Department’s Dignity Lies in the Hands of Its Officers,It Must Become a Model of Service Delivery and Public Trust,” says Minister Syed Fakhar Jehan

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control, Syed Fakhar Jehan, has directed for adopting zero-tolerance policy against all forms of drugs, and said that a 15-day timeline has been set for officers to ensure effective action against the use and sale of Ice drug.
He said that after the given timeline, any complaint regarding drug availability in any area would lead to strict action against the concerned officers and staff.
The Minister stated that the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department would be strengthened and rebranded as a professional and credible institution, adding that no negligence or complaint in performance will be tolerated.
He expressed these views during his first departmental briefing after assuming charge of the ministry at the Directorate General of Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control, Peshawar, on Tuesday.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Khalid Ilyas, Director General Abdul Aleem Khan, Additional Director Generals, Directors, RTOs and ETOs.
During the session, the Minister was given a comprehensive briefing on departmental performance, revenue collection and anti-narcotics operations.
Syed Fakhar Jehan emphasized that the department’s image and dignity rest with its officers, urging them to focus on professionalism, enhance performance and project the department as a brand of trust and service delivery.
He said that the perception about the department must be improved, transforming it into a model institution of efficiency and integrity.
The Minister assured the officers of full government support to help them achieve better results in the field.
Issuing strict directives against the menace of Ice and other narcotics, Syed Fakhar Jehan ordered operations at the neighborhood level, along with actions on production sites and factories, which would be sealed upon identification.
He said the dealers and suppliers of this deadly drug have been given a clear warning: those destroying the lives of the nation’s youth will find no safe place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Minister appreciated and commended the team that carried out a successful operation against Ice traffickers on Nowshera Road.
Syed Fakhar Jehan further announced that an Anti-Narcotics Force will be established to ensure a robust mechanism for narcotics control, adding that legal reforms will also be introduced in the provincial assembly to protect enforcement personnel so that they can perform their duties without fear or pressure.
He also revealed plans to launch anti-drug awareness programs in educational institutions and universities across the province, in addition to monthly open kutcheries (public forums) to establish direct contact with citizens and promptly address public concerns.
Syed Fakhar Jehan said that the zero-tolerance policy on drugs is in line with the vision of PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan and the clear directives of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, under which no compromise will be made on narcotics control.
He affirmed that the government’s “No Drugs” vision will be implemented in letter and spirit, with Excise and Narcotics Control police stations being further strengthened and staff shortages fulfilment.
The Minister also instructed officers to enhance revenue collection performance and expand their efficiency in the fields of taxation and excise operations.
Appealing to youth and students, Syed Fakhar Jehan urged them to report any individuals involved in drug activities, assuring that swift and decisive action would follow.
He concluded that he would personally share his contact number to enable direct reporting of Ice-related complaints, ensuring immediate and effective action against drug networks across the province.