Efforts being made to eliminate illicit drugs use by youth: PM Shehbaz

Premier urges media and civil society to play a role in creating awareness about drug abuse

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said efforts by the government were being made to eliminate the challenges posed by the increasing trend of illicit drugs use by the youth.

Radio Pakistan cited the prime minister as saying in his message on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking [today] that Pakistan had exhibited “unwavering commitment” to deal with issues resulting from illicit drugs.

He said that the government was working closely with international organizations for this purpose.

The premier said that Pakistan was a signatory to all global conventions and protocols for the prevention of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

He said that the general public, especially the youth which made up more than 60 percent of the population, was at a huge risk due to easy availability of synthetic drugs.

The premier stated that there should be a collective effort to protect youngsters from the dangers of drug abuse.

He said, “On this International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we reaffirm our commitment to proactively limiting drug abuse and illicit trafficking. I would direct the Ministry of Narcotics Control to take effective measures to promote safer, drug-free communities and address the challenges of illicit drugs.”

The premier also urged the media and civil society organisations to play a part in creating awareness so that a drug-free country could be achieved.

He added that prevention of drug use before it began was the most cost-effective and common sense approach for safe and healthy communities.

Meanwhile, President Arif Alvi stated on the occasion that students and parents should be sensitised regarding drug abuse through measures such as awareness workshops and seminars through the aid of media, civil society and educational institutions.

The president added that the Higher Education Commission had been ordered to counter abuse of drugs in higher education institutions through a strict policy.

President Alvi further expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Narcotics Control for its efforts to counter drug trafficking and reducing drug abuse.

He said that “we are committed to making Pakistan an example in the region and beyond” when it came to the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.