In a significant move to combat drug abuse, all federal and provincial anti-narcotics agencies have committed to working together, sharing intelligence, and expanding rehabilitation centers for drug addicts. This decision was made during the inaugural meeting of the High-Powered Committee, established on the instructions of President Asif Ali Zardari.
The meeting, chaired by Sindh Senior Minister SharjeelInamMemon, saw the participation of key officials including Additional Chief Secretary Home IqbalMemon, Secretary Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Muhammad Saleem Rajput, Secretary Education Zahid Ali Abbasi, Secretary Universities and Boards Abbas Baloch, Anti-Narcotics Force Commander Brigadier Umar, DIG CIA MuqadasHaider, Deputy Commander Anti-Narcotics Force Lt Col Shakir, Director Intelligence Bureau Khan Faisal, and DG Excise Narcotics Control UsmanGhaniSiddiqui. Secretary Education Zahid Ali Abbasi reported that Sindh has 11,000 registered private schools, all of which have pledged full cooperation in addressing drug control and implementing drug testing for students.
This collaborative approach marks a crucial step towards a more effective strategy in tackling drug abuse in the region. In the meeting, it was also decided to take the Parents Teachers Association, an organization consisting of parents and teachers, into confidence for the prevention of drugs in educational institutions and among students. Sindh Senior Minister SharjeelInamMemon instructed Education Secretary Zahid Ali Abbasi to ensure the formation of screening committees in educational institutions and ensure regular check-ups of students.
In the meeting, ANF Commander Brigadier Umar briefed on the efforts of the ANF for anti-narcotics and assured all possible support from the federal anti-narcotics force in the Sindh government’s ongoing struggle against drugs. Speaking at the meeting, Sindh Senior Minister SharjeelInamMemon said that the purpose of the high-powered committee, established on the instructions of President Asif Ali Zardari, is to ensure effective anti-narcotics efforts. He said that the effects of drugs are increasing in society, and if not stopped, it will get out of hand. The new generation is particularly affected by drugs, and the situation is becoming alarming.
Therefore, everyone needs to work seriously. Senior Minister SharjeelInamMemon said that President Asif Ali Zardari had issued instructions to eradicate drugs in his first session after assuming the presidency. President Zardari is very concerned about the growing trend of drugs. The government is determined to root out this scourge, and the Sindh government wants all agencies to work together for anti-narcotics efforts. He said that drugs have increased in both urban and rural areas, which is a matter of concern. To prevent drugs in educational institutions, children will undergo drug testing.
The education department should take the school administration and parents into confidence regarding this. Drug testing of children will be strictly confidential, and if any child tests positive, only their parents will be notified, and the child will be asked who supplied the drug. Senior Minister SharjeelInamMemon said that the Sindh government aims to end drug networks, with the arrest of drug suppliers, dealers, and their backers being a top priority.
We must work together to break the drug supply line. No matter how influential or powerful those involved in the drug trade are, they will be dealt with indiscriminately according to the law.
