The Balochistan government is preparing to deploy drone technology to curb and eliminate poppy cultivation across the province, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan announced on Wednesday.
Chairing a high-level meeting on poppy eradication, the Chief Secretary said that modern surveillance tools — particularly drones — can significantly enhance monitoring capabilities in remote and mountainous regions where poppy crops are often grown.
He warned that poppy cultivation is a serious crime that could create challenges for Pakistan at the international level, stressing the need for “more comprehensive, coordinated and serious measures” to completely stamp out the illegal crop.
According to officials, the provincial government has already destroyed poppy fields spread over more than 3,700 acres. However, the Chief Secretary said stronger action by district administrations and law enforcement agencies is essential to permanently uproot the practice.
He emphasized the need for close coordination between all departments involved in anti-narcotics efforts, directing district coordination committees to hold monthly meetings to review progress.
The government has also imposed a complete ban on the purchase and sale of poppy seeds in Balochistan.
Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir urged the public to refrain from cultivating poppy, issuing a strict warning to landowners involved in the activity. He ordered authorities to take firm action, particularly in hard-to-access districts such as Washuk, Chagai, Qila Abdullah, Duki, and surrounding areas.
He further instructed that any individual found cultivating poppy on their land should be placed on the Fourth Schedule. The meeting was informed that 225 landowners have already been added to the Fourth Schedule for their involvement in poppy cultivation.
