PM reaffirms commitment to combat drug trafficking on international day

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, saying the government was strengthening national institutions, expanding international cooperation and prioritising efforts to protect young people from narcotics.

In a message issued on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the prime minister said Pakistan stood with the international community in renewing its resolve to tackle what he described as a grave social challenge.

“This day serves as a reminder of the multidimensional human, economic and social costs of drug abuse and trafficking, as well as their devastating consequences for societies worldwide,” he said.

Referring to this year’s theme, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” Sharif said it highlighted the evolving nature of the global drug problem.

He said Pakistan remained fully committed to addressing emerging narcotics-related threats, including new psychoactive substances, illicit trafficking networks and the increasing accessibility of drugs, particularly among young people.

The prime minister said the government was enhancing national capacity, strengthening institutional coordination and expanding cooperation with international partners to dismantle drug trafficking networks.

“Only through the complete dismantling of illicit networks can we ensure a safer and more secure society,” he said.

Sharif described protecting the younger generation from drugs as a national priority, adding that ensuring drug-free educational institutions was among the most important steps towards safeguarding the country’s future.

He said the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) was continuing efforts to curb drug trafficking, reduce demand, raise public awareness and facilitate the treatment and rehabilitation of affected individuals.

The government’s simultaneous focus on law enforcement, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation reflected a balanced and comprehensive strategy to address the drug menace, he added.

The prime minister also paid tribute to ANF personnel who had lost their lives in the line of duty, describing their courage and sacrifice as a source of national pride.

Sharif said the government was further strengthening the capacity of institutions involved in counter-narcotics efforts while expanding awareness campaigns and prevention programmes in educational institutions in collaboration with provincial governments.

He added that Pakistan was also deepening international partnerships through intelligence sharing, joint operations and regional cooperation to combat illicit drug trafficking networks.

The prime minister called on parents, teachers, educational institutions, community leaders, the media and young people to play their role in preventing drug abuse, saying building a healthy and resilient society was a shared national responsibility.