EU envoy praises amendment to Pak drugs law ‘abolishing death penalty’

LAHORE: Ambassador of European Union in Pakistan Dr Riina Kionka said Sunday amendment to law related to drugs by Pakistan is commendable in which death penalty for drug offences has been abolished.

She expressed these views while addressing a programme on “Drug Policy and Impact of Treatment on Human Rights”, organised by Justice Project Pakistan. “These are important legislative reforms that can serve as basis for revisions and changes in existing drug penalties,” she noted.

Dr Riina Kionka said several EU member states are developing alternatives to imprisonment and actively working with partner countries like Pakistan to promote a human rights-based approach to drug addiction.

The EU ambassador said states should prioritise prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of drug users instead of resorting to punitive measures.

Dr Kionka said limited scope of punitive approach to drugs has resulted in overcrowding in prisons. It complicated the rights issues of drug addicts and drug users, she said.

She said one of the main pillars of the EU drug policy framework is harm reduction. “By prioritising harm reduction, the EU aims to minimise health and social consequences associated with drug use,” she told the gathering.

The Justice Project Pakistan puts focus on global human rights challenges arising from the drug problem. It also addresses national and regional specific issues related to the implementation of drug laws and policies.