Federal Minister for Narcotics Control, Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah met with Country Manager, Osman Ahmad and Liaison Officer Mr. Chris Hall from British National Crime Agency at the Ministry of Narcotics Control on 26th January 2021. Strategic approach to combat the menace of drugs was brought under discussion during the meeting. The Federal Minister for Narcotics Control, Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah while elaborating over the problems associated with widespread of narcotics said that "it doesn't only have negative impact on individuals and their mental health but also plays a role in increased crime rate". Reinforcing over the importance of eradication of drugs he added that "reduction in drug usage will also help in reducing organized crime and help in formation of a peaceful society". The Federal Minister emphasized that eliminating drugs from society can save generations from being destroyed.
The representatives of British National Crime Agency agreed with the Minsiter's point of view and said that close coordination was needed in order to completely eliminate this menace from the world. To which the Minister said that "no country in the world can get rid of this problem in isolation, its a global issue and needs to be solved by combined efforts".
The country manager of British National Crime Agency said that Anti Narcotics Force and Special Investigation Cell of Crime agency have been working in close coordination and have successfully worked in multiple projects to combat the problem. Federal Minister Ijaz Ahmad Shah appreciated the 2 decades long association and working of British National Crime Agency with Pakistan. Both sides mutually agreed upon the point that Information sharing and assistance play a significant role in formulating overall strategy to achieve the goal of drug free society.
The Minister said that the exchange of Information and coordination is very important to control the illegal trafficking of drugs. He also said that formulating a strategy to reduce demand of drugs across the globe will play a key role in overcoming the problem of narcotics supply. The British Agency representatives promised all possible cooperation in this regard.
The meeting ended with a promise that all relevant organizations will work on improving the coordination and work in close proximity to collectively fight the menace of drugs and completely eliminate it from society.
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