New initiative: Punjab launches Counter Narcotics Force to protect youth

Dubai: Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed strong resolve to eradicate drugs from the province with the help of the newly established Counter Narcotics Force (CNF).

Addressing the launch and passing-out ceremony of the CNF on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said the formation of a dedicated anti-drug force marks a major step in protecting the youth of Pakistan, 65% of whom are under the age of 30.

“When I took office, I received desperate pleas from parents to save their children from the scourge of drugs. It is heartbreaking that narcotics are reaching our streets, neighbourhoods, universities, and schools,” she said.

Swift formation

Maryam praised the swift formation of the CNF, calling it a significant achievement. “Establishing a strong, specialised anti-drug force in such a short period is highly commendable,” she added.

“With the CNF now operational, we aim to wipe out drugs from every corner of Punjab,” she said.

Force deployment

In the first phase, 866 officers have been recruited and trained at the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) Academy in Rawalpindi. CNF stations and regional directorates have been set up in all divisions of Punjab, with plans to expand operations to the district level in the next phase.

Over 12,000 applications were received for the CNF, with 850 personnel selected after a rigorous recruitment process.

Maryam met with CNF personnel at the ceremony, inspected the fleet and equipment, and officially handed over the force’s flag. CNF Director General Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal briefed the Chief Minister on the force’s structure, training, and objectives.

Tackling broader crime

The Chief Minister stressed that a single force cannot eliminate all forms of crime. “Just as every disease requires a different cure, every societal issue demands a tailored solution,” she noted. There was a dire need for a specialised force to tackle the growing drug crisis,” she noted.

Maryam also highlighted broader efforts by her government, including the creation of specialised authorities to counter inflation, hoarding, land grabbing, and encroachments. She pointed to the recent formation of a Crime Control Department (CCD) within the Punjab Police, which has reportedly led to a sharp drop in criminal activity.

“We are building expert teams to deal with every challenge swiftly and effectively. Criminals have fewer places to hide now, many are surrendering,” she said.

With the CNF fully functional in all divisions and soon across districts, the Chief Minister reiterated her commitment to a drug-free Punjab.