Lahore – The Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has launched Pakistan’s first provincial Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) to fight against drug abuse in the province. The new force aims to eliminate drugs through fast, professional, and effective action.
This historic step makes Punjab the first province to establish a specialized anti-drug force under the 5th constitutional amendment. While the 18th Constitutional Amendment of 2018 allowed provinces to form such forces, Punjab has now taken the lead in implementing this initiative.
Under the vision of the Chief Minister of Punjab, multiple specialized forces are being created. These include the Wildlife Force, Forest Force, Environment Force, and the Punjab Educational Reforms Authority (PERA) Force. The addition of CNF marks a major milestone in these ongoing efforts.
The launch ceremony of CNF was held with full honors. The force held a passing-out parade and presented a salute. Officers and sepoys took their official oath during the event. Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz handed over the official flag to the force and interacted with the personnel.
She expressed hope and confidence in CNF, stating that the future of Punjab now looks brighter and more secure. She also praised the female CNF staff for their discipline and strength during the parade. The chief minister inspected the vehicles and digital equipment used by the new force.
Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal, Director General of CNF, gave a detailed briefing on the formation and structure of the force. He shared that 866 personnel have been recruited in the first phase. CNF has been made operational across all divisions of Punjab. Regional directorates and CNF stations have already been set up.
In the second phase, the force will be expanded to every district. CNF officers and personnel received 12 weeks of specialized training at the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Academy in Rawalpindi.
With this initiative, Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz has taken a major step toward a drug-free and safer society.
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