PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

EXCISE, TAXATION AND NARCOTICS CONTROL DEPARTMENT

LIST OF STARRED ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR

MONDAY, THE 17^TH FEBRUARY, 2025

535      *Dr. Fouzia Hameed:

Will the Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control be pleased to State:-

(a)   Is it a fact that there are preventive and rehabilitation programs to support those affected by drug abuse;

(b)  If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, the details thereof including any campaign underway to aware about dangers of drugs abuse?

ANSWER

MR. MUKESH KUMAR CHAWLA: MINISTER FOR EXCISE, TAXATION AND NARCOTICS CONTROL:-

No, but there are preventive and rehabilitation programs in place to support individuals affected by drug abuse within the Anti-Narcotics Force. These programs aim to reduce drug use and promote recovery.

Let’s explore some key strategies:

1. Prevention Programs:

• Evidence-Based Approaches: Research-based programs have been designed to reduce early use of tobacco. Alcohol and other drugs. These programs focus on boosting protective factors and minimizing risk factors for drug use in families, School, and communities.

• Teen-Age Focus: Teen-Age is a critical time for prevention. Early drug use increase the risk of addiction, so preventing substance use during this period is crucial. Teen’s’ brains are still developing, making them vulnerable to peer pressure and experimentation.

2. Rehabilitation Services:

• Anti-Narcotics Force at Sindh: The Anti-Narcotics Force in Sindh provides rehabilitation services. These services play a vital role in helping individuals overcome addiction and reintegrate into society.

536      *Dr. Fouzia Hameed:

Will the Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control be pleased to State:-

Can the Ministry of Narcotics control elaborate on the legal framework and penalties for drug offenses in Sindh? How many cases are registered in different cities of Sindh and what is their status?

ANSWER

MR. MUKESH KUMAR CHAWLA: MINISTER FOR EXCISE, TAXATION AND NARCOTICS CONTROL:-

1. The Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has drafted a Bill namely “Sindh Control of Narcotics Substances Act, 2024” which has been vetted by Law Department and in a process to be introduced in Sindh Assembly.

While currently, all cases are registered under CNS 1997 till passage of SCNS 2024.

2. The proposed penalties in SCNS 2024 are:

3. Current Penalties in CNS 1997 are:

4. 158 cases have been registered and 171 persons have been arrested from 01.01.2024 to 30-06-2024

Ongoing Proceeding: cases are still under trial, and their outcomes will be determined during trial proceedings.

940      *Mr. Najam Mirza:

Will the Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control be pleased to State:-

1. Is it fact that a scheme of Renovation of Excise and Taxation Office Thatta with cost of Rs. 26.417 million is to be completed by June 2025;
2. If answer to (a) above is affirmative, detail of work completed and amount spent todate?

ANSWER

MR. MUKESH KUMAR CHAWLA: MINISTER FOR EXCISE, TAXATION AND NARCOTICS CONTROL:-

It is stated that the (ADP Scheme No. 1081) “Renovation of office of the Excise & Taxation Officer Thatta, was approved on 15.09.2021, with the estimated cost of Rs. 26.417 Million and the same is reflected in Development Budget Book “Under Revision 9U/R)”. The details of physical progress are as under:-

1. Physical Progress- 80%

1. Main building finishing work in progress
2. Compound wall I/C steel gate, coloring work in progress.
3. Pump Room, work not started.
4. Underground Tank, work completed.
5. Overhead Water Tank, work completed.

2. Expenditure.

1. Approval Cost Estimate                         Rs. 26.417 (M)
2. Expenditure upto June 2024                  Rs. 23.680 (M)
3. Allocation for the 2023-24:                  Rs. 2.557 (Revenue)

4. Revised rough cost estimate to the tune of Rs. 34.037 (M) submitted by the concerned Chief Engineer Building on new CSR-2024 and the same will be approved in forthcoming DDWP meeting will be completed in CFY-2024-2025.

978      *Mr. Ali Khurshidi:

Will the Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control be pleased to State:-

1. Is it a fact that a number of persons died of taking poisonous liquor in Sindh during 2022 and 2023;
2. If answer to (a) above is affirmative, the details thereof along with action taken to stop such menace?

ANSWER

MR. MUKESH KUMAR CHAWLA: MINISTER FOR EXCISE, TAXATION AND NARCOTICS CONTROL:-

1. Yes, it is correct that a number of persons died in Hyderabad Division during 2022 & 2023,as per available record, the details thereof are given as below:

2. It may also be noted that staff posted in Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur &Larkana divisions successfully detected and seized substantial quantities i.e. 5563 liters of raw alcohol and illicit liquor from various areas. This enforcement effort demonstrates our commitment to combating illicit liquor trade and ensuring public safety.