Press Release

Launch ceremony of Precursor Management System (PMS) – an online portal for registering and applying NOC for importing controlled precursor chemicals, by the industry 

25 January 2023, Islamabad - The Ministry of Narcotics launched its newly automated Precursor Management System – an online portal for registering and applying ‘No Objection Certificate (NOC)’ for importing controlled precursor chemicals by the industry. This newly automated system has been technically supported by UNODC, through funding support by the Government of Japan.

The formal launch ceremony was chaired by Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti – Federal Minister for Narcotics Control. Other high-ranking participants included Federal Secretary Ministry of Narcotics Control, Chairman of Pakistan Chemical manufacturers Association (PCMA), and Representative of UNODC Country Office Pakistan (COPAK). Officials from various federal ministries and line departments, senior representatives from the industry and the civil society and international donor representatives also attended the ceremony.

While warmly welcoming the participants, Dr. Jeremy Milsom, Representative UNODC Country Office in Pakistan highlighted that the new web-based Precursor Management System has significantly enhanced capacities of these national authorities – to collect or receive, process, interpret data and approve requests related to import and legitimate industrial use of controlled precursor chemicals – in a more secure and real-time manner. “This technical capacity-building initiative will improve Pakistan’s precursor control regime and improve ‘ease-of-doing business’ for the Pakistani chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Hence, this capacity development has paved the way for attaining objectives of Government of Pakistan’s Anti Narcotics Policy 2019, and our shared aspirations under the provisions of UNODC’s Pakistan Country Programme III (2022-2025)”, said Dr. Milsom.

A comprehensive presentation on the PMS was delivered by Mr. Sabino Sikandar Jalal – Senior Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Narcotics Control. He apprised the participants design and functioning of web-based information management and application processing system, that has replaced manual processing system, focusing public companies’ registration, requests for importing controlled precursor chemicals for industrial use, issuance of ‘No Objection Certificate’, and submission of utilization details of imported controlled chemicals.

In his remarks, Mr. Zafar Mahmood – Former Chairman of the PCMA expressed satisfaction over the newly automated Pakistan’s Precursor Management System. He highlighted that one of the leading objectives of the PCMA was to anticipate, suggest, and respond to Government of Pakistan’s regulatory policy and practices. “The PCMA is committed to attracting new investments and improving Pakistan’s chemical exports. We continue endeavors to achieve competitiveness through sustainable growth and adoption of global best practices, in close coordination with the Government of Pakistan”, said Mr. Mahmood

In her remarks, Ms. Humaira Ahmed, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Narcotics Control highlighted that the newly automated Precursor Management System is a manifestation of Government of Pakistan’s broader vision, to automate the entire process of registration and issuance of ‘No-Objection Certificate (NOC)’ to the chemical and pharmaceutical industry for importing, exporting and utilizing controlled precursor chemicals. “The requests for grant of NOC can now be generated electronically and all steps (including document submission, utilization details and import licenses) have also been automated. It will also significantly improve transparency and trust among the public-private stakeholders concerned”, she said.

In his closing address, Nawabzada Shazain Bugti, Federal Minister for Narcotics Control thanked UNODC for its continued technical support, that led to design and automation of Pakistan’s Precursor Management System. He highlighted that the upgradation is the centerpiece of Government of Pakistan’s modernization drive, and it has greatly contributed towards Government’s long-term goals and objectives. “The Government of Pakistan is committed to strengthening its precursor control regime – in pursuance of our commitments to address the World Drug Problem – under the principle of common and shared responsibility. This upgradation has enabled the Ministry of Narcotics Control in drug regulation, and countering drug abuse and associated health issues affecting the young Pakistani strata, particularly in educational settings”, said Mr. Bugti.

Despite limited resources and technological and research gaps, the Government of Pakistan has been taking concrete measures both at the policy and operational levels. Pakistan’s National Anti-Narcotics Council is chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, that comprises several federal and provincial ministries and law enforcement agencies. Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Policy 2019 envisions strong drug demand reduction, supply reduction, and international cooperation. The Policy also envisions to develop an effective drug monitoring and intelligence system – for undertaking necessary supply and demand reduction activities in the affected areas and communities.

 

For further information or media enquiries please contact:

 

Ms Rizwana Rahool, Communication Officer; Email: rizwana.rahool@un.org, Cell: 03018564255

 

25 January 2023

Islamabad