Islamabad- Federal Minister for Narcotics Control, Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah chaired the meeting on devising the strategy for Mass Awareness Campaign against drug abuse under Anti Narcotics policy of reducing drug demand and supply. The Federal Minister said that the entire youth is under threat due to the increased trend of drug consumption in society. Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah was of the view that each and every citizen of the country is a stakeholder and must play his role in eradicating this menace from society. He further emphasized on the fact that Narcotics Control Ministry and Anti Narcotics Force, both need cooperation from every segment of society to create awareness amongst the masses and make them realize the cons of drug consumption and the deadly consequences that might follow. "We need to focus on prevention in order to reduce demand" the Minister said.
The Federal Minister also highlighted the need of rehabilitation and realization of the fact that the ones who fall victim to drug abuse are actually patients who need help and suppliers are the culprits.
Federal Secretary for Narcotics Control, Capt (R) Akbar Hussain Durrani shared detailed information about policy of Ministry to combat drugs. He said that we need to save our youth and work actively on creating awareness to stop them from falling prey to drugs. The Federal Secretary took feedback from each participant of the meeting and it was collectively decided to take multi level approach in order to ensure maximum reach and disseminate information to every affected segment of the society. Measures to increase the reach of Zindagi App and helpline of Narcotics Control Ministry were also discussed and finalized.
The participants included Honorable Secretary Information Ministry, Ms. Shahera Shahid, DG Radio Ms. Ambreen Jan, DG Internal Publicity, Mr. Manzoor Ali Memon, DG External Publicity Mr. Abid Saeed, Secretary Federal Board, Representatives from PEMRA, PNCA, APP, PTV, Private Education Sector, Health Consultants, Mental Health Experts, Social Media Experts and other relevant officers.
All participants gave their valuable insights and input on the said topic. They also ensured full cooperation and vowed to fight the menace of drugs together.
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