Punjab has taken a monumental step in the fight against drugs by launching the country’s first provincial Counter-Narcotics Force (CNF). The initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, establishes a specialized law enforcement body tasked with eliminating narcotics from the province’s streets, schools, universities, and neighborhoods.

This move marks the first time a province in Pakistan has formed its own dedicated anti-narcotics force, using powers devolved under the 18th Amendment to the Constitution. The decision reflects a growing awareness of the escalating drug problem and the need for focused, local-level action.

Deployment of a Trained, Tactical Force

The CNF has launched with 866 highly trained personnel who underwent rigorous preparation at a top national anti-narcotics training facility. These officers are now deployed across all administrative divisions of Punjab, with each region hosting a CNF station and a divisional directorate.

The force has been designed to operate with complete autonomy at the provincial level, enabling faster response times, improved local intelligence handling, and the ability to enforce laws against drug trafficking and abuse without federal delays.

During the force’s formal inauguration and passing-out ceremony, the new recruits demonstrated their readiness through drill formations, inspections, and displays of the latest equipment and mobility vehicles. The ceremony also highlighted the active participation of female officers in CNF operations, reflecting Punjab’s broader emphasis on gender inclusion in policing and governance.

CM Maryam Nawaz’s Pledge for a Drug-Free Punjab

In her address, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz outlined her administration’s vision for a drug-free Punjab, expressing grave concern over the widespread availability and use of narcotics, particularly among the youth. She noted that nearly every urban and rural community in the province has been affected by drug abuse and underscored that traditional law enforcement methods were no longer sufficient to tackle the growing crisis.

Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the CNF would act independently yet collaboratively with national-level institutions, using modern surveillance, community intelligence, and targeted operations to break drug networks at the local level.

She declared that protecting the youth from addiction was among her top priorities and that the government would take strict action not only against dealers but also against officials who failed to act.

Next Phase: District-Level Expansion

The launch of CNF at the divisional level is only the beginning. In its second phase, the Punjab government will expand the force’s presence to every district, with recruitment, training, and infrastructure development already in the pipeline.

This rollout will allow CNF officers to operate closer to communities, schools, and marketplaces disrupting supply chains and building a stronger link between law enforcement and civil society. It also opens avenues for more targeted awareness campaigns and rehabilitation efforts in partnership with local health and education departments.

Strategic Implications

Punjab’s launch of its own CNF sets a new standard for drug control in Pakistan. By investing in a dedicated force with localized command, the province is acknowledging that drugs are not just a criminal issue but a public health and youth protection emergency.

The CNF’s formation will:

  • Strengthen frontline enforcement through trained personnel and modern tools
  • Create faster and more localized intervention mechanisms
  • Improve coordination with communities and educational institutions
  • Help dismantle the social infrastructure supporting the narcotics trade

Conclusion: A Turning Point in Crime Prevention

The establishment of the Counter-Narcotics Force in Punjab is more than a policing initiative it is a bold and strategic intervention in the province’s fight against one of its most pressing social threats. With trained officers, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to youth safety, Punjab has drawn a new line in the sand.

This pioneering move not only signals Punjab’s determination to secure a drug-free future but also serves as a potential model for other provinces in Pakistan to replicate. As the CNF continues to expand and evolve, it stands as a symbol of what decisive, locally led governance can achieve.