A citizen Sheikh Asim Farooq has approached the Lahore High Court against the Ministry of Narcotics Control for not implementing National Anti Narcotics Policy 2010 in letter and spirit. The petitioner contended that as per United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)'s report 2013 there were approximately 6.7 million drug users in Pakistan.
The Ministry had claimed to ensure drug-free Lahore schools, prisons including 'Adiala Jail' and developing curriculum against drugs as per its National Anti Narcotics Policy 2010. The partners of the ministry including the provincial governments were tasked to publish anti-drug messages in textbooks/notebooks for schools, colleges and universities, develop a drug-free education institution, promote extra-curricular sports and other activities in educational institutions.
In health sector it was also tasked to establish wards in government hospitals for drug treatment, arrange programmes for training of doctors and paramedical staff in treatment and detoxification of drug users. He said the respondents had completely failed to ensure even a single section of the said National Anti Narcotics Policy 2010.
He contended that UNODC's report revealed that Pakistan had large network of pharmaceutical and medical stores that largely remained unregulated. "These stores distribute and sell medicines, including controlled medicines and narcotic painkillers in most cases without a requirement for a prescription from a medical practitioner." He therefore prayed the court to direct the respondents to implement on policy and its master plan.
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