LAHORE: The official launching ceremony of Punjab Counter Narcotics Force was held here today, where the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) administered oath to Punjab’s new recruits.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif handed over the force’s flag to the new officers. She also inspected the parade of the newly launched force. In her address to the ceremony, CM Maryam Nawaz said that the establishment of a strong Anti-Narcotics Force in a short period is commendable. She announced zero tolerance policy against drug dealers in the province, adding that “elimination of drugs is essential for the safe future of generations.”
Maryam Nawaz said, “Drugs will be eradicated from Punjab soon,” adding that drugs must be eradicated from the educational institutions. “All possible steps will be taken to make Punjab drug-free. Anti-Narcotics Force Punjab is being activated in all divisions,” she said.
The CM also announced that the anti-encroachment force will also start its work in Punjab soon, since that has also been established under the Crimes Control Department of the police force. Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman also attended the ceremony.
Counter Narcotics Force officers and men took oath in the presence of CM Maryam Nawaz. She also distributed prizes among officers for their best performance in counter narcotics training.
CM Maryam Nawaz was given a detailed briefing about the force by DG CNF Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal. He informed that personnel were recruited on 866 posts for the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force in the first phase. The force has been made operational on all division levels.
In the second phase, the scope of CNF will be extended to the district level, he said, adding that the Counter Narcotics Force has been provided with modern weapons and operational vehicles. A four-storey building has been provided for the office of DGNC of Counter Narcotics Force as well.
CNF DG said that Rs 2.33 billion were allocated for the establishment of the force, which will work to eradicate drugs in Punjab’s educational institutions as well as jails in the province.
