ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Narcotics Control Monday expressed concern over the increasing drug use in educational institutions and cross-border drug trafficking and directed the ministry to combat the increasing drug abuse in the educational institutions, particularly schools and colleges.

The committee met here with Malik Shah MNA in the chair. In collaboration with the district administration, police, and law enforcement agencies, the ministry is expected to play a pivotal role in eradicating this menace to protect the youth from the harmful impact of drugs. Moreover, the ANF informed the committee that Pakistan played a minimal role in drug formulation.

Most synthetic and other drugs, which enter Pakistan through transit from Afghanistan and Iran, are eventually smuggled to the European countries and other markets. Pakistan is thus mainly a transit route for these substances, making it imperative to strengthen anti-smuggling measures along its borders.

The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) briefed the committee on several key issues and reported that their total workforce across Pakistan was 3,200, with 516 personnel stationed in Balochistan. Despite covering 47% of Pakistan’s land area, Balochistan faces a severe shortage of staff to combat drug trafficking effectively, particularly in high-risk areas such as Dalbadin, Turbat, and Gwadar.

The ANF emphasized the need for additional resources and personnel to tackle drug trafficking in these regions. ANF also clarified its mandate, which primarily focuses on intercepting large-scale drug trafficking and bulk transfers.

However, they noted a troubling trend toward synthetic drugs, which pose an even greater threat to the society due to their harmful effects. The ANF urged the need for targeted actions to curb the spread of synthetic drugs, which are increasingly entering the market.