Senate Standing Committee on Narcotics control Reviews Compliance report and discusses ‘The Control of Narcotic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2024
ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (EPI): The Senate Standing Committee on Narcotics Control, chaired by Senator Hidayatullah Khan, met today at the Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges. The Committee held a comprehensive discussion on the compliance report regarding the recommendations made during the previous meeting.
The Ministry presented detailed data on drug trafficking convicts caught red-handed by law enforcement agencies over the past five years, including the status of punishments awarded by Sessions Courts and High Courts in Balochistan and across the country.
The Ministry officials explained that they had conducted a comparative analysis of the conviction rates in Balochistan and other provinces, with a thorough study of the types of drugs being used.
They also stated that efforts are underway to ensure all cases are referred to the High Court. During the briefing, the Director of the ANF also appealed to the Committee to strengthen their forces to achieve more effective results.
The Committee also discussed the bill titled “The Control of Narcotic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2024,” introduced by Senator Mohsin Aziz. “This bill concerns our youth, particularly our students,” stated Senator Mohsin Aziz.
He further explained that, given the current financial situation and the widespread availability of synthetic drugs, which are not only harmful to health but also have the potential to cause sudden death, the situation has become alarming. These drugs have become a trend in institutions across the country.
While the efforts of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) are commendable, we must also work to control the global reputation of drug abuse. The future of our country lies in the hands of our youth.
He stated, “This is a reintroduction of a bill that has already been approved by this Committee and the Senate. I have made it less severe: if a child is caught once, they will receive a warning, and their parents will be informed.
If it happens a second time, a counselor will be notified for treatment. On the third offense, a fine of PKR 50,000 will be imposed.” He appealed that, for the sake of our future, the bill must be passed.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Hidayatullah Khan, explained that the proper procedure for passing this bill is to seek advice from the Ministry of Law and consult all provinces. He suggested allowing more time to properly address the matter with the relevant departments.
He also questioned why the bill should be limited to schools and colleges in Islamabad only. He recommended a time period of 20 days to ensure coordination with the Ministry of Law.
Additionally, he emphasized that any law we create should apply to all of Pakistan and recommended that, in the next session, the Ministry of Law come prepared, along with representatives from the concerned authorities in all provinces.
Furthermore, the Committee members discussed the role and functions of the Ministry in the eradication of narcotics in the country. During the briefing, the Director of the ANF reported that, to date, 505 positions have been created and urged the Committee to approve an increase in pay. The Chairman of the Committee assured that the recommendation would be sent to the Ministry.
In his closing remarks, Senator Hidayatullah Khan inquired about the screening process for exports and imports at airports.
The Director General stated that, aside from dry ports, more than 1,000 containers are transported daily. Of these, only one or two are opened based on profiling.
In attendance were Senators Mohsin Aziz, Naseema Ehsan, Poonjo Bheel, Abdul Shakoor Khan, Dost Muhammad Khan, Falak Naz, Secretary of Ministry of Narcotics Control, Director General ANF, Director ANF, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Narcotics Control and senior officials from concerned departments.
Ends-Exact Press International-