KP lifts ban on sale, purchase and transportation of urea fertiliser

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has lifted the ban on the sale, purchase, supply, storage and transportation of fertilisers across the province, restoring trade in the previously restricted districts under a monitoring mechanism.

The Directorate General of Agriculture (Extension) KP has issued a notification announcing the resumption of fertiliser supplies and commercial activities in the remaining districts of the province.

According to the notification, the decision was taken in pursuance of the recommendations of a meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG), held at the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) headquarters in Islamabad.

The notification stated that fertiliser supply, sale and purchase had already been permitted in Peshawar, Mardan and Swat, while the latest decision extends the relaxation to all remaining districts of the province with immediate effect.

However, the supply and distribution of fertilisers will be regulated through the Precursors Track and Trace System (PTTS).

Dealers and distributors have been directed to comply with the prescribed tracking and monitoring procedures, while relevant authorities may take action against those violating the rules.

The Agriculture Department has also directed its district-level directors to ensure implementation of the decision. Deputy commissioners, district administrations and law enforcement agencies have been informed about the development.

The notification further withdrew and rescinded the previous order, issued on July 28, 2026, which had prohibited the sale, purchase and supply of fertilisers.

Read More: Interior ministry adds fertilizers, specific powders in banned list

Earlier, district administrations in Bajaur, South Waziristan and Bannu had imposed restrictions on the trade, storage and transportation of fertilisers over security concerns, as certain fertilisers can be used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior had included fertilisers and certain powders in the list of prohibited items, introducing additional safeguards for their purchase and distribution.

A previous notification had made biometric verification through the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) mandatory for obtaining restricted fertilisers and powders.

Authorities had cited public safety concerns and the potential misuse of certain chemical substances in explosive devices as reasons for imposing the restrictions.