Syed Ali Shah:
Quetta, July 31 — Alarm bells rang in the Balochistan Assembly on Thursday as lawmakers from both the government and opposition expressed deep concern over the alarming spread of poppy cultivation in various districts of the province.
The issue was brought to the floor by MPA Zabid Reki, who warned that the ban on opium cultivation in Afghanistan has pushed growers to shift their activities into Balochistan’s vulnerable regions, particularly in Baloch and Pashtun areas.
“This is a dangerous development. These growers are not just planting a crop — they’re planting destruction for our future generations,” said Reki.
“Our youth are already at risk. If this is allowed to continue, we will face an irreversible crisis.”
Former Chief Minister Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch echoed these concerns, demanding immediate action.
“This is not just an agriculture issue; it’s a social and security threat,” he said.
“The state must move quickly and decisively against anyone involved in this illegal activity.”
Responding on behalf of the treasury benches, PPP lawmaker Ali Madad Jatak assured the Assembly of the government’s seriousness on the matter.
“We are fully committed to curbing poppy cultivation,” he stated.
“We urge opposition members to identify the affected areas so targeted action can begin immediately.”
In conclusion, Speaker Captain (R) Abdul Khaliq Hadi directed concerned authorities to survey and identify the regions where poppy is being grown and take immediate action against all those involved.
