March 11, 2026 8:46:44 PM
The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has launched the province's first dedicated Counter Narcotics Force (CNF), aiming to eliminate the drug menace from the province.
Key Details of the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force:
- Inauguration: The force was officially inaugurated in Lahore on July 22, 2025, with a passing-out parade where the CM presented the official flag to the unit.
- Personnel: Approximately 866 personnel were recruited in the first phase, having completed 12 weeks of training at the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Academy in Rawalpindi.
- Scope: The CNF is currently operational in all divisions of Punjab, with plans to expand to the district level in the second phase.
- Infrastructure: The unit is equipped with digital technology and specialized equipment for swift action.
- Objective: The force has a "zero tolerance" policy against drug dealers, focusing on protecting educational institutions (schools and universities) and local neighborhoods.
- Command: The Force is overseen by Director General Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal.
This initiative is part of a broader, specialized approach, which includes the establishment of other forces such as the Wildlife Force, Environment Force, Forest Force, and the Crime Control Department (CCD).
Courtesy by: Directorate General Public Relations, Dawn
