Staff Reporter
Islamabad
Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Brig (Retd) Ijaz Ahmed Shah visited Headquarters Anti Narcotics Force, Rawalpindi after assuming the portfolio of Federal Minister for Narcotics Control. He was welcomed by Director General ANF, Major General Muhammad Arif Malik, HI (M) and Senior Staff Officers of ANF. It is pertinent to mention that Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Brig (Retd) Ijaz Ahmed Shah has already served in ANF as Force Commander ANF Punjab from Nov 1996 to Dec 1998 and due to his meritorious services for ANF he was awarded Sitara-i-Basa-
lat.
Director General ANF Major General Muhammad Arif Malik, HI (M) briefed the federal minister on counter narcotics achievements of ANF, current drug situation and major challenges being faced. During the briefing, DG ANF highlighted that ANF is also undertaking drug demand reduction campaign through public awareness drives and community participation activities throughout Pakistan; apart from running rehabilitation centres providing free of cost treatment to drug addicts.
Minister was also informed about the organizational requirements of ANF with respect to enhancement of manpower, development of infrastructure, overcoming legal issues and establishment of new drug treatment centers in the country.
The minister appreciated ANF’s achievements, its role in combating trafficking of illicit drugs at National, regional and global level. Minister assured his complete support to ANF for addressing the inadequacies of the force to tackle the menace more vigorously.
