Islamabad, 27 June 2022 (TDI): Pakistan observed the ‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ and reaffirmed its commitment to a drug-free society and world.
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Pakistan observes the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
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— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) June 26, 2022
Pakistan is a poppy-free state but its population became a victim of the regional production and trade of opiates.
According to the statement made by the Foreign Office Spokesperson, drug abuse, besides being a challenge for national security and prosperity, targets public health and socio-economic development.
Pakistan’s neighborhood has been targeted by illicit production and trafficking of drugs. However, Pakistan has been active at the forefront to support the ongoing regional and global initiatives against drug production and its trafficking.
Observing this day manifests Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to creating a drug-free world.
International and Regional Initiatives
As per Foreign Office Spokesperson, Pakistan under the Triangular Initiative (TI) is working with Iran and Afghanistan to fight this threat.
Furthermore, Pakistan closely engages with the Paris Pact Initiative and UN Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC’s regional program for Afghanistan and regional countries.
In addition to these international and regional efforts, Pakistan has taken several anti-narcotics measures at the national level.
These measures include adopting a National Anti-Narcotics policy in 2019 and creating the Inter-Agency Task Force on Counter-Narcotics.
He further said that for a safe and prosperous world, the protection of youth and future generations is inevitable.
While observing this day Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to strengthening action and cooperation in order to achieve a world that is free from drug abuse.
United Nations General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as an International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking in 1987.
This was an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation for achieving the goal of an international society free of drugs.
Remarks of Higher Officials
According to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the most cost-effective and common-sense approach to a safe and healthy community is by preventing drug use before it begins.
President Arif Alvi stressed the need to educate students and parents about drug abuse through workshops and seminars with the help of media, civil society, and education institutions.
