ISLAMABAD: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is being observed on Friday.

This year theme of the day is “Better Knowledge for Better Care” that emphasizes the need to improve the understanding of the world drug problem and how in turn, better knowledge will foster greater international cooperation for countering its impact on health, governance and security.

This global observance is aimed at raising awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.

In his message on the occasion, Minister for Narcotics Control Azam Khan Swati said building a drug-free society calls for continued and concerted measures on part of all stake holders including the federal as well as provincial governments, non-governmental organizations, civil society, religious leaders and media.

He said the present government has launched a number of initiatives for strengthening Law Enforcement Agencies at the federal, provincial and district levels to combat drug trafficking and reduce the flow of drugs in Pakistan.

The federal minister reaffirmed the commitment to undertake efforts with full devotion and dedication to curb the menace of narcotics.

He said the day was also gives us a message to join hands against the social evil that is gradually destroying our youth.