ISLAMABAD, JAN 5 /DNA/ – Qurat ul Ain Ali Khawaja, Chairperson of the All Pakistan Media Council and former Ambassador ANF, extended heartfelt congratulations to Deputy Director Malik Wajid Yousaf of the Anti‑Narcotics Force (ANF) following his reception of the Human Rights Observer Appreciation Award at the 25th Annual National Human Rights Conference 2025, organized by the International Human Rights Observer (IHRO) on International Human Rights Day.
In her remarks, Ms.Qurat ul ain highlighted ANF’s significant role in Pakistan’s ongoing fight against narcotics, noting that drug abuse remains one of the country’s most pressing public health and security challenges. According to recent national estimates, Pakistan has seen a rise in narcotics seizures and anti‑drug enforcement actions, with law enforcement agencies confiscating over 1,000 metric tons of illegal drugs across multiple operations in recent years. In operations led and supported by ANF, authorities have seized substantial quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, hashish, and psychotropic substances, while hundreds of suspected traffickers have been apprehended.
Drawing on her experience as a former Ambassador and human rights advocate, Ms. Qurat ul ain underscored the importance of public awareness, preventive education, and rehabilitation initiatives alongside enforcement actions, stating that “a comprehensive anti‑drug strategy must prioritize both law enforcement and community‑centred rehabilitation to protect our youth and strengthen societal resilience.”
She praised ANF’s deployment of drug demand reduction campaigns, institutional partnerships with educational institutions, and community outreach programs that have reached tens of thousands of young Pakistanis with awareness messaging and support resources.
Ms. Qurat ul ain also expressed appreciation for International Human Rights Observer’s (IHRO) insightful decision to recognize ANF’s humanitarian work, emphasizing that acknowledging state institutions reinforces the collaborative spirit needed to address complex social problems, award is a positive testament to the value of institutional dedication in advancing human rights and public welfare.
The recognition of ANF at the IHRO conference was widely welcomed by attendees and is seen as a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s commitment to a drug‑free, healthy, and rights‑oriented society.
