DUKI: In a significant move to eradicate drug cultivation, tribal elders and major landowners in Duki district have signed a formal agreement with the district administration, pledging to ban poppy and hemp farming across the region.
The pact was finalized during a key meeting with Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Naeem Khan. The agreement legally binds all landowners to stop cultivating any prohibited crops and to only grow lawful produce in the future.
In return, the district administration assured compliant landowners that their lands would not be seized and their names would not be placed on the controversial Fourth Schedule, which lists individuals under security surveillance.
To formalize their commitment, the landowners signed affidaths with their ID card numbers and thumb impressions, vowing to fully cooperate with the government. They pledged to work towards making Duki a drug-free and prosperous agricultural district.
- Last week the Deputy Commissioner of Duki, Muhammad Naeem Khan, has instructed authorities to launch a major operation against illegal poppy farming and unregistered Afghan nationals residing in the district.
The orders were given during a high-level meeting convened to review the district’s law and order situation. Mr Khan stated that negligence would not be tolerated and demanded strict action against all illicit activities, with a specific focus on smuggling and unlawful cultivation.
Furthermore, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the need to protect the region’s forests. He directed that regular joint patrols be carried out by the Levies Force and the Forest Department to ensure this.
