Urea Sale Restrictions in KP Draw Criticism in National Assembly

Government restrictions on the sale of urea fertilizer in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) came under criticism in the National Assembly, with opposition lawmakers warning that the measures were putting additional pressure on farmers.

 

PTI MNA Asad Qaiser challenged the restrictions through a calling-attention notice, arguing that security concerns should not result in farmers being treated with suspicion.

 

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said the restrictions were introduced following recent terrorist incidents in KP in which urea was allegedly used for non-agricultural purposes. He acknowledged that urea remains a critical farm input, with the province consuming around 3 million tonnes annually.

 

The government is developing a “track and trade” mechanism to monitor the movement and distribution of fertilizer and prevent its diversion.

 

A committee headed by the Secretary of Industries and Production, with the Director General Military Operations as a member, has been given one month to review the restrictions and recommend a way forward.

 

Qaiser called for the immediate withdrawal of the restrictions, saying they were affecting around 1.3 million farmers across KP. The minister said the government aimed to resolve the issue as soon as possible.