CM assures ANF of support to eliminate drugs

Govt to launch awareness campaign, set up rehab centres to augment efforts

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister (CM) Jam Kamal on Wednesday pledged complete support to the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Balochistan to eliminate the menace of drugs from the province. Kamal, in a meeting with the ANF Balochistan Director Brigadier Aqib Nazir, said that the government would also launch awareness campaigns about the dangers of drug addiction to augment the efforts of the force.

Brigadier Nazir briefed the chief minister regarding activities and performance of the ANF regarding prevention of the smuggling of drugs from the porous borders Balochistan shares with Afghanistan and Iran.

CM Kamal and Brigadier Aqib agreed to enhance efforts for the establishment of rehabilitation centres across the province where drug addicts are provided treatment with appropriate care and respect.

“The government of Balochistan is ready to provide complete support to ANF in ridding Balochistan of the scourge of drugs,” the CM said, and added that his government is also considering introducing a subject in the provincial syllabus regarding negative effects of drug addiction.

He also directed authorities to establish ANF Police Station and announced handing over of land at Quetta Airport for ANF Drug Rehabilitation Centre.

During his presentation, Brigadier Aqib said that 40 per cent of the drugs produced in Afghanistan are transported through Pakistan and Iran. The ANF was established in 1995 to prevent these elements from using Pakistan as a conduit.

Lasbela visit

Balochistan Chief Minister Jamal Kamal will visit his native town Lasbela on Thursday (today) where he will inaugurate a national level football tournament as part of a sports festival.

According to the district administration, the chief minister will also inaugurate several development projects in his ancestral town during the three-day visit.

The chief minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers and administrators of various provincial departments.

Govt extends FC’s stay in Quetta

Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal has extended the paramilitary Balochistan Frontier Corps (FC) stay at the provincial capital ‘to maintain law and order together with police department’.

Kamal on Wednesday approved a summary written by Balochistan Home department seeking extension in the FC’s presence in Quetta city to keep a tight grip on law and order till June 30, 2019.

During previous governments, the paramilitary force was given policing powers because of worsening law and order situation in the province. Later, policing powers were taken back from the FC but was allowed to stay in the city to help police in controlling criminal activities.