Quetta for Sale?

Quetta, once known as a symbol of peace, tradition, and natural beauty, now appears to stand at a crossroads where the rule of law is increasingly being questioned. Whether it is court judgments or administrative orders, it seems that the influence of powerful individuals has rendered them ineffective. A few months ago, I wrote two opinion pieces titled "Quetta for Sale." Unfortunately, today I find myself compelled to write a third installment.

Yesterday, I wrote about St. Gabriel School on Archer Road, an educational institution managed by the Christian community. According to reports, the school's building has been purchased by influential individuals who now intend to convert it into a commercial plaza. If these reports are accurate, this is not merely about changing the use of a building—it is an issue involving the rule of law, public rights, and the future of coming generations.

The first and most important question is: If this land is indeed an amenity plot, how can it legally be converted into commercial use? The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that land reserved for public amenities cannot have its status changed. If this principle is being ignored, does it not amount to a violation of judicial decisions?

The second question is equally important. If protecting and managing this land was the responsibility of the relevant government authority, how did it end up in private hands? What legal procedures were followed? Under which laws was its ownership or land-use status changed? If everything was done legally, why has the relevant record not been made public?

The third, and perhaps most significant, question is directed at the Metropolitan Corporation. If this plot is officially designated as an amenity site, on what legal basis was a commercial building plan approved? Were all legal requirements fulfilled? Were approvals obtained from all relevant departments? Or did influence, power, and vested interests override the law?

These concerns extend far beyond a single plot. If reports suggesting that five amenity plots have been converted to commercial use over the past decade are true, then this is a matter of serious public concern that demands an independent and transparent investigation. When parks, schools, playgrounds, and other public spaces disappear, what will remain for future generations?

There was a time when courts would take suo motu notice of such matters. Today, citizens are justified in asking whether the law applies only to the powerless. Have state institutions become ineffective in the face of influential individuals? If this perception continues to grow, public confidence will be shaken—not only in government institutions but in the entire system. Everyone may begin acting according to their own interests, disregarding official laws and regulations.

My previous article has already reached the relevant authorities. However, if no meaningful action has been taken so far, that silence itself raises many questions.

As both a journalist and a citizen, it is my responsibility to bring these issues before the public. Taking action and reaching decisions is the responsibility of the relevant institutions.

I also appeal to the people of Quetta not to view this as merely the issue of one school or one piece of land. If public property is allowed to disappear without resistance today, tomorrow the same threat may reach every neighborhood, every park, every educational institution, and every public facility.

A city does not belong only to governments—it belongs to its people, and protecting it is a shared responsibility.

I also urge the media to investigate this sensitive issue fairly and professionally. If all legal requirements have indeed been fulfilled, the facts should be presented openly. If irregularities have occurred, those responsible should be held accountable.

Finally, I request the Commissioner of Quetta Division, the Deputy Commissioner Quetta, the Administrator Quetta, the Anti-Corruption Establishment, the relevant federal authorities, and the Federal Ombudsman to immediately investigate this matter, make all relevant records public, and take impartial action if any violation of the law or abuse of authority is found.

Quetta is not the private property of any individual, group, or investor. It is the shared city of millions of citizens. If we remain silent today, future generations may one day ask: Where were its guardians when the city was being sold?

I also request everyone to share this article with those responsible for safeguarding the city's public assets, especially those who continue to ignore the issue.