#CND61

UNGASS Implementation in Pakistan

Pakistan's 2 nd Side Event  

Vienna, 13 March 2018 - Ministry of Narcotics Control (MNC) in collaboration with UNODC Country Office Pakistan organized a three-day workshop in late January/early February this year as a follow-up on the implementation of the recommendations of the General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on the world drug problem in Islamabad Pakistan.  

It was well attended by a wide range of participants including from different Ministries, health, home and provincial departments and law enforcement agencies. The highlight of the workshop was the participation of UNODC Pakistan's National Goodwill Ambassador Mr. Shehzad Roy, who showed keen interest in understanding the world drug problem and how he in his capacity could be of assistance.

After the successful conclusion of the workshop, the Government of Pakistan decided to showcase the best practices of UNGASS Implementation in Pakistan at the 61 st session of CND. 

The event was moderated by Lt. Col Shakeel, Joint Director ANF. 

Mr. Cesar Guedes, Representative UNODC Pakistan, said, "By taking this opportunity, I would also like to welcome our new family member, Mr. Shehzad Roy, UNODC National Goodwill Ambassador, in recognition of his outstanding work as a social worker and one of Pakistan's most famous singers." 

"His inclusion as GWA will add to UNODC visibility in mobilizing support to drug demand reduction, prevention and treatment, illicit drug trafficking, prison and police reforms, and advocating for gender-responsive services for drug dependents, with these words, I thank you all once again for being part of this important event."   

Mr. Iqbal Mehmood, Secretary Ministry of Narcotics Control, in his speech said, "I would like to highlight that the workshop, which was held in Pakistan, was among the first ones of such workshops held worldwide focusing on the comprehensive implementation of the operational recommendations contained in the UNGASS outcome document." He also said, "Pakistan has played a key role in the preparations for UNGASS, including the negotiation of the UNGASS outcome document, and is now actively contributing to the implementation of the document at the international level." 

After the opening speeches, the floor was given to the Goodwill Ambassador Mr. Shehzad Roy, who is a Pakistani singer, social worker and humanitarian, and who had already created a sensation at the CND by his presence. He started the talk in a very light mode and informed the audience about his work of Zindagi Trust and how that has made a difference for marginalized children. He said he had been following UNODC's work very closely and when he was approached by UNODC Pakistan to be their National GWA, he accepted instantly without giving it a second thought. He said while he was sitting and attending UNGASS workshop in Pakistan he got the awareness on drug related issues and thought that if he can work on one thing which can make solid difference he will work on it to the end and bring the change. He said his ultimate effort is to bring drugs related issues under health, he said that he would like to bring a paradigm shift in policy and he is positive in bringing that change.

Syed Sijjeel Haider, Joint Director International Cooperation Anti-Narcotics Force, Pakistan gave a comprehensive presentation on UNGASS Implementation in Pakistan and gave inputs on the seven thematic chapters of the UNGASS outcome document, which was adopted by the General Assembly at its special session on 19 April 2016. The Government of Pakistan also presented the action taken and a roadmap for further implementation of the UNGASS outcome document.  

It was followed by a very active question and answer session, where delegates and representatives from civil society discussed about drugs and asked about best practices in Pakistan. Major General Musarrat Nawaz Malik HI(M), Director General Anti Narcotics Force, Pakistan concluded the event by answering most queries and thanked the audience for showing their interest.