ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has expressed concern over growing poppy cultivation in Afghanistan.

During a meeting with the head of Russia’s federal service for control of narcotics Victor P. Ivanov on Thursday, the minister observed that the menace of drugs was a big hurdle in the way of peace and prosperity in the region.

He said while there was a need to implement anti-narcotics laws and check flow of drugs effectively, alternative sources of income should be created in areas where opium was cultivated.

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Chaudhry Nisar called for meaningful intelligence sharing between the countries in the region to nab drug dealers and dismantle their networks.

He said Pakistan was among the countries where drug control authorities were efficiently functioning. He proposed formation of a Pak-Russia joint working group to put cooperation between the two countries on fast track and suggest ways to take them to a new trajectory. The proposed working group should meet biannually and identify areas such as intelligence sharing where bilateral cooperation could be further promoted, he added.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation and invigorate the Central Asian Anti-Drug Quintet comprising Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan and Russia. They also agreed to strengthen mutual cooperation in the area of analysis and forensic capabilities.

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Mr Ivanov said that Russia greatly valued efforts being made by Pakistan towards curbing drug trade. He praised the efforts made by Pakistan for peace in the region.

He said Russia wanted to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in all areas.

The minister observed that there was need for greater and collective efforts against narcotics trade by utilising the platform of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2015