Canadian and Swiss Envoys meet Ijaz Ahmad Shah

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Brig (retd) Ijaz Ahmad Shah met with the Canadian High Commissioner H.E Ms. Wendy Gilmon and the Swiss Deputy High Commissioner Albonto Groff and discussed the National Narcotics Control Policy in detail.

Both sides mutually agreed to improve bilateral ties to fight the menace of drugs. This government is the first one to introduce an anti-narcotics policy on the national level.

During the meeting, the federal minister said that Prime Minister Imran Khan himself is overlooking the progress of the said policy and the Anti-Narcotics Council.

Ijaz Shah said that we are trying our best to make the maximum use of available resources to achieve our targets.

The Canadian High Commissioner H.E Ms. Wendy Gilmour said that we are thankful to the Ministry of Narcotics Control for taking our suggestions under consideration.

Ijaz Ahmad Shah said that the Anti-Narcotics Force is now focusing on Intelligence-based operations to ensure effective action against drug suppliers and dealers.

The Canadian delegation endorsed the idea and said that Intelligence-based approach is more fruitful.

“We are trying to improve inter-agency coordination to improve efficiency,” Ijaz Shah said.

The Swiss Deputy. Head Mr. Albonto Groff said that we hope Pakistan can work more on rehabilitation matters and help drug victims.

While talking about drug trafficking, the minister said that border control is one of the top priorities.

The minister further said that Afghanistan’s social and economic stability is integral to overall regional stability and peace.

“We want that they should be self-sufficient, despite the limited resources, we have given them humanitarian aid to Afghanistan,” he said. “Prime Minister Imran Khan is taking all necessary measures to ensure regional stability.”

The delegation said that drug abuse is a global problem and it should be collectively fought.

Ijaz Ahmad ensured all possible cooperation in this regard and the meeting ended with this promise that bilateral ties will be further strengthened in the days to come.