Islamabad, December 27, 2021 (PPI-OT):The meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Narcotics Control was held on Monday at Parliament Lodges. The Committee stressed the need for greater coordination between the Federal Machinery and the Provincial agencies to check increase in narcotics proliferation in Pakistan.

Chaired by Senator Ejaz Chaudhary the meeting was attended by Senator Falak Naz, Senator Rana Maqbool, Senator Shahadat Awan, Senator Sardar Muhammad Shafiq Tareen, Senator Atta-ur-Rehman, Senator Anwar Lal Dean and senior officers from the Ministry of Narcotics Control, Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) along with all concerned. Dr. Maqsood, a member of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) and other representatives of the organization were present as well.

The meeting commenced with a review of the compliance status of recommendations made by the Committee. Members took serious notice of the Ministry’s inaction in certain matters and stressed the need for more coordinated efforts between Government Agencies. Taking provincial governments on board regarding prevention of trafficking and peddling of drugs was emphasized. Mobilizing the Ulema to spread the message was recommended.

Dr. Maqsood, APPNA was of the view that it was imperative that the disease is diagnosed profoundly to find a cure. He said that to-date the US has spent USD 500 billion and yet grapples rigorously with this problem. Pakistan will need to focus completely on fighting the menace, with coordinated efforts of all federal and provincial units. The Committee recommended that APPNA share its insights with the Ministry of Narcotics Control and join hands to make Pakistan drugs free.

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Senate of Pakistan
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