Daily Times

RAWALPINDI –Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has said that drug peddlers and those involved in its production are as much detrimental to national security as terrorists, according to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations on Monday.

Thearmy chief visited Anti Narcotic Force (ANF) headquarterswhere he was given detailed briefing by ANF director general Major General KhawarHanif on various aspects related to ANF operations to counter drug smuggling.During the briefing, the ANF official apprised the army chief of international and regional drug situation and its effects on the society and future plans.

– Drugmoney in terror promotion–

The army chief said that the drug money was being used for the promotion of terrorism as well. Therefore,it was important that drug dealers were dealt with iron hands, he said.“We will break nexus between drug dealers, financiers and perpetrators of terrorism,” he said. “We will not allow these drug barons to influence and spoil our future generations,”he said.

– Poppyfree status for Pakistan–

The army chief appreciated ANF’s endeavours on record seizures in 2014 and 2015 which helped in curbing the menace domestically and internationally. General Sharif also valued achievements of the force in maintaining poppy free status for Pakistan.