The Sindh government has announced launching a comprehensive crackdown on drug abuse and trafficking, prioritising the protection of youth and public safety. Officials said Pakistan President Asif Zardari had stressed urgent and coordinated action against narcotics as a key priority at the outset of his tenure.
A provincial government spokesman said Sindh is proactively working to curb the menace of drugs, particularly among the younger population. He highlighted the Sindh Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 2024, which introduces stringent penalties, including 7-14 years’ imprisonment for drug use, seven years for cultivation, and property seizure for drug sales.
He said that under this law a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) would be established, and the provincial cabinet has already approved the forming of three special courts to ensure swift processing and resolution of drug-related cases.
Elaborating on the government’s ongoing initiatives, he shared that the provincial administration is collaborating with both the ANF and the United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime to combat the use of narcotics. He said the government aims to increase the number of rehabilitation centres to support individuals struggling with addiction.
Moreover, he added, the provincial government would soon establish a fusion centre for intelligence-sharing and enhanced coordination among federal and provincial agencies to combat the illicit drug trade. He pointed out that this initiative follows the successful model of the anti-terrorism fusion centre set up last year.
He also highlighted the intensified operations by the Sindh police to control drug-related activities across the province. He said that in a recent joint operation by the Karachi police and the Sindh Rangers in Sharafi Goth, Malir, over 100 homes were raided.
Meanwhile, he added, the home department is working to secure the border areas to prevent drug trafficking. He also said that to encourage public participation, the government has launched a dedicated helpline (021-111-374-634) for people to report drug-related activities.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the spokesman said: “The Sindh government remains fully dedicated to achieving a drug-free province through prevention, rehabilitation, enforcement and legal reforms.”
Published in News Daily on 03-July-2025.