Staff Reporter:
Quetta: Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has issued a stern warning against poppy cultivation in the province, declaring that not a single inch of land will be allowed for the illicit crop.
Addressing the Balochistan Assembly, CM Bugti said he had long followed the Telegraph journalist who reported on poppy farming in the region, calling him “a credible journalist.” However, Bugti made it clear that regardless of the reporting, his government, with full backing from the federal authorities, is committed to eradicating poppy at all costs.
“We have already destroyed poppy cultivation on 36,000 hectares of land in the province. Pakistan enjoys a poppy-free status, and we will not compromise on it. Anyone found involved will face strict action,” the chief minister said.
He emphasized that poppy eradication is primarily a federal subject, but as a provincial commitment, Balochistan will not only assist but actively participate in operations to root out the narcotics trade. “We will arrest those involved, seize their lands, and destroy the crop before it matures,” he warned.
CM Bugti also cautioned local landowners and Afghan nationals allegedly providing land for the cultivation:
“We are going to pass a strict law from the Assembly to ensure complete eradication of this curse. Through social media, I warn the people of Pakistan — don’t get involved. If you do, we are coming after you, and you will be taken to task.”
The chief minister reiterated that propaganda and conspiracies against Pakistan would not deter the government’s determination to eliminate narcotics cultivation.
