Balochistan Assembly sends Public Service Commission amendment bill to standing committee

QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly on Saturday referred the Balochistan Public Service Commission (Amendment) Bill 2026 to the relevant standing committee for further review and consideration.

The bill was introduced by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Mir Ali Madad Jattak during a session chaired by Speaker Capt (retd) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai. During the proceedings, Engineer Zamrak Khan Achakzai of the Awami National Party (ANP) proposed that the bill be forwarded to the standing committee for detailed examination.

Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti endorsed the suggestion, highlighting the crucial role of the Public Service Commission in recruiting future bureaucrats and government employees responsible for implementing policies set by the assembly. He stated, "The Public Service Commission is a key institution responsible for recruiting future bureaucrats and government employees who implement policies formulated by the assembly."

Chief Minister Bugti also recalled that the commission was significantly strengthened in 2013 during the tenure of Dr Abdul Malik Baloch's government, with notable contributions from Justice Kailash Nath Kohli. He emphasized that the commission should continue to be guided by established principles to ensure its effectiveness and integrity.

During the session, an ANP lawmaker expressed concerns regarding the potential misuse of the law, underscoring the need for careful scrutiny of the proposed amendments.

The assembly's decision to refer the bill to the standing committee reflects a commitment to thorough legislative review before any changes are enacted to the structure or functioning of the Balochistan Public Service Commission.