Nawabzada Shazain Bugti, Federal Minister for Narcotics Control of Pakistan, while outlining the country’s counter-narcotics efforts
VIENNA : 66th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Minister Shazain Bugti Reaffirms Pakistan’s Commitment to Counter the Menace of Illicit Drugs With Robust Counter Narcotics Efforts and Active International Cooperation.
Nawabzada Shazain Bugti, Federal Minister for Narcotics Control of Pakistan, while outlining the country’s counter-narcotics efforts, highlighted that Pakistan had a robust and comprehensive framework in place to counter the menace of illicit drugs through balanced attention to supply and demand reduction and to deepening regional and international cooperation.
He made these remarks during the 66th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Minister Shazain Bugti also apprised the international community of Pakistan’s counter-narcotics resolve, persistent efforts, outstanding achievements and prevalent challenges as a transit and destination country of illicit drugs during the Session’s General Debate.
He underscored that the World Drug Problem remains a serious and complex challenge that continues to impact the health and well-being of millions of individuals, undermines sustainable socioeconomic development, rule of law and leads to other transnational organised crimes and illicit financial flows.
He also stated that the implementation of the 2030 sustainable development agenda would complement efforts to counter the World Drug Problem and Pakistan was making headway in this endeavour despite the negative impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic. While appreciating the efforts of UNODC, Minister Shazain Bugti also emphasised that the assistance provided to the affected countries should be need- oriented, duly considering the peculiar environment of respective regions and countries.
During the week-long session, the Minster will hold a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines including one with the Executive Director of the UNODC. He will also address two side events during his visit the first of which is titled, “Counter Narcotic Challenges as a Frontline State: Pakistan’s Experience”, will be co-organised by Pakistan and the UNODC while the second one will be organised by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the UNODC.
Pakistan’s delegation to the session, headed by the Minister for Narcotics Control, also includes Ms. Humaira Ahmed, Secretary Ministry of Narcotic Control, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokher and Major General Muhammad Aneeq Ur Rehman Malik, Director General Anti-Narcotic Force of Pakistan.
The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), is the principle policy making body on drug control matters of the United Nations and meets annually to formulate global drug policy and take scheduling decisions. Its 66th Session is taking place from 13 to 17 March 2023 in Vienna.