QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court has expressed serious concern over the continued use of untreated sewage water for irrigating vegetable and fodder crops in Quetta and surrounding areas, warning that the practice could pose significant risks to public health and food safety.

A two-member bench, comprising Justice Iqbal Ahmed Kasi and Justice Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, directed the Director General of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency (Bepa), Managing Director of the Water and Sanitation Authority (Wasa), and the Quetta Administrator to submit detailed reports before the next hearing.

The court observed that untreated wastewater could contain hazardous substances, including arsenic, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants, which may enter agricultural produce and cause serious health complications.

To ensure a comprehensive examination of the matter, the bench directed the petitioner’s counsel to implead the Director General of the Balochistan Food Authority as a respondent in the case. The court directed authorities to explain the situation and provide details of the measures taken to stop the use of untreated wastewater for irrigation. They were also asked to outline existing arrangements for wastewater treatment and safe disposal.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2026