Drug abuse a national security threat: CNF DG

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Feb, 2026) Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) Director General Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal on Wednesday termed drug abuse a grave national security threat, warning that narcotics addiction was destroying lives and jeopardising the country’s future, and called for collective societal action to eradicate the menace.

He was addressing an awareness seminar titled “Youth against Drugs” at University of the Punjab, jointly organised by the university’s Anti-Narcotics Committee, Directorate of Students Affairs and the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force at Al Raazi Hall.

Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal stressed that anti-drug awareness messages must reach every segment of society, particularly the youth, who are most vulnerable to narcotics. He urged students to play a proactive role by reporting drug-related activities and spreading awareness within their communities. “Drug addiction not only ruins individuals and families but also poses a serious threat to national stability and security,” he added.

Earlier, the DG Counter Narcotics Force called on Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali at his office.

During the meeting, the vice chancellor underscored the need for sustained awareness campaigns to curb drug use among youth and reiterated the university’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free campus. He appreciated the efforts of the Anti-Narcotics Committee and commended the organisers for arranging the seminar.

Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Director Enforcement Colonel Furqan, Chairman PU Anti-Narcotics Committee and Dean Faculty of Quality & Industrial Systems Engineering Prof Dr Muhammad Shafiq, Director Students Affairs Dr Shahzeb Khan, Clinical Psychologist Dr Sadia Khan, faculty members and a large number of students attended the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood said that while institutions were making concerted efforts to eliminate the societal menace of drugs, it was equally the responsibility of citizens to support government initiatives and anti-narcotics agencies in their mission. Later, the vice chancellor presented a souvenir to Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal.