ISLAMABAD - At the invitation of the President of Pakistan, Ministers from twelve regional countries would be participating in the Regional Ministerial Conference on Counter-narcotics, which is being hosted by Pakistan in Islamabad on 12-13 November 2012. The invited countries include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan.

The aim of the Ministerial Conference, which will be inaugurated by the President, is to share national experiences in countering the menace of illicit drugs and discuss prospects of regional cooperation in developing pragmatic, comprehensive and sustainable ways of addressing the multifaceted challenge posed by illicit drugs' production, demand and trafficking.

Narcotics adversely affect the health of individuals and societies; they also threaten the security and stability of states. The democratic Government of Pakistan has taken a number of steps in the recent past to address the growing threat of narcotics. As a result, Pakistan become a Poppy Free Country in 2011 and, currently, leads the world in narcotic drugs control.

The production, demand and trafficking of narcotics is a serious threat, which transcends national boundaries. The President's initiative would further boost joint efforts with key regional partners to counter narcotics. (PR)