ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s strong commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
He stated that the government, through the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), is taking robust and targeted measures to eliminate this scourge.
In his message on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed on June 26, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of a unified and collective approach.
"While the government remains resolute in its efforts, the eradication of drug abuse requires the combined commitment of individuals, communities, and society at large," he said. "Only through coordinated actions can we effectively break the cycle of this organized crime and achieve a drug-free world."
Illegal drugs and its easy access became the cause of immense human suffering. Drug use was not only detrimental to human health but it also tarnished the reputation of the victim and his family.
“Moreover, awareness in our youth about this entire drug abuse and its network is very essential so that prevention can play a greater role in eliminating this health and social hazard,”.
Rehabilitation and recovery services for the victims of drug abuse also required a strategy well collaborated by the government institutions, civil society and at the level of the affected household, he observed.
The prime minister said that the Day annually commemorated on 26 June, reiterates global commitment to curb this menace.
“This societal and legal obligation is necessitated by the noble cause to protect humanity and particularly future generations from the debilitating impacts of drug abuse,” he added.
The prime minister further said that ‘Breaking the Chain: Prevention and Recovery for All’ theme for the international day duly put emphasis on eradicating drug abuse at every step that facilitated these networks.
This reminded them that this was a global challenge and could not be effectively addressed without collaborative international cooperation, he opined.
He said that they paid tribute to the services of law enforcement agencies which had not only sacrificed their lives while going after these networks but had also worked tirelessly to achieve the goal of narcotics -free Pakistan.
