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Mr. President, worthy delegates, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed a pleasure for me to address this august gathering on the World Drug Problem. We share, appreciate and support the global concern against the devastating effects of illicit drugs.
PakistanŐs geographical location has confronted us with multifaceted challenges exposing us to be the prime victim and transit country for major portion of global opiates and cannabis. We believe that Drug Dynamics in producing countries, transit countries and target countries are diverse. No two countries and no two regions have similar environment. Therefore there are no "one size fit all" solutions.
Pakistan has put in place a robust and comprehensive legal policy and administrative framework to counter the menace of illicit drugs. We take pride in saving the world from over 1.86 Billion narcotics doses in last three years. Last year, we seized over 342 tons of illicit drugs. Being the top contributors in international seizures beyond our territorial borders we contributed to almost 25 tons of illicit drugs seizures around the world. Drug Demand Reduction, treatment and rehabilitation are high on our priority.
Mr. President, with due respect to the sovereignty of member states, we are concerned over the emerging trends in some parts of the world to legalize use of illicit drugs. This would give a fillip to drug demand thus igniting the supply chain having direct fallouts on our region. Furthermore, the concepts lacking consensus, like harm reduction and the so called human rights based approach are likely to further complicate the issue. We have all been endeavouring to build a drug free society not a drug tolerant society.
I would urge that the existing UN Drug Control Conventions should be treated as a repository of core guiding principles for developing international counter drug approach. We would expect greater focus on the prime target and transit countries in terms of mustering resources for the capacity building of the frontline states in the war against narcotic drugs, commensurate to the threat they are confronted with and proportionate to their core contributions to the cause.
The international community needs to do more to counter the menace of narcotics in all its forms. I believe that is possible through better coordination and cooperation between the member countries.
In conclusion, let me say what we decide to adopt in the coming days will help to determine the future of global efforts to save our succeeding generations from the scourge of narcotic drugs.
I thank you Mr. President.