Balochistan Drafts New Price Control Law to Curb Profiteering and Hoarding

Quetta: Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan has said that the provincial government has prepared a comprehensive draft law aimed at ensuring price stability, preventing profiteering and hoarding, and protecting public interests across the province.

The remarks were made during a meeting chaired by the chief secretary to review the proposed “Balochistan Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act, 2026.”

Officials informed the meeting that the proposed legislation would replace the outdated 1977 federal framework and establish a modern provincial mechanism for regulating prices and enforcing market controls. Following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, price regulation became a provincial responsibility, making the 1977 law obsolete for current administrative needs.

Under the proposed legislation, a Price Control Council will be established, while a Provincial Controller General and Deputy Commissioners will serve as district controllers under an integrated command structure designed to ensure swift, coordinated, and accountable enforcement.

The draft law will be presented to the Balochistan Cabinet for review and approval. After incorporating any required amendments, it will be submitted to the Balochistan Assembly for legislation.

The meeting was informed that key stakeholders, including the Law Department, Commodity Management Department, district administrations, and trade representatives, will be consulted during the legislative process.

Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan said the provincial government is committed to providing relief to the public, ensuring fair market practices, and taking effective action against hoarding and profiteering. He added that the proposed law is intended to promote price stability and ensure the availability of fertilizers, food items, and other essential commodities throughout the province.

The meeting was attended by Industries Secretary Khalid Sarparah, Commodity Management Secretary Arshad Hussain Bugti, Special Home Secretary Abdul Salam Achakzai, and other senior officials.