Balochistan High Court orders traffic overhaul, urban facilities in Quetta
QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has issued a series of directives aimed at improving traffic management, urban infrastructure and civic administration in Quetta, ordering the authorities to remove encroachments, protect newly constructed roads, expedite key development projects and address chronic traffic bottlenecks across the provincial capital.
A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Mulakhail and Justice Muhammad Najmuddin Mengal passed the orders while hearing a constitutional petition filed by Advocate Syed Nazir Agha.
During the hearing, Chief Minister Quetta Development Package (CMQDP) Project Director Muhammad Rafiq Baloch presented a report and video presentation on traffic management along Zarghoon Road, Railway Station Chowk and Imdad Chowk.
The report, based on a traffic survey, showed that 9,144 vehicles passed through Railway Station Chowk daily during peak hours. The study concluded that constructing a new U-turn near Imdad Chowk would worsen congestion rather than easing traffic.
The court accepted the findings and directed the authorities to retain the existing traffic model while improving the current U-turn.
The court also expressed concern over drainage chambers on Zarghoon Road and Inskumb Road being clogged with construction debris, garbage and animal waste, resulting in blocked drainage.
The court ordered the immediate removal of all encroachments, temporary stalls, cabins and unauthorised parking along both sides of Zarghoon Road.
The bench further instructed officials implementing the Safe City Project not to excavate newly constructed roads and footpaths for laying cables or installing poles without prior approval.
Regarding the widening of the Koila Phatak railway crossing, the court noted that a memorandum of understanding between the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation and Pakistan Railways had been implemented and the required payment had been made.
It also expressed serious concern over traffic congestion caused by the Frontier Corps checkpoint near Imdad Chowk and termed the pace of work on Sariab Service Road unsatisfactory.
Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026
