Lt Gen Abdul Qayyum (retd) was of the view that the strength of the department cannot be compromised since it has to deal with those who are destroying the future of Pakistan. He stressed the need for taking all necessary measures to beef up the ANF.
Senator Tareen showed concern regarding lack of regional directorates in border areas, which, he stressed, were centers of drug infiltration in Pakistan.
Director General ANF Major General Arif Malik was of the view that lack of a regional directorate at Gwadar is also a major cause of concern.
The committee recommended, while allowing for a regional directorate at Gwadar, that 1,500 miles long porous border must be considered as well.
While discussing budget constraints, the committee was informed about helicopters that are no longer in using due to lack of maintenance. It recommended that fund allocation for maintenance must be included in the budget. Deliberating over drug infiltration despite fencing of the Pak-Afghan border, the committee was informed that ahead of this measure bulk quantity of drugs were captured at the border. However, now, drugs are being smuggled in small quantities. The committee was informed that a total of 995 cases have been disposed of, 94 persons have been convicted and 53 have been acquitted. The conviction ratio is 95 per cent. While asserting the need for running special awareness campaigns to curb drug abuse, the committee recommended the need to involve religious scholars to sensitize the masses.
The PEMRA was directed to consider running campaigns on national and private television channels. Achievements of ANF may be highlighted at primetime as well. The agenda entailed a briefing on the ministry's organizational structure and role of PEMRA regarding drug awareness in the country. The committee was informed of the ministry's organizational structure and that of its attached organizations. Functions and working of the ministry were also discussed.
The committee recommended that in the next meeting, as suggested by chairman PEMRA, representatives of PTV and Radio Pakistan be summoned. It was stressed that the strength of rehabilitation centers be increased. The committee assured the ministry of its all-out support for this huge national cause.