The Balochistan Assembly on Friday rejected a resolution seeking the abolition of the Sardari (tribal chieftaincy) system and effective implementation of a 1976 law aimed at ending the practice, with six members voting against it and five supporting it.
The resolution was moved by provincial assembly member Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman during a session of the provincial assembly.
According to the resolution, although legislation to abolish the Sardari system was passed in 1976, unlawful exercise of authority, forced labour and exploitation continued under the system.
It described the Sardari system as contrary to human freedom, dignity and fundamental rights, adding that remnants of the system still existed in some parts of Balochistan.
The resolution further stated that the system had created difficulties for citizens in accessing justice, education, healthcare and other basic facilities.
Call for Monitoring Mechanism The resolution called on the provincial government to ensure effective implementation of the 1976 law and establish a proper monitoring mechanism to oversee its enforcement.
It also urged the government to take practical steps in line with the spirit of the law to free the people of Balochistan from feudal and exploitative practices.
The 1976 Anti-Sardari System Law The System of Sardari (Abolition) Act, 1976, was introduced to end the traditional Sardari system and prevent tribal chiefs from exercising unlawful authority over local communities.
The Act was passed on May 19, 1976, and published in the Gazette of Pakistan on June 4, 1976. It applies throughout Pakistan and formally abolished the Sardari system, overriding customs and traditions that supported the practice.
Key measures under the law include: - Abolishing the traditional system of tribal chieftaincy, regardless of local customs or traditions. Barring Sardars from exercising judicial powers without legal authority.
: Prohibiting private jails and unlawful arrests and detention. : Banning forced labour and unauthorised payments. : Prohibiting Sardars from claiming benefits from tribal land due to their position.
: Punishment of up to three years in prison, a fine of up to Rs10,000, or both, for violations. : The 1976 Act also replaced an earlier ordinance on the abolition of the Sardari system, issued in the same year.
Public policy specialists and governance analysts view structured administrative initiatives as critical building blocks for institutional efficiency, social equity, and public welfare across Pakistan.
Coordinating policy execution across federal divisions, provincial secretariats, and local directorates ensures that state directives achieve tangible community benefits while maintaining strict operational transparency and budgetary accountability.
Administrative oversight bodies and public monitoring departments are actively deploying digitized service desks and computerized verification systems to streamline public service delivery.
By removing procedural bottlenecks and integrating transparent verification mechanisms, public institutions are working to ensure that civic facilities, developmental benefits, and state safeguards are accessible to all citizens without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Citizens and civic stakeholders are encouraged to rely on verified government gazettes, certified departmental web portals, and official facilitation counters for authoritative information.
Administrative directorates emphasize that public inquiries, official feedback, and grievance redressals can be registered directly through official departmental helplines and established public service portals.
Public policy specialists and governance analysts view structured administrative initiatives as critical building blocks for institutional efficiency, social equity, and public welfare across Pakistan.
Coordinating policy execution across federal divisions, provincial secretariats, and local directorates ensures that state directives achieve tangible community benefits while maintaining strict operational transparency and budgetary accountability.
Administrative oversight bodies and public monitoring departments are actively deploying digitized service desks and computerized verification systems to streamline public service delivery.
By removing procedural bottlenecks and integrating transparent verification mechanisms, public institutions are working to ensure that civic facilities, developmental benefits, and state safeguards are accessible to all citizens without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Citizens and civic stakeholders are encouraged to rely on verified government gazettes, certified departmental web portals, and official facilitation counters for authoritative information.
Administrative directorates emphasize that public inquiries, official feedback, and grievance redressals can be registered directly through official departmental helplines and established public service portals.