US ambassador to Pakistan, Ryan C. Crocker on Tuesday said the expansion of poppy cultivation in Afghanistan was creating problems for Pakistan despite the fact that Islamabad was taking numerous measures to curb the menace.
Talking to the media after an award distribution ceremony the US envoy declined further comment on the issue saying that the US representative in Afghanistan was the right person to give details.
He said the US acknowledges Pakistan government's efforts and its commitment in curbing the poppy cultivation and drug trafficking. The US ambassador assured his country's continued support for Pakistan in the anti-narcotics drive.
He said the US would give $12 million to support Islamabad in strengthening its air wing to effectively deal with poppy problem, in addition to $8.2 million to be provided this year.
Ryan C. Crocker appreciated Pakistan's decision to increase the number of Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) personnel.
Speaking on the occasion ANF Director General, Major General Khalid Amir Jaffery, said that Pakistan was both a drug transit as well as a victim country, because of its geographical proximity to Afghanistan, which produces 87 percent of the world opium.
He said ANF addressed the serious problem with zealously and the force had been making strenuous efforts since 2002 to completely wipe out poppy cultivation.
The DG said that ANF attaches great importance to its relations with Narcotics Affair Section of the US embassy and international community. Their support and co-operation could further increase ANF's operational capacity, he added.