QUETTA: In a decisive move to tackle the chronic traffic congestion plaguing the city, a high-level meeting chaired by Commissioner Quetta Division Tariq Said Khan Kakarr on Wednesday unveiled a comprehensive regulatory plan targeting rickshaws and introducing new bus routes.
The meeting, attended by senior officials including Deputy Commissioner Quetta (R) Mehrullah Badisi, SSP Traffic Muhammad Sami, and representatives from the Metropolitan Corporation, focused on proposed projects under the Balochistan Public Private Partnership. A primary consensus was reached to strictly regulate the unmanaged flow of auto-rickshaws and Ching Chis, identified as major contributors to traffic chaos.
Key decisions include introducing a new procedure for rickshaws in central areas, requiring them to display official route stickers and operate only from designated stands. “No rickshaw will be allowed to operate in the city without a route permit,” the meeting resolved. Furthermore, Ching Chi rickshaws have been outright banned from entering the city and will be confined to specific peripheral areas.
To enhance public transport, eight new bus routes with allocated numbers will be established to provide safer and more reliable travel options. The commissioner emphasized that the RTA and traffic police will launch a joint crackdown on illegal rickshaws, impounding those without permits. However, in a nod to practicality, the administration pledged to consult rickshaw unions before finalizing the implementation to ensure the measures are effective.
Commissioner Kakarr stated the goal is to reduce traffic pressure and provide organized, safer travel. The phased execution of these measures is expected to significantly improve Quetta’s traffic landscape.
Meanwhile the Balochistan Assembly witnessed a rare moment of unity on Tuesday as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle condemned a social media campaign allegedly aimed at character assassination and demanded a high-level investigation.
The session, which began 45 minutes late under Speaker Captain (R) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, was dominated by outrage over a Facebook page named “Balochistan Leaks.” Opposition Leader Mir Younis Aziz Zehri, raising a point of order, stated that false information was being spread under a “well-thought-out plan” to defame assembly members and politicians. He demanded an inquiry by the Cyber Crimes Agency.
