Daily Times

There are some pretty crazy things happening in the World right now. One of them which has been the recent appointment of our decade long Pakistani veteran and activist, Shehzad Roy, who has been designated as an official National Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

Crazy right? We know!

UNODC Executive Director, Yury Fedotov, took the stage to congratulate the singer and social worker by saying: “Throughout his career as a singer, social worker and a humanitarian, Mr. Roy has shown and unwavering commitment to tackling illicit drugs.”

He further added, “His position as one of Pakistan’s most famous singers, his enduring popularity with young people, and his energy and undoubted talent, will help UNODC publicize the dangers of drug abuse.”

Feeling humbled and appreciated to the very core, Shehzad expressed his gratitude in a tweet on the micro blogging platform, Twitter: “It’s an honour to be designated as the UNODC National Goodwill Ambassador.”

Previously, Shehzad Roy received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2005, given to him as a civil honour for his undisputed efforts in the public service sector. He was also held into high esteem with the ‘Sitara-e-Eisaar’ in 2006 for his NGO’s commitment in the rehabilitation of the affectees of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.

Speaking on this occasion, the singer continued on to say: I have been following UNODC’S work even before joining them as a goodwill ambassador. Their work is commendable in the fields of criminal justice, drug demand reduction and HIV/AIDS prevention. These things are close to my heart especially when children are concerned, and I will give my all to my new role as National Goodwill Ambassador for Pakistan.”

Following his appointment to this post, Shehzad will be expected to work on various UNODC goals including criminal justice, drug demand reduction and raising general awareness on the Office’s important work by visiting UNODC projects, educational institutions and rehabilitation centres, during his 2 year tenure.

Roy concluded: “It is disheartening to see children imprisoned for petty crimes or drugs ruining the lives of young people. If I can help one child out of prison or convince just one boy or girl to turn away from drugs, I feel proud that I have made a difference.”

Different celebrities and social workers from all walks of life came forward to congratulate Roy on his remarkable achievement.

Shaniera Akram tweeted, “Congratulations to an amazing person who continues to contribute to the lives of many children in our country. Thank you.”

Ali Zafar tweeted, “A true humanitarian. Proud of you always @ShehzadRoy”

Bryan Adams sent out a message to the star, “Congrats to my friend @ShehzadRoy on his ambassadorship.”

Shahzeb Khanzada commented, “UN designates @ShehzadRoy as UNODC National Goodwill Ambassodor… congrats and keep it up …”

Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate also spoke out words of praise for the hero, “Congratulations @ShehzadRoy! Thank you for being a change-maker, giving hope and future to many vulnerable youth and children.”

It’s safe for us to say that if you ever see a handsome 40-year-old scouting the roads and stopping your car over with an excuse to root out drugs or fight crime, you’re in for a ride!

Published in Daily Times, November 2^nd 2017.