• Speaker says legislation abolishing the system already passed in 1976, applies to whole country
• JI MPA and opposition leader trade barbs over renewed move to abolish system

QUETTA: A resolution seeking the immediate abolition of the Sardari system in Balo­ch­istan and a ban on the use of the titles Sardar and Nawab in writing and speech was dispo­sed of in the provincial assembly on Monday.

The agenda for the session included a resolution moved by Jamaat-i-Islami MPA Hidayatur Rehman Baloch seeking the abolition of the Sardari system in the province.

However, Speaker retired Captain Abdul Khaliq Achakzai informed the house that a review of the available legal and judicial record showed that legislation abolishing the Sardari system had already been passed and implemented in 1976 and applied to the entire country.

He also noted that the Balochistan High Court had issued decisions on the Sardari system, which were upheld by the Federal Constitutional Court on March 6 this year.

In view of the existing legal and judicial position, the speaker disposed of the resolution.

Speaking on a point of objection later, Mr Rehman said the resolution had been included in the agenda and that he would make the necessary corrections before presenting it again.

Heated exchange

An exchange of taunts between Mr Rehman and Opposition Leader Mir Younis Aziz Zehri followed, with treasury members also speaking in support of the opposition leader.

Rising on a point of order, Mr Zehri said the matter could no longer be discussed beca­use the speaker had already disposed of the resolution.

Mr Rehman retorted by asking why the opposition was offended by his remarks. A heated exchange of sarcastic and harsh comments ensued between the two members.

Parliamentary Secretary Agha Umer Ahmedzai said the Sardari system had existed for thousands of years and argued that it was not for an individual to declare the entire system wrong.

“If someone commits oppression or injustice somewhere, it should be pointed out. It is not right to blame all Sardars,” he said.

Parliamentary Secretary Nawabzada Zarain Khan Magsi argued that the matter should not be discussed further as the resolution had been disposed of. “If someone wants to talk about it, he should bring a resolution again in the assembly,” he said.

The speaker said he had disposed of the resolution but added that Mr Rehman’s point should be heard, as the JI MPA was seeking implementation of the legislation enacted to abolish the Sardari system. However, the speaker adjourned the session until Nov 10 due to a lack of quorum.

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2026

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti claimed that no-go areas did not exist in the restive province and that lawmakers regularly visited their constituencies to attend public events.

Speaking at an open court during his visit to North Dera Bugti on Saturday, the CM said the government had taken concrete steps to ensure there were no no-go areas in the province.

He said resolving public grievances and providing basic facilities to people were among the government’s top priorities, adding that open courts were intended to allow citizens to present their complaints directly to the government and ensure that the relevant departments were held accountable.

He directed officials to act promptly on public complaints and ensure that people’s problems were resolved without delays. Highli­ghting the importance of regional development, CM Bugti said efforts had been made to secure the release of federal funds for a highway linking Taunsa in Punjab with Balochistan.

He said directives had also been issued to conduct a survey for the construction of a road linking the Chhapar National Highway with Kharar Buzdar. Upon completion, the project would provide Balochistan with an alternative route to Punjab.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2026