International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking "SAY NO TO DRUGS" June 26, 2020 (2020-5)

 

Drug Abuse is a global issue and Pakistan is no exception. Proliferation of drugs / psychotropic substances and continuous increase in number of drug addicts remains an emerging challenge. The matter poses a grave threat to life of the masses in general and youth in particular. The fact requires special and immediate attention towards this menace. ANF is playing significant role against war on drugs, and its endeavors in drug supply reduction, drug demand reduction and international cooperation are commendable. The menace of drug abuse cannot be countered effectively unless all segments of the society join hands for the purpose, as the eradication of drug abuse is a shared national obligation for all the section of society. The National Anti-Narcotics Policy 2019 lays specific emphasis on federal and provincial organization to play their role in establishment of Drug Free Society.

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking will be observed on June 26th across the world including Pakistan to raise awareness on drug abuse. It is an occasion with much conscious fervor for creating mass awareness among the masses regarding hazards of drug addiction and illegal trafficking. With reference to this day and with aim of creating awareness against drugs in youth and general public, ANF wants to make postal stamps that can help to reduce the drug trend in people. In addition, ANF is sponsoring many awareness campaigns and links with various federal, provincial institutions and other private organizations regarding reducing the drug trend and creating awareness among general public, whose fruit full results are being seen.

Being the premier drug law enforcement agency of Pakistan, ANF is zealously putting concerted efforts for eradication of drug abuse. On one hand it is busy in creating awareness among the general masses, on the other hand it is adopting stringent measures to control the flow of illicit drugs and precursor chemical. Over a period of time, use of narcotics has surreptitiously crept in our society. Our youth is more vulnerable to this menace.

DDR Directorate ANF presents a softer image and undertakes its obligations while joining hands with public. ANF undertakes Awareness Ventures, Harm Reduction Programs and Addict Treatment Projects, hence adopting aconviction based rejection to drugs. It remained engaged in conducting Drug Demand Reduction activities since its inception. In Addition, DDR Directorate assists in creating bondage between ANF and General Public through NGOS, CBOs, Sport Organizations, and Community Gathering etc. It gives out its message through public gathering, print media, pamphlets, posters / handouts, advertisement boards etc. It works on the code that if

there is no demand then there will be no supply of drugs, so the efforts of DDR are homed to convince the people to say "No to Drugs" by themselves. Objectives.

a.    Arrange and conduct national training programs relating to Drug Abuse Prevention/ Drug Demand Reduction.

b.    Arrange audio-visual and print material to support training and other Drug Abuse Prevention activities.

c.    Maintain lists of NGOs / CBOs for cooperation and networking.

d.    Reduce the demand of illicit drug through Preventive Education, Rehabilitation and Harm Reduction Programs.

e.    Identification, preparation & implementation of projects in relation to Drug Abuse Prevention / Drug Demand Reduction.

f.     Maintain liaison with national and international organizations connected with research on drug abuse issues.

g.    Arrange and conduct research / surveys relating to drug abuse issues/Drug Demand Reduction.

h.    Develop expertise within DDR, to provide meaningful assistance for Demand Reduction activities to ANF Regional Directorates, Provincial Government Agencies, NGOs / CBOs, & others.

Drug is a natural or chemical substance that adversely affects a person's physical and mental health if abused. Drug Abuse has become a global problem, which is causing irreparable harm to society and humanity at large. To combat the drug spread is a shared social and national responsibility not just of the individual or the state but all of us. All members/ organizations of the Society have a duty to play a vital role to protect our society against drug outbreaks. Joint social cooperation is the foremost need for a healthy "Drug Free Society"..

In the context of the above, ANF understands that, the Pakistan Postal Services postal stamps/ envelops can send a clear and loud message to create awareness against drugs in general public and in the urban areas as well as for furlong and remote rural areas.

On International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.20/-denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on June 26, 2020.