Draft Balochistan Price Control and Anti-Hoarding Act 2026 prepared at Chief Secretary’s meeting

QUETTA: A meeting on the Balochistan Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act 2026 was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan. To stabilise prices, stop unfair profiteering and protect public interests, the provincial government has prepared a comprehensive draft law, the “Balochistan Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act 2026”.

Provincial Act to replace 1977 federal law

The meeting was told that the proposed law will replace the outdated federal framework of 1977. It sets out a modern and stronger administrative structure and procedures for effective enforcement at the provincial level. After the 18th Amendment, price control is a provincial subject, while the existing 1977 Act is a leftover law of the federal era. The proposed 2026 Act has been framed fully in line with provincial powers and needs.

The proposed law creates a coordinated command structure, including a Price Control Council, a Provincial Controller General and Deputy Commissioners as district controllers, to ensure swift, coordinated and accountable action.

The draft will be presented to the present provincial cabinet so that, after a vote and any required amendments, it can be tabled in the provincial assembly. Relevant stakeholders, including the Law Department, the Commodity Management Department, district administrations and trade representatives, will be included in consultations.

The Chief Secretary said the provincial government wants these legal reforms enforced to give relief to the public, ensure fair conduct in the market and take effective action against hoarding and profiteering. Through the proposed Act, price stability in the province and the availability of fertiliser, food and essential food items will be ensured.

Secretary Industries Khalid Sarparah, Secretary Commodity Management Arshad Hussain Bugti, Special Secretary Home Abdul Salam Achakzai and others attended the meeting.

Photo: courtesy DGPR Balochistan