PR No. 209
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Advocates for Human Rights-Centered Drug Policy at Reimagining Justice Conference
Islamabad: April 23, 2024

The inaugural session of the Reimagining Justice Conference: Public Health and Human Rights Centered Drug Policy, organized by Justice Project Pakistan, commenced today with a keynote address by the Federal Minister for Law and Justice. The conference, aimed at addressing the pressing issues surrounding drug policy, featured the presentation of the OHCHR's report on human rights challenges in combating the global drug problem. In his address, the Law Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders for building a better world. He acknowledged the diverse perspectives on punishments in narcotics cases and highlighted the government's efforts to abolish the death penalty in consultation with relevant departments and stakeholders. The Minister underscored the state's responsibility to ensure that no individual faces unjust penalties. Furthermore, the Minister announced the inclusion of rehabilitation aspects in the Anti-Narcotics Act, reflecting the government's commitment to holistic approaches in addressing drug-related issues. He pledged to introduce reforms and amendments regarding probation in the Anti-Narcotics Act during the upcoming National Assembly session, signaling proactive steps toward comprehensive policy enhancement. Assuring cooperation and coordination among governmental departments and international organizations, the Minister affirmed Pakistan's commitment to working in harmony with entities such as the UN and EU to tackle drug-related challenges effectively. The Reimagining Justice Conference serves as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders, with a shared goal of advancing human rights-centered drug policies in Pakistan and beyond.

PREVIOUS NEXT