Quetta: ReNews Pakistan
The Balochistan High Court was informed during the hearing of a constitutional petition concerning ongoing road construction and traffic issues in Quetta that the Imdad Chowk to Akram Hospital road project is progressing rapidly, with approximately 70 percent of the work expected to be completed before Eid-ul-Fitr.
The hearing was presided over by a two-member bench of Chief Justice Balochistan High Court, Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Malakhel, and Justice Muhammad Najmuddin Mengal. During the proceedings, Project Director Rafiq Baloch of the Chief Minister’s Quetta Development Package appeared alongside the Additional Advocate General and submitted a detailed progress report to the court.
Officials informed the court that under the project, the existing road will be completely rebuilt with an aggregate base and asphalt base course. Additionally, the construction includes U-turns, cross-drainage systems, and service roads under the flyovers.
Subordinate works under the project include curbstone installation, footpaths, lane markings, traffic signage, and street lighting, all of which are scheduled for completion by 30 April 2026.
During the hearing, it was noted that after the Zarghoon Road expansion and the proposed service road on the left side, traffic from the city’s southeast and western areas may face challenges, as each carriageway will have only three lanes, while peak-hour traffic exceeds 50,000 to 70,000 vehicles daily.
The Project Director suggested that the eastern section of the road be used as part of the main carriageway instead of a service road, and that regulatory signboards, lane dividers, and cat eyes be installed to better manage traffic flow.
The court issued interim orders directing the Deputy Commissioner Quetta, DIG Quetta Range, and SSP Traffic Police to ensure that during construction and after completion, no government or private entity is allowed to use Zarghoon Road or other under-construction roads for parking, ensuring smooth traffic movement in the area.

Quetta: ReNews Pakistan
A meeting chaired by Imran Gichki reviewed the progress of the Endowment Fund established for the conservation and sustainability of the Ziarat Juniper Forest.
During the meeting, participants were briefed on the progress made so far under the fund, including details regarding financial resources, administrative structure, and mechanisms for ensuring transparent and efficient utilization of funds.
The meeting also discussed measures to further strengthen and expand the Endowment Fund. Various proposals were considered to improve resource mobilization, enhance institutional coordination, and promote collaboration with public and private sector partners.
Speaking on the occasion, the secretary emphasized that the Ziarat Juniper forests are a valuable natural heritage and require sustained and coordinated efforts for their protection. He directed relevant authorities to ensure the effective implementation of conservation initiatives under the fund to safeguard the forests for future generations.

Quetta: ReNews Pakistan
Opposition leaders and tribal elders have strongly rejected the Balochistan government’s plan to create new districts and divisions, expressing serious concerns over the decision and announcing a joint strategy to oppose the move.
The decision was made during a meeting held at Sarawan House in Quetta, which was presided over by former Balochistan chief minister Nawab Muhammad Aslam Khan Raisani. The meeting was attended by central and provincial leaders of several political parties.
Participants included Nawab Muhammad Ayaz Khan Jogezai, Central Secretary of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party; Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, Central Secretary General; Qahar Khan Wadan, Provincial President; Aslam Baloch, Provincial President of the National Party; Changiz Hai Baloch, Provincial General Secretary; and Malik Faisal Dahwar, General Secretary of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Balochistan, among others.
The participants termed the government’s plan unnecessary and illogical, stating that local leadership and political stakeholders had not been taken into confidence. They argued that attempts to alter the historical and geographical significance of districts through mergers and administrative changes could create further complications.
The leaders warned that such decisions could lead to unrest and confusion in the province, which they said would not be acceptable to genuine political leadership and parties.
The meeting decided to form a united front against the government’s decision and to raise the issue at every available forum. Participants also agreed that legal options, including approaching the courts, would be considered if necessary.
They also expressed concern that certain government actions could create divisions between Baloch and Pashtun-allied communities. However, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the concerns of both communities and working collectively to maintain harmony and resolve disputes.