Mohmand sees rise in wheat pills poisoning cases
MOHMAND: The reported increase in poisoning cases involving highly toxic agricultural pesticides, particularly tablets used for wheat preservation, has raised serious public health concerns in Mohmand, prompting calls for stricter regulation of their sale, storage and distribution. Rescue 1122 sources said at least 41 cases of pesticide poisoning had been reported from different parts of the…
Mohmand district is grappling with a surge in poisoning cases linked to toxic agricultural pesticides, particularly tablets used for wheat preservation. Rescue 1122 reports at least 41 such incidents have been recorded over the past two to three months, resulting in over a dozen fatalities. One recent case involved Raheed Khan, a 23-year-old man from Barokhel in Kamali Haleemzai, who consumed hazardous wheat-preservation tablets and was subsequently airlifted to Peshawar for treatment.
An investigation has uncovered that these pesticides are being sold without proper licenses at some retail outlets, raising concerns about inadequate regulatory oversight and the potential misuse of hazardous substances. Agricultural authorities have instructed unlicensed dealers to register with the department, complete necessary training, and comply with legal requirements.
The community has urged the district administration to intensify inspections, enforce licensing regulations, and collaborate with health authorities to curb the sale of unauthorised hazardous chemicals, especially through ordinary grocery stores. Experts stress the importance of secure storage, public awareness, and prompt medical intervention to mitigate further loss of life.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
