SPA Thomas Schweich of the International Narcotics and Law enforcement Affairs of the United States has met Pakistan's Minister for Narcotics Control Ghous Bux Maher, says an official statement. The minister told him that the revised Drug Abuse Control Master Plan (2007-2011), prepared in coordination of the UN drug control body would be announced with in next few months. Maher said the drug trafficking situation is very alarming due to the low attention of the Afghan government on drug traffickers at the border. He said fencing at the border would help both the government to curb drug trafficking from borders. We are affected very much due to non-cooperative attitude of the Afghan government on the issue as control of the drug trafficking from Pak Afghan border is the duty of both the government. To curb the drug trafficking and addictions the cooperation of the both government is essential, the minister said. He said Pakistan needs more cooperation and help from the US and European Union to fight such evils. We are doing our best to eliminate the drug menace from our soil. We have asked the US government about the technical assistance as training and technical assistance is vital to curb the menace. Maher suggested that the UN drug control body and foreign agencies, which are working in Pakistan to curb the drug trafficking and addiction should hire Pakistan's experts and staff as appointment of locals will be more affective in achieving good results. He said the UK has promoted for providing of two helicopters, which will be handed over soon to Pakistan. These helicopters will be helpful in fight against the drug traffickers. He informed Schweich that the USA is continuing support to Pakistan in Pakistan's efforts to eliminate poppy cultivation and combating trafficking of narcotics through Pakistan. Maher said that Pakistan is implementing a number of projects and programmes on drug demand reduction both with the assistance of donor countries and its own funds.
