QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court has taken notice of a shortage of drinking water in Hazara Town, Hazarganji and Karkhasa areas of Quetta and directed the authorities to appear in person and submit a comprehensive report on the issue.

A two-judge BHC bench comprising Chief Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Mulakhail and Justice Muhammad Najmuddin Mengal heard a constitutional petition concerning the supply of drinking water to the three areas and the alleged monopoly of private tubewell owners over water supply. The bench expressed concern over delays by the authorities in complying with court orders.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Mulakhail observed that the constitutional petition had been filed on Sept 21, 2023. Despite multiple orders and repeated directions issued by the court, the Quetta Water and Sanitation Authority (Wasa) had yet to demonstrate satisfactory progress.

In response to the court’s queries, Wasa’s executive engineer said tubewells in the Karkhasa area had been made operational. He added that two water reservoirs, with capacities of 300,000 and 200,000 gallons, were available to supply drinking water to areas connected to the pipeline network.

He further informed the court that the installation of 11 tubewells in Hazarganji had been completed. However, work was disrupted following the arrest of Qesco personnel by police amid administrative and other official issues.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2026