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LAHORE, Feb 04 (APP):Director General Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal on Wednesday stressed the need for effective security measures and collective efforts to prevent drug trafficking in educational institutions.
He was addressing an anti-narcotics awareness seminar at Superior University Lahore, which was attended by a large number of teachers and students. During his visit, the DG also met the university administration, faculty members and staff.
Brig. Mazhar Iqbal said that controlling drugs in educational institutions was not the sole responsibility of law enforcement agencies, but a shared national duty of teachers, students and parents. He emphasized the role of teachers in character building and in eliminating social evils, adding that developing hatred against drug use among students was the first step towards eradicating the menace.
He urged teachers to educate students about the physical, psychological and social harms of drug abuse and to ensure timely counseling of students in coordination with parents. He said that promoting positive attitudes among youth was essential to discourage aggression and extremism, adding that extracurricular activities played a vital role in the balanced development of students.
Addressing students, the DG CNF advised them to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the Counter Narcotics Force. He said that a dedicated CNF helpline was operational for public facilitation and assured that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.
Brig Mazhar said that CNF Punjab had conducted hundreds of successful operations against drug traffickers in a short span of time, adding that legal action was taken promptly against those involved and that strict punishments awarded by special courts were proving effective.
He warned that drug traffickers were using modern methods, including drones, social media platforms and food delivery services, to transport and distribute narcotics, adding that CNF was also adopting modern technology and advanced tools to counter these tactics.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Counter Narcotics Force Punjab, he said that with the patronage of the Punjab government, the mission of a drug-free, safe and healthy Punjab would be achieved, stressing that the active participation of youth was crucial for success.
During the seminar, participants were briefed through presentations on the role of CNF and the social impact of drug abuse. In the question-and-answer session, students expressed their willingness to volunteer in the fight against drugs.
At the conclusion of the event, commemorative shields were exchanged between the university administration and the DG CNF Punjab, while honorary caps were distributed among student volunteers.