ISLAMABAD, June 25: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has urged the nation to fight the menace of drug addiction with the same zeal and dedication as was done in the case of poppy eradication and narcotics control.

In his message on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the president said: “This day holds special significance for Pakistan as it is not only an opportunity to reiterate our commitment to combat the menace of narcotics but also to tell the world of our efforts in this noble endeavour.”

“We must first of all recognize the fact that the problem of drug abuse exists, this can only be done by speaking openly about it. We have to then reach out to the chronic drug abusers by all available means and break the silence and stigma associated with drug abuse,” he added.

He said the current year was particularly momentous for two reasons. Firstly, Pakistan’s sincere efforts for drug eradication have elicited worldwide acknowledgement, and secondly, the country is being quoted as a success story worthy of being emulated.

“I, therefore, feel both pleasure and pride as I note that the Pakistan government and all agencies working in the challenging domain of narcotics control have attained a remarkable level of success in taking the country closer to the spirit of the UN resolution to establish a drug-free world.”

“I feel that we need to pay greater attention to preventive measures which entail educating the general public and susceptible groups, particularly the youth, to the fatal dangers of drug addition,” the president said.

There is a large number of addicts in the country and their number must be brought down, he said. For this purpose, preventive steps need to be intensified, he added.—Our Reporter