ISLAMABAD, Nov 2: National Assembly standing committee on narcotics control on Tuesday lauded the efforts of the Anti- Narcotics Force (ANF) in curbing the menace of drugs in the country through enforcement, community participation and international cooperation. According to a press release, secretary ministry of narcotics and the director-general of the ANF briefed the committee.

The committee was apprised of the organizational structure as well as functions of the ministry. It was stated that the ministry was solely responsible for formulation of policies in respect of narcotics control in conformity with national objectives, laws and international conventions and protocols.

The legislations covering all aspects of narcotics and psychotropic substances in consultation with other ministries/divisions also came under the purview of the ministry. The ANF chief highlighted the role of the force in curbing and restricting cultivation of poppy, production and trade of drugs.

He informed the committee that their efforts were being impeded due to paucity of funds, enforcement personnel and infrastructure; however, economic and logistical support being extended by foreign governments would certainly further improve the working of the force.

He informed the committee that the ANF had also planned a mass awareness campaign in the country with special focus on drug abuse and its prevention.

He said by offering financial assistance to farmers, land under massive poppy cultivation had been diverted to other crops which was a big achievement. Th committee asked the ANF to involve local government representatives in the drug awareness campaign. The ministry was directed to intensify the pace of development work in the poppy-growing areas and that all new schemes should be initiated in consultation with the MNA of the area concerned.