Narcotics Ministry Denounces Fake Letter on Opium, Cannabis Cultivation

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Narcotics Control has issued an official statement on Thursday, rejecting the circulation of a fake letter that falsely claimed the government had approved the cultivation of opium and cannabis in specific districts of Balochistan.

The ministry emphasized that the fabricated letter, which had gained significant traction on social media, was entirely misleading and baseless. “Neither has any such approval been issued, nor is there any policy to permit the cultivation of opium or cannabis in Balochistan or any other region,” the statement clarified.

This clarification came in response to growing concerns regarding misinformation circulating online, designed to mislead the public and potentially damage the government’s efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and production. The Ministry of Narcotics Control reiterated its strong commitment to eradicating the illegal production and trafficking of narcotics nationwide.

In its official response, the ministry reassured the public that the news was completely fabricated, highlighting the urgency of combatting misinformation in today’s digital age. “The Ministry remains resolute in its mission to fight illegal narcotics activities and uphold the law,” it stated.

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The Ministry also cautioned the public about the legal consequences of sharing or spreading false information, urging social media users to verify the authenticity of any claims before circulating them. It called on the public to stay vigilant and avoid participating in the spread of disinformation that could incite panic or confusion.

The fake letter has sparked widespread discussion on the challenges governments face in addressing the spread of misinformation. Experts have raised concerns about the need for stricter regulation of social media platforms and more effective public awareness campaigns to combat the effects of such false narratives.

The Ministry of Narcotics Control confirmed that it was working with relevant authorities to trace the origin of the fabricated news and take legal action against those responsible. It also encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities related to drug production and trafficking.

The Ministry’s commitment to maintaining public safety and security remains unwavering as it continues its investigation into this issue, ensuring that such fraudulent content does not undermine the country’s efforts to combat illegal narcotics production.