The Balochistan Home Department has included the names of 75 landowners from Duki district in the Fourth Schedule for their alleged involvement in poppy cultivation, marking a major step in the province’s crackdown on narcotics production.
The action was taken on the recommendation of the Duki deputy commissioner, who submitted a detailed report identifying the landowners engaged in cultivating poppy in violation of provincial and federal laws.
Three-year monitoring and legal restrictions
According to the Home Department, the names of the listed landowners will remain on the Fourth Schedule for up to three years. During this period, their movements, assets, and activities will be closely monitored by law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Each landowner will be required to submit a surety bond worth Rs500,000, guaranteeing that they are not involved in any terrorist activity or organization.
Verification, guarantee procedures outlined
The surety bonds will be verified and approved by either the deputy commissioner (DC) or the district police officer (DPO) before being officially recorded.
As part of the process, landowners must inform their local Levies or police station concerned about their travel plans and destinations and obtain official permission before traveling outside their district.
In addition, each individual on the list will be required to submit their passport to the relevant police or Levies station for safekeeping during the monitoring period.
Asset confiscation and CTD scrutiny
The Home Department clarified that all properties belonging to the listed landowners will be considered confiscated for the duration of their inclusion in the Fourth Schedule.
Their financial and property records will be thoroughly examined by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) to ensure that no illegal funds or activities are being concealed. The department emphasized that these measures are intended to prevent the misuse of agricultural land for drug-related or terror-linked activities.
Right to review and legal remedies
Officials confirmed that landowners have the right to apply for a review of their inclusion in the Fourth Schedule. The review petitions can be filed before the Home Department within the prescribed legal framework, supported by verified documentation and evidence of compliance.
If cleared upon review, the individual’s name may be removed from the list before the three-year term expires.
