Baligh urges collective efforts for narcotics control

ISLAMABAD, Dec 15 (APP): Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Engr Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman on Thursday urged national and international communities to play their effective role for the elimination of narcotics usage in the society.
Addressing the Drug Burning Ceremony arranged by Anti Narcotics Force (ANF), he said the drug abuse cannot be surmounted without the active participation of all segments of society including parents, educators, community partners, youth and most importantly the support of International Community “We must do more to protect loved ones from drugs. All of us have a part to play in this effort. We have come a long way in fight against drugs” said the Minister.
The government’s firm zero tolerance, stance and comprehensive
approach to tackle drugs has worked well for the masses, he said.
The minister said that “We have kept our fields and mountains
free from poppy. However, regionally, the drug situation remains challenging”.
As per the UNODC World Drug Report 2015 Afghanistan is the largest narcotics producer in the world with an estimated global opiate production of over 85 percent which is the biggest challenge for our Law Enforcement Agencies, he stressed.
The illicit drug trade undermines governance, institutions and societal cohesion. Drug traffickers typically seek routes where the rule of law is weak. In turn, drug related crime deepens vulnerability and poverty, stated the minister.
He said to counter this situation, ANF is making constant efforts towards building a drug free society.
The magnitude and complexity of the problem warrants concerted
efforts by the Government and civil society through a multi pronged and well integrated strategy.
Minister of State appreciated the efforts of ANF in stopping smuggling and trafficking of drugs from and to Pakistan.
ANF is investigating drug traffickers efficiently besides minimizing its usage through public awareness campaign and treating drug addicts, he said and added, today drug burning ceremony speaks of efforts and success of ANF in fight against drug trafficking.
The drugs being burnt today were to be used inside and outside the country which were seized and confiscated by ANF and other LEAs.
The minister said that the government has signed MoUs with 32
countries regarding this issue adding that counter narcotics efforts of Pakistan are being acknowledged by the international community.
He said Pakistan expect complete cooperation and assistance from International Community, in order to control drug trafficking more efficiently and quickly.
DG Anti Narcotics Nasir Dilawar Shah said that 298 metric tons drugs of worth $ 896 million have been seized this year and 50 metric tons drugs of worth $ 152 million would be destroyed today.
He said that various awareness programs and campaigns have been conducted throughout the country to address this menace.
Three rehab centers have been established in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad and rehab centers in Sukkar and Peshawar are near their completion.
13000 patients have been treated free of cost in these centers since 2004 out of which 2000 were from Adiala Jail, said the DG ANF.
Moreover he said that around 40 internationally coordinated operations have been conducted in which 40 drug trafficking organizations and 10400 individuals have been arrested.
ANF is working on its capacity building, 547 new people have joined in recently along with the installation of new body scanners at various places.
Illicit use of drugs by our youth is worrisome and we are fully committed to tackle this problem, said DG ANF.
Therefore ANF Youth Ambassador Program was started in 2014 which has been a great success so far. We have 5000 active youth members across Pakistan.
Drug problem is Trans National in nature, no society could alone fight against this menace we all need to work collectively to root out this peril once and for all, said DG ANF.