Govt committed to strengthen its precursor control regime for drug regulation.

ISLAMABAD -- Federal Minister for Narcotics Control, Nawabzada Shazain Bugti Wednesday said that the government is committed to strengthening its precursor control regime in pursuance of its commitments to address the World Drug Problem under the principle of common and shared responsibility.

Addressing the launching ceremony of the automated Precursor Management System (PMS), the minister highlighted that the up-gradation is the centerpiece of the government's modernization drive and has greatly contributed towards its long-term goals and objectives.

He said that the upgradation has enabled the Ministry of Narcotics Control in drug regulation, and countering drug abuse and associated health issues affecting the young Pakistani strata, particularly in educational settings.

He also thanked UNODC for its continued technical support that led to the design and automation of Pakistan's PMS.

In her remarks, Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Narcotics Control Ms. Humaira Ahmed highlighted that the new automated PMS is a manifestation of the government's broader vision to automate the entire process of registration and issuance of 'No-Objection Certificate (NOC)' to the chemical and pharmaceutical industry for importing, exporting and utilizing controlled precursor chemicals.

'The requests for grant of NOC can now be generated electronically and all steps (including document submission, utilization details, and import licenses) have also been automated. It will also significantly improve transparency and trust among the public-private stakeholders concerned', she said.

Addressing the event Dr. Jeremy Milsom, Representative UNODC Country Office in Pakistan highlighted that the new web-based PMS has significantly enhanced the capacities of these national authorities to collect or receive, process, interpret data and approve requests related to import and legitimate industrial use of controlled precursor chemicals in a more secure and real-time manner.

'This technical capacity-building initiative will improve Pakistan's precursor control regime and improve 'ease-of-doing businesses for the Pakistani chemical and pharmaceutical industry, he said.

Hence, this capacity development has paved the way for attaining the objectives of the Government of Pakistan's Anti Narcotics Policy 2019, and our shared aspirations under the provisions of UNODC's Pakistan Country Program III (2022-2025)', Dr. Milsom said.

In a comprehensive presentation on the PMS...