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Mr. Chairman,
We thank the Secretary General, Executive Director of UNODC and Commission on Narcotics Drugs for their comprehensive reports on various aspects of the world drug problem, and crime prevention and criminal justice. We take note of various 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.
Mr. Chairman,
The world drug problem remains a serious and persistent global challenge.
It continues to take a heavy toll on health, safety, security, socioeconomic development and well being of individuals, families and society as a whole.
The World Drug Report 2018 unveil worrisome trends and provides a global overview of cross-cutting issues related to various aspects of the drug problems and challenges.
According to the report the range of drugs and drug markets are expanding and diversifying as never before.
For instance, the estimated total area under illicit cultivation of opium poppy in 2017 at global level has spiked. Illicit drug markets are expanding, production/manufacturing of drugs remains high, demand persists; trafficking continues; and the provision of treatment facilities particularly for women and children remain a challenge.
In addition to persistent challenges, the emerging challenges including, for instance, the proliferation of New Psychoactive Substances, and the growing use of darknet for illicit drug purposes are a matter of serious concern.
Illicit cultivation and potential drug production in Afghanistan alone have increased considerably. Being one of the most affected transit States, these developments are matter of concern for my country.
Mr. Chairman,
In 2009, the international community agreed to a set of ambitious targets for itself, including, inter alia, to eliminate in ten years or significantly reduce the illicit cultivation, production, manufacturing, trafficking, demand, and drug related health and social risks as well as money laundering linked to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
With only few months away from the target date of 2019, the international community has to cover substantial ground to get close to those targets.
Mr. Chairman,
The key to success lies in enhancing political will and closing the gap between goals and their implementation. There is a need to strengthen international cooperation based on the principle of common and shared responsibility.
Our efforts must be guided by the need to address and counter all aspects of the World Drug Problem-the entire chain starting from illicit cultivation.
We should reinforce the well-established balanced, comprehensive and integrated approach to drug demand and supply reduction as well as related cross-cutting issues.
Mr. Chairman,
At the national level, Pakistan’s pursues comprehensive legal, policy and administrative framework to address and counter the World Drug Problem. Pakistan has been a poppy Free State since 2001. Strict drug law enforcement has resulted in reduced domestic drug production.
We are fully committed to implement international drug control related conventions to address the world drugs problem in all its manifestations more effectively.
Mr. Chairman,
Pakistan as part of its commitment and efforts at international level, presented and sponsored a resolution on “strengthening efforts to prevent drug abuse in educational settings” during the 61st Regular Session of Commission on Narcotic Drugs, in Vienna.
As a lead sponsor, we take pride in tabling resolution that underscores the need for enhanced efforts, including policy interventions and comprehensive drug prevention programmes, to protect children and youth from the scourge of illicit drugs and to make educational settings free from drug abuse.
Mr. Chairman,
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.
Mr. Chairman,
We are of the view that UNODC has a critical role to play in assisting member States in mitigating such crimes. We are supportive of strengthening CND’s role central role in drugs related matters.
As a member of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Pakistan would continue to play an increasingly constructive role in countering the world drug problem.
Let us pledge to accelerate our collective efforts at global, regional, sub-regional and national level to tackle the common and complex challenge of the World Drug Problem.