Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the Senate that Pakistan seized 132.62 metric tons of narcotics by November this year, positioning itself as a leading country in drug seizures.
Winding up a discussion on a motion about the alarming rise in heroin addiction across the country, particularly in Islamabad Capital Territory, the minister said Pakistan’s institutions are performing far better than other regional countries, with a conviction rate of 85%.
He highlighted that the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) was established to combat the drug menace and dismantle major rackets involved in the illegal trade.
The minister noted that Pakistan contributes 25% to global narcotics confiscation, underscoring the country’s efforts in curbing drug smuggling.
He added that under sections 52 and 53 of the Control of Narcotic Substances Act (CNSA), 1997, it is the responsibility of provincial and federal governments to establish rehabilitation centers for drug addicts.
Tarar assured the Senate that he would raise the issue of establishing additional rehabilitation centers with the Cabinet and the prime minister.
Speaking earlier on the motion, Kamran Murtaza emphasized the need for rehabilitation centers in every city to provide treatment to addicts. He also suggested engaging non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for rehabilitation efforts.
Senator Dost Muhammad Khan shared that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has successfully implemented a rehabilitation program in Peshawar Division, treating 4,000 drug addicts through a four-month training program.
Senators Umer Farooq and Bilal Ahmed urged the formulation of a proper policy to rehabilitate drug addicts and intensify crackdowns on the drug mafia.
