Balochistan moves towards criminal justice system reforms

QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly’s Standing Committee on the Home Department was briefed on Wednesday that the proposed Balochistan Probation and Parole Bill 2026 forms part of a broader initiative aimed at establishing a balanced and reform-oriented criminal justice system in the province.

The committee meeting was held with Chairman and MPA Khair Jan Baloch in the chair, where lawmakers carried out detailed deliberations on proposed reforms to the probation and parole system, including a clause-by-clause review of the bill.

The session was attended by MPAs Ubaidullah Gorgage, Asghar Tareen, Ziaullah Langove, and Ali Madad Jattak. Senior officials, including Assembly Secretary Tahir Kakar and Additional Chief Secretary Home Hamza Shafqaat, also participated.

During the meeting, participants examined the bill’s legal structure, administrative framework, and proposed institutional mechanisms in detail. Officials informed the committee that the proposed legislation places emphasis on both public safety and offender rehabilitation.

It was stated that the law, once enacted, would aim to support victims’ rights, contribute to reducing crime rates, strengthen governance structures, and improve the delivery of public services across Balochistan.

The proposed bill seeks to establish a structured probation system to support the rehabilitation of offenders and facilitate their reintegration into society. It also introduces a regulated framework for parole management, intended to formalise procedures governing conditional release and supervision.