Billion-dollar petrol pump demolished in Quetta anti-encroachment drive

Over the past few months, the Balochistan government has intensified its crackdown on illegal encroachments, conducting more than 3,000 operations across the province and sealing over 800 unauthorized petrol stations. In a prominent enforcement move in Quetta yesterday, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti oversaw the demolition of a decade-old illegal petrol pump erected on government land, valued at over one billion rupees, as reported by 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.

The Chief Minister emphasized that government property is the public trust of Balochistan’s citizens, and any unlawful occupation, regardless of scale or duration, will not be tolerated. He also affirmed that no political pressure would influence these operations, underscoring the administration’s commitment to impartial enforcement.

بلوچستان میں گزشتہ چند ماہ کے دوران تجاوزات کے خلاف تین ہزار سے زائد آپریشنز کیے جا چکے ہیں، جبکہ 800 سے زائد غیرقانونی پٹرول پمپس سیل کیے گئے ہیں۔ تجاوزات کے خلاف بلاامتیاز کارروائیاں جاری ہیں، وزیراعلیٰ بلوچستان میر سرفراز بگٹی pic.twitter.com/S95yrBK3O6

— Sarfraz Bugti Media (@SarfrazBugtiTM) January 22, 2026

The demolition in Quetta represents part of a broader, province-wide initiative aimed at reclaiming state land from encroachers and reinforcing the rule of law.

Officials noted that these operations are conducted through careful planning and coordination among relevant departments, ensuring the safety of personnel and minimal disruption to surrounding communities.

Authorities have stressed that the campaign is not targeted selectively; rather, it encompasses all illegal structures, from small commercial outlets to high-value operations, reflecting a comprehensive approach to governance and asset protection. By systematically addressing entrenched encroachments, the provincial administration seeks to deter future violations and strengthen public confidence in state oversight.

Reporter: Essa Tareen