By: ABID SIDDIQUE CHAUDHRY

The World Ambassador

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The Director General Anti Narcotics Force (ANF), Major General Abdul Moeed, HI(M), visited remote regions of Balochistan as part of the Counter-Narcotics and Annual Poppy Eradication Campaign 2025–2026. The visit underscores Pakistan’s continued commitment to combating illicit drug cultivation in line with national security priorities and international obligations, reflecting the country’s broader role in global counter-narcotics efforts.

High-Level Coordination for Counter-Narcotics Enforcement

During the visit, reports regarding the illegal cultivation of prohibited crops, including poppy and cannabis, were reviewed. Keeping in view the outcomes of last year’s counter-narcotics campaign, it has been decided that from the very beginning of the sowing season, all relevant federal and provincial stakeholders will actively participate in the implementation of a joint, coordinated strategy.

In this regard, a high-level meeting was held in Balochistan under the chairmanship of DG ANF, attended by senior officers representing all concerned departments. The meeting emphasized inter-agency coordination to ensure effective law enforcement and early intervention.

Early-Stage Eradication Strategy

It was decided that during the 2025–2026 campaign, illegally cultivated crops will be eradicated at the germination stage, preventing the need for large-scale destruction of fully grown illicit crops at later stages. This approach is aimed at minimizing operational challenges while enhancing the effectiveness of eradication efforts.

To ensure campaign success, joint task forces have been established at the provincial level. These task forces will focus on the accurate and timely identification of areas vulnerable to illegal cultivation, strengthening preventive enforcement mechanisms.

Shift Toward Proactive Enforcement

These initiatives reflect a shift in the government’s counter-narcotics strategy, moving away from reactive operations toward proactive prevention-based measures. The objective is to disrupt illegal cultivation before crops emerge, thereby reducing the scale and impact of illicit drug production.

An integrated checking and monitoring system will also be established, enabling stakeholders to enforce the law effectively while instilling deterrence among criminal elements involved in narcotics-related activities.

Use of Technology and Community Engagement

In addition to timely identification, the use of modern technology will be ensured. Tools such as satellite imagery, agricultural drones, tractors, weedicide sprays, and other essential agricultural equipment will be utilized to support eradication operations.

Furthermore, large-scale awareness campaigns will be launched through media and state machinery. Regular interactions and jirgas with local elders will be conducted to raise awareness about the social, economic, and legal consequences of illegal crop cultivation, fostering community cooperation.

Pakistan’s Counter-Narcotics Commitment

Pakistan continues to work in coordination with the international community, including organizations such as the United Nations, to address the global challenge of narcotics production and trafficking. Counter-narcotics initiatives in provinces like Balochistan are central to maintaining regional stability and fulfilling Pakistan’s international responsibilities.

The DG ANF’s visit to the western remote regions of Balochistan highlights the Government of Pakistan’s strong resolve to eliminate the menace of drugs from its territory. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining these efforts until illegal narcotics cultivation is completely eradicated, reinforcing Pakistan’s role in regional and global counter-narcotics initiatives.