President, PM underline efforts to create awareness about drug abuse and illicit trafficking

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have stressed the need for eliminating the scourge of drug abuse required creation of awareness, strengthening of anti-narcotics laws, investing in prevention and treatment and engaging communities.

In his message on the ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ on Wednesday, President Asif Zardari said: “We also need to educate our youth about the harmful impacts of drug abuse to save them from this menace. Additionally, we should divert the energies of our youth into healthy and productive activities. The future of our young generation lies in our hands.”

He said that today they commemorated the international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking under the theme “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention.”

The day highlighted the urgency of taking concrete steps to eliminate the scourge of drugs from the society by intensifying efforts to prevent drug abuse and trafficking in Pakistan, he added.

President Zardari further said that addressing the root causes of drug abuse required an integrated approach involving all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies (LEAs), media, civil society, parents and teachers.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling the menace of drug abuse a global concern unconfined by territorial boundaries plaguing the society with associated crime and violence, said that the Government of Pakistan placed utmost priority on addressing the issue of drug abuse and taking effective measures to combat illicit trafficking.

He said that the country commemorated the Day to reiterate its firm determination to strengthen action and cooperation to collectively achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

The prime minister said that through collaborative efforts, Pakistan reaffirmed its strong determination to curb and eradicate the distribution of narcotics and banned substances, which posed a grave threat to the well-being of the society.

Emphasising a renewed strong determination and pledge to combat the illicit drug trade collectively, Prime Minister Shehbaz urged the NGOs, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and the media to actively support the government’s efforts in tackling drug abuse, illicit trafficking, and the stigmatization of drug users. “Let us build a brighter and healthier future for our coming generations,” he added.