Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM directs effective action against drug suppliers and manufacturers
Chitral Times Report
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, has reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to completely eradicate all forms of narcotics from the province. He directed effective and result-oriented actions against drug suppliers and manufacturers, stressing that the total elimination of drugs remains one of the government’s foremost priorities.
Chairing an important meeting of the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department at the Chief Minister’s House Peshawar, the Chief Minister emphasized that protecting the youth from this menace is a collective responsibility which requires concrete, coordinated, and outcome-driven measures. He warned that negligence or delay in this regard will not be tolerated.
The Chief Minister stressed that the complete eradication of drugs is essential to safeguard the younger generation from destruction. He directed for a comprehensive and integrated strategy against those involved in drugs production and trafficking, calling for the formation of a joint task force comprising all relevant departments and agencies to conduct coordinated operations across the province.
The chief minister said that while actions against sleeper cells are important, the primary target should be the major suppliers and dealers, to dismantle the entire network. Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards narcotics, he directed that all operations be based on verified facts and evidence, ensuring no individual is harassed without cause.
He also underscored the urgent destruction of seized drugs, making it clear that they must never re-enter the market.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister approved a proposed Rs. 550 million plan to strengthen the Narcotics Control Wing and align it with modern requirements. The plan includes the procurement of X-ray scanners, firearms, body-worn cameras, dash cameras, wireless repeaters, advanced communication devices, and other IT equipment, along with the establishment of an integrated monitoring system and training programs.
The chief minister assured that the government would provide all required resources to the department but expected tangible and lasting results in return.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister directed immediate implementation of the policy for the retrieval of official vehicles from unauthorized and retired officers. He warned that legal action would be taken against anyone obstructing or failing to cooperate in this process. He emphasized that public resources are a trust and must be used transparently and responsibly.
During the briefing, the Chief Minister was informed about the department’s revenue collection, anti-narcotics operations, reform initiatives, and development projects. It was stated that for the fiscal year 2024–25, the tax collection target was Rs. 5.692 billion, while Rs. 7.041 billion was actually recovered which is 23.7% higher than the target.
A comparative analysis showed that during the first four months (July–October) of the previous fiscal year, Rs. 1.867 billion in taxes were collected, compared to Rs. 2.478 billion during the same period this year, marking a 32.73% increase.
It was also reported that between January and November 2025, a total of 265 cases were registered and 276 individuals arrested in anti-narcotics operations. Since October 2019, more than 1,000 confiscated vehicles have been auctioned, generating Rs. 262 million in revenue.
The meeting was further briefed on key reforms, including the profiling of 237,000 non-duty-paid vehicles in Malakand Division and the merged districts, the activation of an e-payment system, the final stages of online vehicle registration, and progress on GIS mapping which has been completed in Abbottabad and Nowshera and is ongoing in Mardan, Kohat, Bannu, and Peshawar. Additional, the GIS mapping will soon be initiated in Haripur, Mansehra, Swabi, and Charsadda.
Regarding public facilitation, it was informed that 1,110 complaints were received through online portals, all of which have been resolved. In addition, a Public Day is held every Tuesday at the Secretary Excise’s office to address public grievances directly.
