Crackdown on ice drug mafia to show results within a month: KP minister

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Syed Fakhar Jehan on Wednesday directed the police and Excise Department to produce visible results against the ice (crystal meth) drug mafia in Charsadda within one month, saying the government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics.
The minister issued the directive while addressing an open public forum (Khuli Kachehri) on excise and anti-narcotics issues in Charsadda.
The event was attended by Minister for Minerals Arif Ahmadzai, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Social Welfare Malik Liaqat Ali Khan, Special Assistant on Prisons Iftikharullah Jan, senior officials of the Excise Department, district administration, police, civil society representatives and local elders.
During the forum, Mr Jehan listened to public complaints and suggestions and issued on-the-spot directions for resolving several grievances. He also instructed officials to improve public service delivery and ensure transparency.
He said the provincial government was committed to resolving public issues promptly, strengthening good governance and providing quality public services at citizens’ doorsteps.
Referring to the narcotics issue, the minister said the spread of drugs, particularly crystal meth, posed a serious threat to the younger generation and society.
He announced that the police and Excise Department would launch a joint operation against drug traffickers in Charsadda and warned that any official found involved in the narcotics trade would face strict legal action, including dismissal from service.
Mr Jehan said the government was also implementing a comprehensive strategy for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts to help them reintegrate into society.
He urged parents to monitor their children’s activities and social circles to protect them from falling victim to drug traffickers.
Responding to concerns raised by tobacco growers, the minister said tobacco companies were bound to purchase farmers’ produce under existing agreements and added that the Excise Department would take up the matter with the Pakistan Tobacco Board to safeguard farmers’ interests.
He also announced that a check-post would be established at Marchaki Bridge to strengthen security and curb drug trafficking in the area.
Mr Jehan said youth employment was a key component of the government’s anti-narcotics strategy, adding that the Ehsaas Naujawan Scheme was helping reduce unemployment and address one of the root causes of drug abuse.