Analysis of Challenges in the Implementation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Control of Narcotics Substances Act 2019

Abstract

The worldwide drug control system has acknowledged the requirement for state collaboration since its inception. It introduced the need for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reinsertion, as well as general obligations to combat drug usage in a coordinated manner. The State of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a signatory to many international, bilateral treaties and conventions on Narcotics, Drugs, and Psychotropic Substances. All these treaties and conventions bind the State of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to take measures to realize the objectives envisaged by these international documents. The study's primary objectives were to assess the challenges in implementing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Control of Narcotics Substances Act, 2019, and to provide potential solutions. Data was collected using the interview technique while considering the study's objectives. Interviews were done with deliberately selected legal specialists. The study found various barriers to implementing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Control of Narcotics Substances Act, 2019, including a lack of subject matter expertise, antiquated equipment, and the government’s interest in this field. It also found that a major impediment to this process is the lack of a connection between the general masses and police officials. The study suggests broad public education efforts about implementing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Control of Narcotics Substances Act, 2019 using all available media.