Call for action against youth drug abuse

Senate panel highlights alarming rise of synthetic drugs in educational institutions

RAWALPINDI:

The Senate Standing Committee on Narcotics Control has decided to consult all provinces on the "Narcotics Substances Act (Amendment) Bill 2024". The senate panel will also send recommendations for the recruitment of manpower in ANF and an increase in staff salaries to the Ministry of Narcotics Control.

The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee was held on Friday under the chairmanship of Senator Hidayatullah Khan. Senators Mohsin Aziz, Nasima Ehsan, Ponjo Bhel, Abdul Shakoor Khan, Dost Muhammad Khan, Falak Naz, Secretary Ministry of Narcotics Control, Director General ANF, Director ANF, Joint Secretary Ministry of Narcotics Control and senior officials of relevant institutions attended the meeting.

The Secretary Ministry of Narcotics Control apprised the committee of details about the drug trafficking criminals caught red-handed by law enforcement agencies during the last five years. He also presented details of the sentences given by Sessions Courts and High Courts in Balochistan and across the country.

Ministry officials said that a comparative analysis of the conviction rate in Balochistan and other provinces was conducted in which a complete review of the types of drugs used was conducted.

During the metal, Director ANF appealed to strengthen the manpower to achieve effective results. The meeting also discussed the "Narcotics Substances (Amendment) Bill 2024" presented by Senator Mohsin Aziz, who during his presentation said that the bill is aimed at the protection of the youth, especially students. The bill in particular takes into account the current situation in educational institutions and the widespread availability of synthetic drugs, which are not only harmful to health but can also cause sudden death. The situation is alarming, and the presence of such drugs is frequently reported in institutions across the country.

Aziz urged ANF that more work needs to be done to control drug use among the youth. He mentioned that the bill is a re-introduction of the Act with amendments in it. One amendment pertains to prescribed punishment for youngsters caught using drugs, as per which if a child is caught once, he will get a warning, and his parents will be informed. If it happens for the second time, a counsellor will be informed of treatment.