News Desk
Quetta: Chief Secretary Balochistan, Shakeel Qadir Khan, has said that poppy cultivation is a serious crime that can create significant international challenges for Pakistan. He emphasized that more comprehensive measures are required to curb this menace. He stated that the provincial government is taking concrete steps to eliminate poppy cultivation in the province. Over 3,700 acres of poppy crops have already been destroyed—significantly more than last year.
He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting regarding the prevention of poppy cultivation in the province.
The Chief Secretary said that to eradicate this curse from the root, district administrations, the Excise & Taxation Department, and the Anti-Narcotics Force must take stricter and more coordinated action. Effective coordination among all relevant departments is essential to ensure successful operations and prevent cultivation.
He added that local administration, security agencies, and social organizations must also cooperate to eliminate this issue completely. He directed district coordination committees to hold monthly meetings to review anti-poppy initiatives and ensure better synergy among departments.
The Chief Secretary noted that the provincial government has completely banned the transportation, purchase, and sale of poppy seeds across the province. He instructed that districts where poppy cultivation is identified must immediately take action and destroy the crops.
He urged the public to refrain from cultivating poppy, warning that strict action will soon be taken against landowners involved in such activities.
He expressed satisfaction that government institutions and the ANF are taking all possible measures to combat drugs. He added that the use of drone technology could greatly enhance the detection and destruction of poppy crops, especially in remote and mountainous regions such as Washuk, Chagai, Killa Abdullah, and Duki.
He further directed that any landowner found involved in poppy cultivation be placed on the Fourth Schedule. The meeting was informed that so far 225 landowners have been added to the Fourth Schedule.
