QUETTA: In a major administrative overhaul aimed at tackling inflation and market manipulation, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti has abolished the provincial Food Department and established a new department for price control and consumer protection.
The newly formed “Commodity Management Department” has been granted explicit powers to act against price-fixing and the hoarding of essential commodities, chronic issues that plague consumers, especially in Quetta and across Balochistan. The existing Balochistan Food Authority will now function under the umbrella of this new department, streamlining enforcement mechanisms.
According to official details released, the restructuring is expected to result in significant savings for the provincial exchequer, potentially amounting to crores of rupees annually. The move signals the government’s intent to shift from a traditional food security model to a more proactive market regulation and consumer rights framework.
The new administrative structure will see the creation of a substantial workforce. A total of 974 posts have been sanctioned for the Commodity Management Department itself, while an additional 625 posts will be established for the subordinate Directorate of Commodity Management, bringing the total new positions to over 1,500. This indicates a planned expansion of ground-level monitoring and enforcement capabilities.
The decision comes amid persistent public complaints about skyrocketing prices of essential items like flour, sugar, and vegetables, often exacerbated by artificial shortages. By consolidating authority and creating a specialized body with a clear mandate, the Balochistan government aims to strengthen its hand in stabilizing markets, protecting consumers from exploitation, and ensuring the availability of key goods at controlled prices throughout the province.
