Steps being taken to curb smuggling of fertiliser

ISLAMABAD: A plan prepared by the interior ministry to stop smuggling of ammonium nitrate, a fertiliser, to Afghanistan and impose restrictions on its sale within the country has created hopes for Pakistan to meet the US conditions for release of $700 million in aid. Ammonium nitrate, when mixed with fuels, makes a powerful explosive. The US administration alleges that ammonium nitrate made in Pakistan is used in Afghanistan to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs) which are used against Nato troops. President Barack Obama recently signed a law that linked curbs on smuggling of ammonium nitrate to Afghanistan with the release of $700 million aid. According to sources, export of the commodity to Afghanistan has been restricted...

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