Seminar: "Drug control mechanism in Pakistan and effects of drug-money on our socio-economic set up".

Pakistan needs to promote forensic science to control drug trafficking: GCU VC

Lahore, The Government College University Lahore Chemistry Department Wednesday organized a seminar on “Drug control mechanism in Pakistan and effects of drug-money on our socio-economic set up”. Commandant Anti Narcotic Force Brigadier Shahid Afzal was the Chief Guest at the seminar which was chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman.

Addressing the seminar, Brigadier Shahid Afzal said that drug addiction is increasing among youth especially girls at school, colleges and universities level and there is dire need to run mass awareness campaign against drugs in educational institution.

The ANF chief call upon the students to avoid smoking, saying that the cigarette is the first step towards drug addiction and “Sheesha” is second. He also highlighted the role of parents, teachers and media in controlling drug addiction among youth.

He said that ANF is considered as the one of best three anti-narcotics forces of the world which is matter of great pride for Pakistan.

Speaking the occasion, GC University Lahore Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman said Pakistan needs to promote forensic science to control drug trafficking, crime and terrorism. He said that most of the crimes remain untraced because of lack of technical expertise and scientific facilities.

He said that GCU was the first university in Pakistan to initiate post-graduate programmes in Forensic Chemistry and they are also taking steps to promote research in this modern discipline. He believed that the quality human resource produced by GCU would meet the need of crime investigation agencies in Pakistan.

He said drug addicts should be treated as patients and the government should work for their rehabilitation, so that they can made useful citizens of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, GCU Chemistry Department Chairperson Prof. Dr. Islam Ullah Khan said drug addiction is very critical issue and a realistic approach should be adopted to deal with it. He advised the ANF to conduct a study on Political-economy of drug business, saying that it would prove useful in curbing it.

Ravian Forensic Society Advisor Dr. M. Akhyar Farrukh advised ANF to involve a team of clinical psychologists to prepare a policy regarding the treatment and rehabilitation of the drug addicts. He announced that Ravians Forensic Society would soon hold a seminar to disseminate scientific knowledge about variety of crimes and crime control in Pakistan.

Later, GCU Chemistry Department coordinator Dr. Saleem Bokhari expressed gratitude that the Commandant Anti Narcotic Force is taking personal for providing internship opportunities to GCU students for providing in ANF.