ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has commended Pakistan’s pivotal role in the international fight against narcotics, designating it as a frontline state in the global war on drugs.
During a briefing in Islamabad, UNODC Country Representative Troels Vester lauded the achievements of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), noting that Pakistan’s continued success in major drug busts highlights its leadership in countering drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.
Vester pointed out that the regional narcotics landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with synthetic drug labs increasingly emerging in Afghanistan as traditional opium and heroin production declines. He said UNODC has developed a comprehensive roadmap to confront these new threats and bolster cooperation among nations.
“Pakistan’s efforts are exemplary, but this battle cannot be fought in isolation,” Vester stressed. “The world must stand with Pakistan through stronger coordination and intelligence-sharing to dismantle global drug networks.”
According to UNODC data, Pakistan confiscated over 365 metric tons of drugs and precursor chemicals in a single year—an achievement reflecting its robust enforcement and surveillance mechanisms.
This recognition, the UNODC noted, reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability and global anti-narcotics objectives, while underscoring the urgent need for sustained international support to combat the evolving drug menace.
