Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to eliminating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, calling it a global threat that demands collective resolve and coordinated international action.
In his message on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Sharif said the annual observance on Thursday serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to protect humanity, particularly younger generations, from the far-reaching harms of illegal drugs.
This year’s theme, ‘Breaking the Chain: Prevention and Recovery for All’, underscores the need to disrupt every link in the drug supply network, Sharif said, adding that the issue cannot be addressed in isolation but requires joint efforts from individuals, communities, societies, and states.
“The government of Pakistan is fully cognizant of this challenge and is taking stringent measures through the Anti-Narcotics Force,” he noted, stressing that a drug-free future depends on an integrated approach involving prevention, awareness, law enforcement, and rehabilitation.
Sharif pointed out that illegal drugs not only pose a major threat to public health but also cause lasting damage to the dignity and reputation of those affected and their families.
“Easy access to narcotics has become a source of immense human suffering,” he said.
The PM particularly emphasised the need to educate youth about the dangers of drug abuse and the criminal networks behind it, so that prevention plays a stronger role in combating this health and social hazard.
He also called for better coordination among government institutions, civil society, and families to provide effective recovery and rehabilitation services for victims of addiction.
Honouring the nation’s law enforcement personnel, Sharif acknowledged their sacrifices in pursuing narcotics traffickers and commended their efforts to achieve the national goal of a drug-free society.
“Let us reiterate our collective resolve that this organised crime remains absolutely unacceptable under our international commitments, national legal framework, and societal norms,” he concluded.
