The Balochistan Assembly's Standing Committee on Excise and Anti-Narcotics reviews the Balochistan Control of Narcotics Bill 2026 to strengthen provincial legislation against drug-related crimes.
The Balochistan Assembly's Standing Committee on Excise and Anti-Narcotics convened a meeting to discuss the Balochistan Control of Narcotics Bill 2026. The committee, chaired by Zmarak Khan Achakzai, aimed to strengthen provincial legislation against drug-related crimes. The meeting was attended by committee members Muhammad Khan Lehri, Maulvi Noorullah, and Safia Bibi, alongside Assembly Secretary Tahir Shah Kakar, Excise Secretary Syed Zafar Ali Bukhari, Special Secretary Committees Abdul Rahman, and Additional Secretary Law Saeed Iqbal.
The session focused on detailed deliberations over the proposed bill, which seeks to establish a robust legal framework to curb the production, processing, smuggling, and distribution of narcotics and prohibited substances. Following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, responsibility for narcotics control was devolved to the provinces. In line with this, the Balochistan government amended its Rules of Business in 2012, assigning the mandate to the Excise and Anti-Narcotics Department. To support this effort, a Counter-Narcotics Wing has recently been established within the Excise Department, with plans underway to set up Narcotics Control Stations across divisional headquarters.
Chairman Zmarak Khan Achakzai emphasized the importance of addressing the narcotics issue, stating that it is a cancer destroying the youth and the future of society. He stressed that enforcement of the law must be impartial, urging authorities to take indiscriminate action against drug traffickers. He further highlighted that combating drugs is not solely the responsibility of government institutions, but requires active participation from parents, teachers, religious scholars, and civil society to raise awareness among youth.
Committee member Maulvi Noorullah Islam strictly prohibits all forms of intoxicants, noting their destructive impact on human intellect, health, and social life. He underscored the importance of religious and moral education in protecting the younger generation from the menace of drugs. The committee's discussion and review of the Balochistan Control of Narcotics Bill 2026 are crucial steps towards strengthening the province's legislation against drug-related crimes and addressing the growing concern of narcotics in the region.
The establishment of a Counter-Narcotics Wing and plans to set up Narcotics Control Stations across divisional headquarters demonstrate the government's commitment to tackling the narcotics issue. However, the success of these efforts will depend on the active participation of various stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society, and the general public. The committee's review of the bill is a significant step towards creating a robust legal framework to curb the production, processing, smuggling, and distribution of narcotics and prohibited substances, and it is essential to continue this momentum to address the narcotics issue effectively.
