QUETTA: In a major administrative overhaul, the Balochistan government has appointed senior civil officers across the province as Justices of the Peace to strengthen judicial access and streamline public service delivery.
Through an official notification issued on Thursday, all Divisional Commissioners (DCs, Additional Commissioners,ACs Deputy Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners, and Assistant Commissioners have been designated as Justices of the Peace in their respective jurisdictions with immediate effect. The appointments are made under Section 22 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.
The move is aimed at enabling these officers to perform specific judicial and administrative functions within their authority, particularly under Sections 22-A and 22-B of the CrPC. This includes attesting documents, administering oaths, and addressing certain public grievances lawfully, which is expected to expedite legal processes and improve governance at the grassroots level.
However, the notification explicitly bars the appointed officers from using any insignia or sticker of the Justice of the Peace office on government or private vehicles or other signage, maintaining a distinction from the regular judiciary.
Officials stated the decision is part of efforts to reinforce judicial administration, enhance public welfare services, and make legal mechanisms more effective and accessible, especially in remote districts. Copies of the notification have been sent to the Balochistan High Court, police, and all relevant divisional and district offices to ensure immediate implementation of the new roles.
Meanwhiles Balochistan Chief Secretary CS Shakeel Qadir Khan on Thursday directed the immediate processing of temporary appointments in the Education Department to reactivate all inactive schools across the province.
The orders were issued during a high-level conference of divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners held via video link. The meeting, attended by top provincial secretaries, aimed to devise a comprehensive public welfare and development strategy.
CS Khan emphasized that providing relief to citizens is a core responsibility of the administration. He mandated all commissioners and deputy commissioners to hold regular public open courts for the immediate resolution of pressing issues related to water, electricity, health, and education. “Open courts are the best means of fulfilling this responsibility,” he stated.
