by Muhammad Amir Siddique
Pakistan’s Role in Global Anti-Narcotics Initiatives
Pakistan, represented by His Excellency Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokher, recently reaffirmed its commitment as a key partner in global anti-narcotics initiatives at the 67th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) held in Vienna, Austria. The session, which took place from 14 to 22 March 2024, marked the mid-term review of the 2019 ministerial declaration and aimed to evaluate progress on international drug policy commitments.
Addressing the Challenges
In his address, Ambassador Khokher acknowledged the international efforts to counter the world drug problem. However, he also highlighted the formidable challenges faced, including resource limitations, misaligned priorities, the trend towards harm reduction measures, the legalization of controlled substances for recreational use, and existing barriers in international cooperation. These challenges have exacerbated the world drug problem, and Ambassador Khokher emphasized the need for a unified and cohesive approach to overcome them and create a drug-free world for future generations.
Pakistan’s Contribution to Global Counter Narcotic Efforts
Ambassador Khokher proudly stated that Pakistan is among the highest contributing countries in countering illicit drugs. Pakistan’s sustained efforts have been internationally acknowledged, including by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). However, he also expressed concerns over the increasing demand for illicit drugs in other countries, which drains Pakistan’s resources and endangers the health, safety, and well-being of its people. Ambassador Khokher urged destination countries to strengthen their efforts in combating drug use within their borders.
Commitment to Human Rights and International Obligations
As a responsible country, Pakistan is committed to promoting human rights in accordance with its national and international obligations. Ambassador Khokher urged the international community to strengthen the judicial and health systems of developing countries to address the human rights dimension of the drug problem. He also expressed apprehension regarding the nexus between conflicts, occupation, and drug susceptibility, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the human rights of populations living in decades-long occupation and under continued conflict and aggression.
In line with its commitment, Pakistan made several pledges during the session. These include the establishment of a national counter narcotics control center, the establishment of a state-of-the-art 100-bedded model addiction treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration center in Lahore, and the establishment of new operational setups at emergent strategic locations.
The Role of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs
The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) is the United Nations’ principal policy-making body on drug control matters. It meets annually to formulate global drug policy and make scheduling decisions. In addition to the mid-term review, the week-long session also involved discussions on various resolutions related to rehabilitation and recovery management programs, improving access and availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, preventing and responding to drug overdoses, and alternative development.
Through its participation in the CND, Pakistan continues to demonstrate its commitment to global anti-narcotics efforts. The country’s contributions and efforts are crucial in addressing the world drug problem and working towards a drug-free future.
