Staff Reporter
Federal Minister for Interior Brigadier (Retd) Ijaz Ahmed Shah visited Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) Headquarters Rawalpindi on Wednesday.
Upon his arrival at ANF HQs, the Interior Minister was welcomed by Director General ANF, Major General Muhammad Arif Malik, HI (M) and senior staff officers of ANF.
On the occasion, DG ANF briefed the Federal Minister on counter narcotics achievements of ANF, current drug situation and major challenges being faced with regard to trafficking of narcotics, precursor chemicals and psychotropic substances. The Minister was apprised that ANF is also undertaking drug demand reduction campaign through public awareness drives and community participation activities throughout Pakistan.
Major General Muhammad Arif Malik highlighted that Pakistan is sharing over 2600 km border with Afghanistan and has become the major victim and transit country for Afghan drug traffickers. However, Pakistan has enforced a very effective Drug Supply and Demand Reduction Mechanism despite massive challenges and limited resources.
The Interior Minister was also informed about the organizational requirements of ANF with respect to enhancement of manpower, development of infrastructure, acquisition of latest technology and establishment of more drug treatment centers in the country. Brigadier (Retd) Ijaz Ahmed Shah ANF’s achievements, its role in combating trafficking of illicit drugs at National, regional and global level. He assured all possible support to the ANF from the government of Pakistan. It should be mentioned here that, Ijaz Ahmed Shah had been Force Commander of Regional Directorate ANF Punjab in the past.
