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Thank you, Madam Chair,
We thank the Secretary General and the Executive Director of UNODC for their comprehensive reports on various aspects of the world drug problem, and crime prevention and criminal justice, and take note of the recommendations therein.
We also wish to convey our sincere appreciation for UNODC’s work, aimed at improving the normative, institutional and operational capacity of Member States at the national, regional and global level.
Madam Chair,
Our discussion on the global drug situation is timely. It comes in the wake of the first anniversary of the landmark thirteenth General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on the World Drug Problem, held in April last year. This meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the international community to ‘addressing and countering emerging and persistent challenges’.
The Secretary General’s report affirms that, while important progress has been made in checking the production, manufacturing and trafficking of major drugs and substances, new psychoactive substances belonging to diverse chemical groups continue to emerge worldwide.
With proliferation of new technology, drug flows are more than ever characterized by rapid changes in trafficking routes, modus operandi and concealment methods. Hence the need for enhanced international cooperation.
Madam. Chair,
Pakistan has been a poppy Free State since 2001. Strict drug law enforcement has resulted in reduced domestic drug production. But poppy cultivation in the region is on the rise, and this continues to pose a real challenge for my country.
Pakistan is fully committed to working towards a “Drug Free World” and remains vigilant to the threats posed to this ideal by illicit drugs and its trafficking. The counter narcotics efforts of Pakistan revolve around the three main strategy pillars highlighted in the government of Pakistan’s Anti Narcotics Policy; Supply Reduction, Demand Reduction and International Cooperation.
A measure of our commitment is the highest contribution to international seizures through International Control Delivery Operations and Intelligence led Joint Coordinated Operations. During the last year alone, we seized over 342 tons of illicit drugs. We have also contributed to almost 25 tons of illicit drugs seizures around the world.
We are concerned at emerging trends in some parts of the world to legalize the use of illicit drugs. We believe this approach is counter-productive, and would give a fillip to drug demand, igniting the supply chain and having direct fallout on our region. Our objective, after all, has been to build a drug free society, not a drug tolerant society. We should remain true to our objective.
Madam. Chair,
My delegation is of the view that comprehensive and integrated crime prevention and criminal justice responses are vital for rule of law, peace and stability. Holistic approach to curbing drug crimes requires that not only the symptoms, but also root causes should be addressed. The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda establishes a linkage between rule of law and sustainable socioeconomic development.
Money-laundering and corruption remain formidable challenges. Pakistan has joined the International Convention for the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism. Under Pakistan’s Anti-Money Laundering Act 2010, a special Financial Monitoring Unit has been set up in the State Bank of Pakistan, to cooperate with other countries to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
Madam. Chair,
I wish to conclude by emphasizing the need to strengthen the leading role of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs in the area of drug prevention, treatment and care. Being a member of the Commission, Pakistan is actively contributing to UN-led efforts in this area.
I also reiterate Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to continue working closely with the international community to promote prosperity in the changing world.
I thank you.