LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched Pakistan’s first provincial Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) in a ceremony held on Tuesday.
With this move, Punjab once again takes the lead by establishing a specialised force dedicated to eradicating the menace of drugs from the province. The province has made history by implementing institutional, administrative measures, and constitutional reforms to address this growing threat.
Punjab is now the first province to set up such a force under the 5th Constitutional Amendment. Previously, in 2018, the 18th Amendment had empowered provinces to establish specialised forces of their own.
Following the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, several specialized forces have already been established in Punjab, including the Wildlife Force, Environment Force, Forest Force, and the PERA Force. Now, the province holds the distinction of forming the first-ever Counter Narcotics Force at the provincial level to combat drug-related issues.
The newly formed provincial forces, as envisioned by the chief minister, are being equipped to act swiftly, professionally, and effectively in eliminating drugs across Punjab.
At the formal launch ceremony, the Counter Narcotics Force presented a general salute during the passing out parade. Officers and sepoys took an oath, and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz handed over the official flag to the CNF. She interacted with the CNF personnel and expressed her satisfaction with their performance. She especially appreciated the female staff during the march-past and inspected vehicles and equipment enhanced with digital technology.
Director General CNF, Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal, briefed the chief minister on the force’s formation and future plans. He informed that 866 posts were filled in the first phase and CNF stations and regional directorates have been set up across all divisions of Punjab. In the second phase, CNF will expand its operations to the district level. CNF officers and personnel received 12 weeks of professional training at the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Academy in Rawalpindi.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the CNF, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, “I am pleased to see the youth among the CNF personnel. The future of Punjab and Pakistan looks secure with this initiative.”
She praised DG CNF Brigadier Mazhar for creating a highly specialized force in record time and commended his dedication and leadership.
“The determination is visible in the CNF personnel’s body language. Punjab is proud to have formed this force. With 65% of Pakistan’s population comprising youth, we must protect them from drugs. A population only becomes a nation’s strength when it is educated, healthy, and drug-free.”
The CM called the rapid establishment of CNF “highly commendable” and shared that during her early days in office, she received countless appeals from parents urging action against drugs infiltrating schools, universities, neighborhoods, and even streets.
“The creation of a specialised force to tackle this crisis was inevitable. Recruitment in the CNF has been carried out on 100% merit. Out of 12,000 applications, 850 officers and soldiers were selected,” she said. “I congratulate all those who have joined the force and their families.”
She remarked, “Just as every disease cannot be treated with one pill, crime too cannot be tackled with a single force. Punjab needed specialized departments to serve a growing population. When problems arise, commissioners and deputy commissioners are expected to step in, often diverting attention from their core tasks. That’s why institutions like PERA have been created—to combat inflation, hoarding, land mafia, and encroachments. PERA is already operational in the Lahore Division.”
The CM shared that a specialized crime control department (CCD) within Punjab Police has led to a significant drop in crime in a matter of weeks. “Criminals are now left with nowhere to hide. Daily crime rates have dropped significantly in several districts.”
She vowed that the CNF will cleanse streets, neighbourhoods, and cities of drugs, and emphasised the widespread social impact of even one drug addict in a family. “I expect CNF personnel to fulfill their duties with integrity, rejecting any temptation or pressure.”
She concluded, “CNF has a heavy responsibility to protect future generations. I am hopeful that this force will become a source of pride for both Punjab and Pakistan. Going forward, CNF will be central to constructive discourse in the province and must prove its professional capability to rid our youth of this menace.”
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that the Punjab government is making every possible effort to prevent, treat, and spread awareness about mental health issues.
“A healthy mind is the foundation for positive thinking and constructive decision-making,” she said in her message on World Brain Day.
“The human brain is an unparalleled creation of the Almighty, and this day serves as a reminder to prioritise mental well-being. The human mind is the most complex and astonishing system in the universe.”
She added, “Neglecting mental health is equivalent to ignoring life itself. Those suffering from mental illnesses not only endure personal pain but also face social apathy and negligence.” She stressed the need to give mental health equal importance as physical health.