The Balochistan High Court has directed senior officials of the provincial environmental protection agency, the Water and Sanitation Authority (Wasa) and the Quetta administration to submit detailed reports on the use of untreated sewage water for irrigation.
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Iqbal Ahmed Kasi and Justice Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, issued the directives and asked the officials to present their reports at the next hearing.
The court expressed concern that untreated wastewater could contain hazardous substances, including arsenic, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants, which may enter agricultural produce and pose serious risks to public health.
To ensure a thorough examination of the issue, the bench also directed the petitioner’s counsel to include the Director General of the Balochistan Food Authority as a respondent in the case.
The court further asked the relevant authorities to explain the situation and detail the measures being taken to prevent the use of untreated sewage water for irrigation. Officials were also directed to provide information about existing facilities and arrangements for wastewater treatment and safe disposal.
