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KP Delays Narcotics Act Amendments Amid Political Pressure
KP government halts proposed Narcotics Act amendments, including death penalty abolition, citing political pressure and false allegations. Zero-tolerance stance on drugs remains.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-10
KP Delays Narcotics Act Amendments Amid Political Pressure

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has delayed amendments to the Narcotics Act following political pressure and false allegations targeting the Chief Minister.

The proposed amendments, prepared by the Excise and Narcotics Control Department, recommended abolishing the death penalty in narcotics cases, replacing it with life imprisonment or a 24-year sentence with fines up to Rs 4 million for possession of 3 kg of heroin, cocaine, or ice. Punishments for other drug offenses were also made stricter.

The amendments were based on unanimous recommendations of the provincial cabinet committee and legally cleared by the Law Department. However, the bill was returned to the cabinet due to false allegations linking Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to drug dealers. Afridi denied any association and emphasized that tampering with law at this time would be wrong.

He reiterated that the provincial government maintains a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, with no compromise on enforcement. Afridi also highlighted the PTI founder’s efforts in promoting saffron cultivation as part of anti-drug initiatives.

The delay has sparked discussions on balancing legal reforms, human rights, and strict narcotics enforcement in the province.
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