This trade is a constant source of funding to terrorists . Afghanistan needs to DO MORE to stop it!

Despite worldwide concern for cultivation of Poppy in Afghanistan, there is nothing wrong. All know that there is no any system in the country which can provide employment to the poorest of population in the world. This is their bread and butter which should not be denied. All countries export their products worldwide eg. Japan exports automobiles worldwide and similarly other countries. USA, it's allies and proxy export 'terrorism' all over the world in addition to Arms. The whole world is using American and Western Arms and ammunition to kill people. Ban it because these Arms are used to destroy humans all around the world. For the last more than a decade, the Americans are supplying Arms and ammunition to the warring parties on both side - Iran and Iraq for seven long years- to quote one. It may look illogical but deny if it is not correct.

Taliban rule was best in Afghanistan. What did American and local people get after toppling them. Now they have corruption, thugs, robbers and opium. Yes women and some religious freedom is achieved but at what cost? This?

@neutal they are not poorest people, currency is stronger than Indian currency, every family has own house, cattle, tractor, farming land. If we calculate average they are richer than any other south asian nation, only education can guide them to put efforts on something positive

this money is used to fund various wars including the cold war....there is no stopping it.

There is no end to this. Legalize it and collect taxes. This is a very good source of revenue.

Pakistan is so unfortunate when it comes to her Eastern and Western Neighbours.

@Abdul Manan you are correct, nato, usa and others encourage the poppy farmers and it is any way sold into the european and states markets.

It's all the game of supply and demand and afghan use Pakistan as a temporary medium for onward supplies to other countries becAuse of lack of governance in Pakistan and in some cases govt official see this as am opportunity to make easy money themselves

@Einstein Babar - They are not "poor" but isn't the money coming from poppy cultivation, Einstein?

It' their culture, not to mention livelihood. It was there before there was a Europe.The money the waste in poppy eradication will be better spent in education, health . women's empowerment to name a few.People who look for to get high have many means. And how about destroying whiskey distilleries in Scotland by the Afghans? Remember the prohibition in the U.S. did not work but gave the birth of violent gangs.

Can't this be tackled by Drone strikes on cultivation?

@Abdul Manan May be you will understand if you are a woman.

@Ganga Din : For you, everything is money. Legalize the illegal as long as it makes money. Cool logic.

As I heard that in Afghan Talban ERA there is no opium cultivated and very less. if it is true then due to US intervention crime increases ???

@neutal two wrong don't make right. The majority of the global violence is conducted using Klashnikovs, which are manufactured in Russia or China. Western countries like US sell weapons to countries under strict contract rules. Poppy cultivation hurts the third world countries like Pakistan the most. You are not taking anything away from rich people. Western countries have addiction and rehabilitation programs to help those in need. We don't. Why can't they grow wheat, or rice or mangoes?

@Khan I dare you to walk into a market in the USA and buy opium.

@mhw For a brief period that was true, but for the wrong reasons. The Taliban did want the warlords getting richer and becoming stronger than themselves. Also, there were complete embargoes on Afghanistan During The Taliban rule so the getting the harvest out was difficult, hence the opium was sold locally, which created a problem for the Taliban.

.....And we are told, the U.S. occupation was a success. Did not know, it meant poppy growing success.

Poppy is a beautiful landscape flower. The opium derived from its has numerous medicinal benefits and is the base stock for many pain medicines. We should legalize its cultivation in Pakistan as it always was before the Britishers arrived. Their imposed restrictions to justify their opium taxation. As we are free now we should discard the despicable British tactics.

@Chanakya Right. Whisky, wine, beer, champagne, cigarette - all famous exports of the West besides War Planes, sub-marines and score of Armament and War Machines. All harmful and kill people. Ban it too. 35% of US economy depends on export of Missiles and all other Armament used to kill people.

@Pragmatist : Not only should we legalize and cultivate it but we should also encourage export. Good source of revenue.

@rehan Yeah that is going to happen...dont hold your breath.

@JackDomm all region of South Asia are unfortunate when become East and West sangam . West played a good role to support Italian lady work for them under the curtain now Pakistan turn to pleased them In Afghanistan this two side of coin is also made in west. Do India, Pakistan, Afghanistan have a guts to say no to West. All petrol made dollars goes to west to buy ammunition. How many Gulf countries has share in arm ammunition factories. Gulf counties has investment in real estate and casino in west. So my point is only Pakistan in not unfortunate.

its because of Pakistan " According to Endian Logic".

Americans should support the Taliban regime which totally stopped v\the growth of Poppy in Afghanistan.