Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday reiterated his government’s resolve to eliminate poppy cultivation from the province, warning of stringent action against those involved in the illicit practice.
Speaking in the Balochistan Assembly, Bugti said that with the backing of the federal government, poppy crops had been eradicated from over 36,000 hectares of land so far. He pledged to continue the campaign until the province is entirely free of the narcotic plant.
“Poppy cultivation will not be tolerated, whether by local landowners or those crossing the border,” the chief minister said. “Offenders will be arrested, their land confiscated, and crops destroyed before maturity.”
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Bugti also informed lawmakers that a new law was being drafted to reinforce measures against drug cultivation. He appealed to the public through social media to refrain from engaging in poppy farming, cautioning that violators would face strict repercussions.
The chief minister underscored that Pakistan maintains a “poppy-free status” internationally and vowed that Balochistan would not permit any activities that could jeopardise this standing.
