Reports on the 26 October 2026 sitting describe the Speaker’s action in different ways. Daily Qudrat reported that Balochistan Assembly Speaker Captain (Retired) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai disposed of the proposed Sardari resolution. Quetta Voice said he disallowed the move, while Daily Independent reported that it could not proceed in its current form. These are secondary accounts. The Assembly’s official record for the sitting was not available on the Verbatim page checked, so the exact procedural wording could not be confirmed.
Daily Independent reported that the mover, Jamaat-e-Islami member of the provincial assembly Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch, intended to amend the proposal and bring it before the House again. The reports do not establish that the proposal has been permanently abandoned.
What was reportedly in the proposal?
Daily Qudrat reported that the proposal concerned abolishing the Sardari system and restricting the use of the words “Sardar” and “Nawab.” The original resolution was not available for review, so its exact wording could not be confirmed. Read Daily Qudrat’s account.
What does the 1976 Act say?
The text of the System of Sardari (Abolition) Act, 1976 says it applies throughout Pakistan and came into force at once. Section 3 says the system “shall stand abolished” and lists specific prohibited conduct, including:
- Using judicial powers that have not been granted by law.
- Keeping a private jail.
- Arresting or holding someone except where the law allows it.
- Taking free labour or forcing someone to work.
- Demanding or receiving money or goods because a person is or was a Sardar.
- Holding or benefiting from tribal land because a person is or was a Sardar.
Section 3 lists specific conduct. The text reviewed does not say that speaking or writing the words “Sardar” or “Nawab” is itself prohibited.
What remains unconfirmed?
Dawn reported that the remaining agenda at the preceding Thursday sitting was deferred until the next sitting, scheduled for 26 October at 3pm. Dawn’s report was published on 23 October.
The Pakistan Code listing marks the Act “Under Review.” The published text and the listing do not establish the Act’s current operative status or how it is enforced. The Assembly’s Verbatim page did not provide the 26 October 2026 proceedings when checked.
