Balochistan restores office of the Deputy Commissioner

The Baloch Hal News

QUETTA, April 6: The Government of Balochistan restored the office of the erstwhile Deputy Commissioner in the province with immediate effect. The Governor Balochistan, Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi approved the ‘Balochistan Local Government Amendment Ordinance 2001’ this evening, which shall replace the words “District Coordination Officer” by the words “Deputy Commissioner.”

According to an official handout issued here Tuesday the notification to that effect has been issued promulgating the said ordinance aimed at revving the  centuries old administrative system that had been borrowed by the British Raj from the Mughal Dynasty incorporating revenue and police offices under one command at district level.

“The office of the Deputy Commissioner performed well over the past two and half centuries in the Sub-continent and the people’s problems affectively addressed,” the handout said. It further stated that ever since the office of the Deputy Commissioner was disbanded during the past dictatorial regime there had been utter chaos and lack of command and authority, especially dealing with the law and order situations, price control and encroachment of government lands etc.

It may be noted that Balochistan is the first province having approved the restoration of office of the Deputy Commissioner. This would be yet another remarkable decision of the present provincial government led by Chief Minister, Nawab Muhammad Aslam Khan Raisani towards provincial autonomy.

The system would be much supportive to the local government system at grassroots level for development of two components viz. i) planning and ii) effective law and order. The handout further elaborated that only professionals could ensure proper planning as well as improving law and order. So, planned actions in a peaceful atmosphere would enable the elected representatives to carryout viable development activities as well as effective social services network, the handout concluded.