ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior and Counter-Narcotics Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday visited the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Headquarters where he was received by ANF Director General Major General Abdul Mueed. During his visit, Minister Naqvi announced plans to hold a regional conference aimed at strengthening cooperation with Gulf countries in the fight against drug trafficking. The conference will invite chiefs of counter-narcotics forces from the Gulf countries and will focus on developing a unified strategy to tackle the narcotics trade. “This conference is essential to create a joint action plan against drug trafficking,” Naqvi said. He also highlighted the results of his recent visit to the Saudi Arabian anti-narcotics headquarters, where discussions were held on strengthening bilateral cooperation. Appreciating the efforts of the ANF, the Minister commended the agency’s remarkable performance in 2023 which included 2,150 operations resulting in the seizure of drugs worth approximately $10 billion. “Despite limited resources and manpower, ANF’s determination to fight drug mafias is truly commendable,” he noted. Minister Naqvi stressed the importance of continuing the crackdown on drug networks with full force to protect the younger generation from falling prey to narcotics. He also ordered the continuation of awareness campaigns against drug use in educational institutions and emphasized that no leniency would be shown to individuals involved in drug trafficking. The Minister called for immediate, multifaceted measures to address the growing trend of drug abuse and reaffirmed his commitment to eradicate the menace. Federal Interior Minister Muhammad Khurram Agha and senior ANF officials were also present during the briefing on ANF operations and performance.
