The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is being observed in Pakistan, on Sunday, like elsewhere in the world.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, has called for strengthening action against drug abuse as illicit trafficking and drug abuse pose grave threats to the safety, health, and welfare of communities.

Taking to twitter, he said we reaffirm our commitment to proactively limit drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The Prime Minister said preventing drug use before it begins is the most cost-effective, common-sense approach towards promotion of safe and healthy communities.

Shehbaz Sharif said the menace increases the burden on the health services, not only in providing treatment to drug dependents but also curing the associated diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

He said Pakistan is committed to the fulfil its global commitments as the socioeconomic impact of drug use on families, society and country is enormous.

He said Pakistan has shown unwavering commitment in addressing the challenges stemming from illicit drugs, and is working closely with the international organizations for this purpose.

The Prime Minister said international cooperation and collaboration are vital to limit the proliferation of use of life-threatening illicit drugs.

The Prime Minister also urged the media and the civil society organizations to play their role in raising awareness to make Pakistan a drug-free country.

President Dr Arif Alvi, in his message on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, has stressed the need to sensitize students and parents about drug abuse through workshops and seminars with help of media, civil society and educational institutions.

He said the Higher Education Commission has already been directed to implement a strict policy to counter drug abuse in higher educational institutions.

The President commended the Ministry of Narcotics Control for the measures it has taken to combat the trafficking of illicit drugs and mitigating the detrimental impacts of drug abuse.

He said we are committed to make Pakistan a model country in the region and beyond, in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The Foreign Office, in a statement on Sunday, said that Pakistan itself is a poppy free country, but its population became a victim of regional opiate production and trade. Drug abuse not only undermines public health and socio-economic development, it also challenges national security and prosperity.

The statement said illicit drug production and its trafficking is a major problem in our neighbourhood and Pakistan has been at the forefront of the efforts to actively support the ongoing global and regional initiatives that aim to fight against drug production and trafficking. It said the observance of this day manifests Pakistan’s steadfast resolve in creating a drug free society and world.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan closely engages in the Paris Pact Initiative and UNODC’s Regional Program for Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Under the Triangular Initiative, Pakistan is cooperating with Iran and Afghanistan to fight this menace. In addition to international and regional cooperation, a number of counter-narcotics measures have been taken at the national level including the adoption of a National Anti-Narcotics Policy in 2019 and the creation of Inter- Agency Task Force on Counter-Narcotics.

The statement said that protecting the youth and the future generations from this menace is inevitable for a safe and prosperous world. It said on this Day, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening action and cooperation to achieve a world that is free of drug abuse.