk, and Imdad Chowk.
According to the report, 9,144 vehicles pass through Railway Station Chowk during peak hours every day, highlighting the growing traffic burden in the provincial capital.
Court Rejects New U-Turn Proposal
The court accepted the report’s conclusion that constructing a new U-turn near Imdad Chowk would worsen traffic congestion.
Instead, the bench ordered authorities to retain the existing traffic model while improving the current U-turn to enhance vehicle flow.
Orders to Remove Encroachments
Expressing concern over poor civic conditions, the court directed the immediate removal of debris, garbage, clogged drainage, and animal waste from Zarghoon Road and Inskumb Road.
Authorities were also instructed to eliminate all encroachments, including temporary stalls, roadside cabins, illegal parking, and other unauthorized structures along Zarghoon Road.
Protect Newly Built Roads
The BHC directed officials working on the Safe City Project not to dig up newly constructed roads or footpaths for cable laying or pole installation without obtaining prior approval.
The court emphasized that newly developed infrastructure must be protected from unnecessary damage.
Slow Progress Raises Concern
The bench also reviewed work at the Koila Phatak railway crossing, noting that the relevant memorandum of understanding had already been implemented and payments had been made.
However, it expressed concern over traffic congestion near the Frontier Corps checkpoint at Imdad Chowk and criticized the slow pace of construction on the Sariab Service Road, directing authorities to improve progress.
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