Punjab Launches First Provincial Counter Narcotics Force, Aiming for Drug-Free Future
Punjab has taken a pioneering step in the fight against narcotics with the official launch of its first Counter Narcotics Force. The new provincial force, inaugurated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, marks a significant move to combat drug abuse and trafficking across the region, signaling the government’s firm commitment to ensuring a healthier and safer Punjab.
During the launch event, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that the force forms a cornerstone of her administration’s vision for a drug-free Punjab. She pledged comprehensive institutional and political backing for the initiative, asserting that the province is determined to eradicate the influence of drugs, particularly among its youth. “Now Punjab will be free from drugs,” she declared, underlining the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related activities.
The Punjab Counter Narcotics Force has been equipped with specialized training and advanced surveillance technology to identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks, with a special focus on curtailing operations within educational institutions and densely populated urban centers. Alongside enforcement measures, the initiative features public awareness campaigns, youth outreach programs, and strategies for the rehabilitation of drug addicts, reflecting a comprehensive approach to tackling the crisis.
Coordination with federal law enforcement agencies and collaboration with community stakeholders will be central to the force’s operations. The government aims to implement a holistic framework for narcotics control that harnesses support from civil society, health experts, and local organizations. The launch has been broadly welcomed by public health professionals and advocacy groups, who regard it as a crucial turning point for a province that has long struggled with the adverse effects of drug abuse.
By establishing a dedicated counter narcotics unit at the provincial level, Punjab has set a precedent for the rest of Pakistan. The formation of this force is expected not only to strengthen local efforts against drug trafficking but also to inspire similar initiatives in other regions facing the challenge of narcotics proliferation.
