President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday emphasised the need for more concerted and coordinated efforts by all the relevant agencies to curb the drug trafficking which was critical for durable peace, stability and socio-economic development of the region.
The president was speaking to Country Head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Pakistan Cesar Guedes, who called on him at the Presidency.
The president said that international community has important role to play in combating illegal drug production and trafficking. He urged the need for an integrated approach, including promoting alternative livelihood, agriculture development, curbing and reducing drugs consumption to check the menace.
About Pakistan’s commitment on UN Charter, the President said since its inception, Pakistan had always remained steadfast in its commitment on the `Charter of the United Nations’ and all the governments had endorsed and maintained UN principles of peace, human rights, justice and better social standards for all.
He also reiterated that the present government was also committed to work with the regional and international community to fight drugs and crimes and honour all its international obligations, according to the vision of United Nations.
He cited the huge contribution of Pakistan law enforcement agencies in UN peace keeping missions, which was one of such examples of Pakistan’s contributions to the UN charter.
Praising the efforts of UNODC, the President said that the joint efforts of UNODC and government agencies, particularly e-Learning initiative to fight drugs and crimes, had positive impacts on the performance of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies.
Cesar Guedes briefed the president about the role of UNODC to curb drugs and crimes, UNODC’s country programme for Pakistan ((2010-2015)) and range of capacity building initiatives especially e-learning programme for the law enforcement personnel of Pakistan.
The UNDOC country head appreciated the support of government of Pakistan and also thanked the President for meeting. He assured that the UNODC would continue to work with Pakistani law enforcement and regulatory agencies to reduce drug trafficking and improve the borders management for increased security.