National Assembly's Standing Committee on Narcotics Control on Monday discussed budgetary proposals relating to Public-Sector Development Programme (PSDP) in respect of Ministry of Narcotics Control and its attached departments for financial year 2020-2021.

Salahuddin Ayubi chaired the meeting of the committee.

The committee further considered a bill, "The Control of Narcotics Substance (Amendment) Bill, 2019" moved by the government and insertion 9A and 9B moved by Muhammad Sanaullah Khan Masti Khel.

Assistant Commissioner Dalbandin Ayesha Zehri, Deputy Commissioner Changhi Fateh Khan Khajak, and Commissioner Ayaz Khan Mandokhail also made their briefings to the committee.

Members of committee requested the chairman committee to provide them briefings in Urdu version.

Andleeb Abbas asked if there was any mechanism in place for the allocation of ephedrine quota. Brig Sageer informed the committee that a mechanism had been devised and strictly followed for distribution of ephedrine or other drug quotas. "We also check either the quota holder use such quantity in medicines, which is supplied to them under the quota," he added.

Newly-appointed Secretary Narcotics Control AD Khawaja informed the committee that he had taken charge as secretary the same day. He said that international and local oversight organizations were there to monitor the allocation of quota for drugs.

Minister for Narcotics Control Shahryar Afridi said that the cabinet was considering appointing experts in drug control department.