Khyber Agency: Drug Business

Daily Times, November 03, 2006
‘Khyber Agency fails in anti-poppy drive’
Staff Report

PESHAWAR: Ali Muhammad Jan Orakzai, NWFP governor expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of the political authorities of Khyber Agency in connection with eradication of poppy crop. The meeting was held at the Governor’s House on Thursday to review the performance of the political agents.

Orakzai, while appreciating the efforts, made by the political administrations of Bajaur and Mohmand Agencies for the eradicating poppy, directed the political authorities of Khyber agency to initiate concrete efforts to stop poppy cultivation and persuade the tribal farmers to switch to alternate cash crops. The meeting reviewed the status of poppy cultivation in the NWFP and FATA and discussed the action plan for the current poppy season, an official release stated.

Through a presentation made by the narcotics additional secretary, the meeting was updated about the achievements towards the eradication of the poppy crop in different areas of the province and FATA during the previous year. The meeting was informed that the monitoring of the poppy crop was being done regularly. However, sustainable efforts were required across the year to deter the farmers from growing poppy.

Orakzai identified certain loopholes in the administrative and development aspects of the problem, particularly in Kala Daca and de-fecto areas of Peshawar and Charsadda districts, urging the district administrations to be proactive in their efforts.