Staff Reporter
Peshawar
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan has ordered crackdown against extortionists and drug peddlers adding that the draft bill for control of synthetic drugs including Ice will be passed soon from the Provincial Assembly which will be the first ever legislation for control of Ice drug in the province. While chairing a high level meeting regarding the law and order situation in the province, the Chief Minister was briefed regarding the actions taken against extortionists, drug traffickers and peddlers. He was also briefed on the steps taken to prevent hoardings of goods and control of fake price hikes.
The Chief Minister stated that the incumbent government is taking practical steps to eradicate the menace of drug abuse in the province which is not only damaging the social fabric of the society but is also detrimental for the future generations. He furthered that rehabilitation centers have been established in various districts of the province whereas currently, efforts are underway to establish detoxification centers in the rehabilitation centers.
He added that the acquiring and distribution of chemicals used in synthesis of Ice should be sternly regulated in order to curb the menace at source. The Chief Minister was informed that a total of 1902 cases have been registered against drug traffickers including arrests of 2060 persons in the year 2019 whereas 3500 kg Chars, 217 kg Heroin, 10 Kg Ice and 167 kg of opium have been taken into custody.
The Chief Minister further directed the police department to undertake every effort for maintenance and sustainability of peace in the province stating that numerous sacrifices have been rendered by public, police, armed forces and security agencies for eliminating insurgency and restoring peace. He further directed the police department to undertake strict security measures for ensuring fool proof security during Muharram.
“Peace has been restored at a hefty cost and now it’s our duty to ensure sustainability of peace and security which is vital for progress and development.” Mahmood Khan. The Chief Minister was informed that a total of 81 cases have been registered against terrorists from 1st May of the ongoing year till date out of which 64 have been arrested whereas 10 were killed during operations.
Furthermore, 21 joint operations have been conducted against terrorists whereas 44 have been arrested from 11th August till date. The Chief Minister was also briefed in detail regarding the street crimes situation, Kidnapping cases, Hoarding and Price Checking and updates on important cases. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Muhammad Saleem Khan, Inspector General Police Naeem Khan, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Shahab Ali Shah, Secretary Home, and Commissioners from all divisional headquarters, RPO Police, CCPO Police and other high ranking officers.
