PESHAWAR: A political dispute in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has intensified after a video message from a resident of Tirah’s Shalobar area renewed allegations of large-scale narcotics cultivation, specifically cannabis fields, in the valley.
The resident in the video claims the crop shown belongs to KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, contradicting provincial minister Shafiullah Jan, who had recently stated on a television programme that no such narcotics-related cultivation existed on the chief minister’s land. The resident described the footage as “undeniable evidence” of a mature crop and accused the minister of misleading the public.
Allegations tied to drug financing and militancy
The renewed controversy comes amid earlier calls for action against what critics describe as a growing narcotics network affecting KP and other provinces. Activists and political figures argue that a crackdown is necessary to signal the government’s seriousness in preventing youth addiction and cross-border trafficking. They further claim that profits from narcotics trafficking are being used to fund anti-state activities, including the purchase of explosives by militant groups operating inside Pakistan and from across the border.
Government stance and response
Minister Shafiullah Jan, responding to the claims, has insisted that no illegal cultivation is taking place. He reiterated during the talk show that reports of 3,500 acres of cannabis fields were “baseless” and lacked evidence.
As of now, the KP government has not announced any formal investigation into the allegations.
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