Regional Counter Narcotics Seminar and Workshop

January 27 2015 Islamabad - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office Pakistan in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan organized a seminar to synergize efforts of regional countries in combating the emerging challenges posed by narcotics trafficking. 

This event provided a common platform for the first time to the relevant countries along the Southern drug trafficking routes to effectively exchange information and to further develop an information sharing mechanism. 

In the inaugural address, Mr. Cesar Guedes UNODC's Country Representative in Pakistan praised the counter narcotics successes achieved by the Anti Narcotics Force during the previous years and reaffirmed UNODC's continued support to the Government of Pakistan. "I sincerely hope that today's event would pave the way for linking various existing regional cooperation networks, which in turn would be vital for improving operational cooperation amongst the participating countries across the globe" added Mr. Guedes.  

The event was attended by the senior members of the civil society including journalists, health workers, academics and members from the diplomatic community. The Federal Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control, Mr. Baleegh ur Rehman was the Chief Guest on this occasion who strongly endorsed this initiative and assured the participants of his government's resolve in making Pakistan a drug free society. 

Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar, Minister of State for Health highlighted on the importance of prevention and rehabilitation in dealing with drug users as these elements were essential for the smooth implementation of Government of Pakistan's strategy. 

During the key note remarks Maj General. Khawar Hanif, Director General Anti Narcotics Force thanked the UNODC Country Office Pakistan for enabling the law enforcement agencies especially the Anti Narcotics Force in overcoming these acute challenges and also for facilitating regional dialogues amongst the affected countries. 

UNODC organized this event to promote regional and international cooperation between the authorities from over twenty four countries including Gulf States, West Asian, East African and South East Asian countries as part of UNODC's global efforts in addressing the challenges of drug trafficking emanating from the region. 

This international event was made possible with the support of the government of the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States of America.