Interior minister orders conducting National Drug Survey after 11-year gap

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has accorded approval in principle for the conduct of National Drug Survey after a gap of 11 years during which data regarding people using drugs in the country will be compiled, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Chairing a meeting of the committee for the National Drug Survey which was held in Islamabad on Thursday, Mohsin Naqvi directed to finalize matters related to the survey within 15 days.

Under this exercise, data of persons using drugs will be collected.

Mohsin Naqvi said the ANF and Pakistan Bureau of Statistics should jointly formulate the methodology, nature of data required, sample format and timeline for conducting the survey. He said the international development partners should also be contacted for cooperation in the conduct of the survey.

Mohsin Naqvi said the drug survey should be authentic and comprehensive, emphasizing it will ensure effective decision making against narcotics.

The minister directed that apart from homes, data should also be collected from educational institutions, slums and other places.

Mohsin Naqvi said there will be no compromise in the fight against drugs, saying it is the issue of the nation's future. 

The last national drug survey was conducted back in 2013.

Reporter Awais Kiyani