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 district over the past two to three months, with more than a dozen people reportedly losing their lives.
In the latest incident, a 23-year-old man, identified as Raheed Khan, allegedly consumed toxic wheat-preservation tablets at Barokhel in Kamali Haleemzai.
He was initially shifted to District Headquarters Hospital Ghalanai in critical condition and was later referred to Peshawar for further treatment.
The reported availability of highly toxic agricultural chemicals at retail outlets has raised concerns about gaps in regulatory oversight and the potential misuse of hazardous substances.
Sources said pesticides were allegedly being sold without licences at some places in the district.
There were also reports that wheat-preservation tablets were available at some ordinary grocery stores, raising concerns over the accessibility of highly toxic chemicals to untrained persons.
The Agriculture Department has warned unlicensed pesticide and seed dealers to submit their details to the department, undergo the required training and fulfil all legal requirements.
The locals asked the district administration to step up inspections and enforcement, in coordination with the Agriculture Department, health authorities and law-enforcement agencies, to identify unauthorised sellers and ensure compliance with licensing and storage regulations.
Officials and residents have called for regular inspections of pesticide shops and other retail outlets, strict action against unauthorised sale of hazardous chemicals and measures to prevent highly toxic agricultural products from being sold through ordinary grocery stores.
Rescue officials urged farmers, dealers and the general public to store toxic agricultural chemicals in secure locations and keep them out of the reach of children and unauthorised persons.
The increasing number of poisoning cases has underscored the need for a coordinated public health response including tighter regulation of pesticide sales, responsible storage, public awareness and timely medical intervention to prevent further loss of life.
Residents have urged the district administration to conduct a comprehensive review of pesticide sales across Mohmand and take preventive measures wherever violations of safety and licensing requirements are found.
Grenade attack: Unidentified assailants hurled a hand grenade at the Qadir Khan Shaheed police post in the Lakaro area here on Friday evening, but the attack did not cause any casualties, police said.
According to officials, the incident occurred at around 8pm when the attackers targeted the police post. However, the grenade landed outside the post, preventing any loss of life or injury.
The police personnel responded with gunfire, prompting the attackers to flee the area.
A search operation was subsequently launched in the vicinity to trace the suspects.
Police officials said further investigation was under way to determine the identity of the attackers and the motive behind the assault. Security measures in and around the police post have also been strengthened.
Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2026
