ANF proposes countrywide survey to collect drug users' data

ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) on Saturday suggested to carry out a countrywide survey to collect data about drug users in order to fight the menace of narcotics more resolutely, ARY News reported.

According to a report submitted in the apex court, ANF sought help from all stakeholders to gather data of people hooked onto narcotics.

The ANF further proposed that new centers should also be set up in every province to rehabilitate drug users and increase the manpower at the already established centers.

“In order to rid students off the evil of drugs, a concerted strategy is needed to deal with the issue in a specific manner,” the report read.

On Jan 4, the Punjab government informed the top court that it formed a working group to thoroughly examine all issues linked with drug use in educational institutions.

According to a report submitted to the Supreme Court, a high-level committee, headed by Chief Secretary Yousaf Naseem Khokhar, will meet on Jan 7 to thoroughly examine the recommendations and finalise a plan of action.

The SC took a suo-motu notice on the use of narcotics among children in educational institutions of Lahore. Earlier, the police informed the court that 466 drug sellers had been arrested from the vicinity of schools.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar said the purpose of the hearing was to save future generations.