Assembly Committee reviews Balochistan Criminal Procedure Code Amendment Bill 2026

The Standing Committee on Home Department of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly in a meeting has reviewed the Code of Criminal Procedure (V of 1898) Balochistan Amendment Bill, 2026. The session was chaired by Khair Jan Baloch, following consensus among committee members.

Committee members Asghar Ali Tareen and Ali Madad Jatak attended the meeting, while Opposition Leader Younas Aziz Zehri participated as a special invitee. Senior officials including Assembly Secretary Tahir Shah Kakar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hamza Shafqaat, and Additional Secretary Law Saeed Iqbal were also present.

The committee was briefed that the proposed amendment to Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure aims to safeguard citizens’ lives, property, and freedoms by establishing a clear legal framework to address emergencies affecting public order. The amendment seeks to empower Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners, and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) with defined authority and time-bound directives, ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective enforcement.

It was further explained that outdated administrative terminology would be replaced with current designations, aligning Balochistan’s legal and administrative framework with effective practices adopted in other provinces.

The committee reviewed various aspects of the bill and emphasized that such amendments are essential to meet contemporary challenges, strengthen public safety, maintain law and order, and ensure efficient governance.