Islamabad, Today, the Senate Standing Committee on Narcotics Control convened at Parliament House, chaired by Senator Gurdeep Singh, to review the ongoing efforts and challenges in combating drug trafficking in Pakistan.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the meeting began with a briefing by Mr. Munir Azam, Secretary of the Ministry of Narcotics Control. He emphasized the ministry’s pivotal role in national and international efforts against drug trafficking, underscoring the need for shared responsibility in eradicating this global issue. The briefing covered the ministry’s policy framework, inter-provincial coordination, and international support received in narcotics control, highlighting Pakistan’s achievement in maintaining its poppy-free status.
Key policy points discussed included maintaining poppy-free status, preventing domestic drug production and trafficking, strengthening law enforcement, protecting vulnerable groups, and promoting socio-economic development. The ministry also emphasized capacity enhancement of 32 agencies and evidence-based interventions.
Major General Muhammad Aniq, Director General of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), focused on the importance of collaboration with neighbouring countries for intelligence sharing, border control, and joint operations. He mentioned partnerships with international organizations like UNODC and Interpol for technical assistance and resources.
DG ANF briefed on the operations and measures taken to control drug trafficking, noting the national security challenges posed by regional drug dynamics. He reported the ANF’s deployment of 3,211 personnel, including 84 minority group members, and their effective counter-narcotics strategy across 23 districts in Pakistan.
The meeting also reviewed the drug seizure statistics and arrests related to drug trafficking from 2018 to 2023. In 2023, there were 73,875 drug seizures and 64 foreign nationals arrested for drug trafficking. The ANF’s contribution to national efforts was highlighted as 82.4 percent. However, the Director General pointed out the limitations of resources and manpower, requesting additional support from the committee.
Senator Gurdeep Singh and other committee members, including Senator Falak Naz, Senator Dost Muhammad Khan, and Senator Anwar Lal Dean, commended the efforts of the Ministry of Narcotics and ANF, assuring their support for strengthening the ANF force.