Govt decides to declare central area of Quetta as “Downtown” in order to streamline traffic
Govt decides to declare central area of Quetta as “Downtown” in order to streamline traffic
Chief Minister orders to issue legal notices to political parties and companies involved in violating Wall Chalking Act in city; directs all departments to ensure seriousness, speed, transparency in implementation of public welfare projects
QUETTA: The Balochistan government has decided to declare the central area of Quetta as a “Downtown” zone in order to streamline traffic in the city. A limited number of electric cars would be operated in the “Downtown” area instead of rickshaws.
This decision was taken during a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, held to review the progress of projects under the Quetta Development Package, here at the CM’s secretariat on Monday.
Certain important decisions were made regarding traffic management in the provincial metropolis.
The Chief Minister has ordered that legal notices be issued to political parties and companies involved in violating the Wall Chalking Act in the metropolis.
The meeting was attended by the Provincial Minister for Health, Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Principal Secretary Babar Khan, Commissioner Quetta Division, Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat, Project Director Rafiq Baloch, Secretary Transport, Hayat Khan, Deputy Commissioner Quetta Captain (Retd) Mehrullah Badini, Chief Executive Officer, Public Private Partnership Authority, Faisal Khan, Development Specialist Muhammad Faiz Kakar, and other concerned officials.
During the meeting, several revolutionary measures for traffic management in Quetta were approved.
The Chief Minister gave approval to declare the central part of the city as “Downtown”, where traditional rickshaws will be replaced with a limited number of modern, environmentally friendly electric cars. These will also include special “Pink Cars” for women.
The Chief Minister expressed strong displeasure over violations of the Wall Chalking Act and instructed that legal notices be issued to all political parties and advertising companies found in violation.
He made it clear that no political organization, including ruling parties, will be exempted from legal action if found responsible.
He also directed that all banners, pana flexes, and promotional materials be removed immediately after political events or gatherings.
On the issue of education, the Chief Minister instructed that non-functional government schools be reactivated under the Balochistan Education Endowment Fund (BEEF).
Moreover, in order to promote greenery, he directed the Forest Department to prepare a comprehensive tree plantation plan.
Expressing dissatisfaction over delays in the summary for the restructuring of the Quetta Municipal Corporation, the Chief Minister reprimanded the Secretary for Local Government and demanded an explanation for the slow progress.
He emphasized that any delays or obstacles in public welfare projects are unacceptable.
During the meeting, Commissioner Quetta Division briefed that under the ongoing campaign against professional beggars, over 1,500 beggars had been detained and shifted to rehabilitation centers in the past week. He also reported that stray cattle, especially cows and bulls, are causing traffic congestion and public inconvenience on city roads.
The Metropolitan Corporation, he said, had captured seven bulls in the past seven days and handed them over to welfare organizations.
Chief Minister also issued instructions for organizing traffic at Aalmo Chowk and for the early completion of an underground parking facility and a public park on the reclaimed land of the Mutton Market.
He directed all departments to ensure seriousness, speed, and transparency in the implementation of public welfare projects so that Quetta can be transformed into a modern, clean, and well-organized city.
