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Mr. Chairman,
Pakistan delegation is pleased to join discussion on these important agenda items.
We thank the Secretary General for his well-researched reports on the world drug problem and its associated menace of transnational organized crime.
Mr. Chairman,
The world drug problem continues to negatively affect the socio-economic development of many countries of the world. The twin phenomenon of drug-abuse and narcotics-smuggling undermines the economic well-being of people and jeopardizes social stability in more than one ways. Drug abuse seriously damages public health, destroys social fabric and promotes transmission of deadly diseases like HIV and Hepatitis. Narcotics smuggling, on the other hand, promotes crime and corruption in society which in turn leads to weakening of Rule of Law and violations of the human rights of vulnerable groups of the society. These deleterious aspects of world drug problem need careful consideration as the international community crafts the contours of the post-2015 Development Agenda.
Mr. Chairman,
Being a transit state in the world's most prolific region of poppy cultivation, Pakistan is prone to the destructive and destabilizing impact of drug-abuse and narcotic-smuggling. The Government of Pakistan takes this challenge very seriously. Pakistan's Counter-Narcotics agencies maintain a robust level of operational preparedness and close cooperation with international agencies and regional countries to effectively deal with this menace. Just to give you an overview by statistics, last year, the Anti-Narcotics Force of Pakistan seized 105,000 kilo of Hashsih, which is 80% higher from the previous year. The seizure of Heroin amounted to 4,800 kilos, which was 186% higher than the previous year. Besides, the Agency seized over 1000 kilogram of cocaine and 120,000 liter of acetic anhydride. In addition, the Agency's cooperation at the international level helped in seizure of 3000 kg of Hashish, 50 kg of Heroin and 1000 kg of Cocaine in different parts of the world.
Mr. Chairman,
I am proud to say that Pakistan retained its zero-poppy cultivation status in 2013. However, the reported 36% increase in poppy cultivation in our neighbourhood is a matter of direct concern for Pakistan. It would require greater regional cooperation and international technical assistance to deal with the fall-out from this phenomenal increase in cultivation.
Pakistan believes that the world drug problem cannot be controlled in a sustainable manner without paying adequate attention to the demand side of the international drug market. Increase in demand for drug and money-transfers from the developed world leads to increase in supply and production from the developing countries. The recent trend of legalization of narcotic drugs in some countries can further increase the demand for drugs in the international market.
Mr. Chairman,
Drugs and organized crime are international phenomenon and the fight against it cannot be won without an integrated and comprehensive international strategy. We, therefore, attach great importance to our coordination with regional countries and cooperation with UNODC and other related international organizations. Pakistan is party to all U.N. drug control conventions. We are an active partner in the Paris Pact Initiative, the Triangular Initiative and the Regional Programme for Afghanistan and the Neighbouring Countries.
Pakistan appreciates the lead role of UNODC in countering the global challenges of drug and crime. Over the years, UNODC has provided valuable technical assistance to Pakistan to strengthen its surveillance and operational capabilities. In order to play its role effectively, the UNODC should be provided with the required financial and man-power resources for its global operations.
In concluding, Mr. Chairman, let me assure you that the Government of Pakistan remains firmly committed to eradicate the scourge of drug-abuse from its society and to contribute to global efforts for combating narcotics-smuggling and transnational organized crime.
I thank you.