Leaders reaffirm resolve against drug abuse

On the eve of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Pakistan's top leaders, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have strongly reaffirmed the country's dedication to fighting narcotics. They emphasized that protecting the nation's youth from the pervasive threat of drug abuse remains a top national priority. President Zardari stated that Pakistan stands united with the global community in tackling this significant social challenge. He acknowledged the day's theme, "World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," noting it accurately reflects the complex and changing landscape of the global drug trade. Pakistan, he assured, is steadfast in confronting all drug-related threats, including the rise of novel substances, the expansion of trafficking routes, and the growing accessibility of drugs, particularly for young people. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these concerns, calling for a comprehensive national strategy that integrates prevention, awareness campaigns, rehabilitation efforts, and collective action. He pointed out the emergence of dangerous synthetic and illicit drugs alongside traditional narcotics. The Prime Minister warned that criminal organizations are increasingly leveraging modern communication technologies and digital platforms to facilitate their operations, connect buyers and sellers, and evade law enforcement. He also expressed alarm over the use of cryptocurrencies and other digital payment methods to finance illicit drug activities, moving beyond traditional financial systems. The influence of social media and mobile applications in portraying harmful substances as fashionable or linked to success was also a point of concern, with Sharif noting these narratives often target young individuals during crucial developmental stages. The consequences of drug abuse, he stressed, extend beyond individuals, impacting families, communities, and society as a whole.

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Pakistan stood with the international community in renewing its collective resolve to address the grave social challenge posed by drug abuse and trafficking.