BY: Hurish Shah FT :
ISLAMABAD — Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA and President of the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF), held an introductory meeting with representatives of Justice Project Pakistan at the Parliament House.
The meeting focused on exploring cooperation to combat drug abuse and narcotics-related offences among youth. Both sides stressed the need for prevention, rehabilitation and human rights-based drug policy reforms that prioritise health, dignity and proportionate sentencing.
Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar reaffirmed YPF’s commitment to evidence-based policies, emphasizing that addiction should be addressed through healthcare and rehabilitation rather than criminalisation. She also stressed protecting young people from discrimination and stigma.
Justice Project Pakistan representatives briefed the meeting on their efforts to provide legal aid to vulnerable prisoners facing narcotics charges, promote fair trials and humane treatment, and advocate reforms to Pakistan’s drug laws.
Both sides agreed to continue dialogue and explore future cooperation in legislation, parliamentary briefings, awareness campaigns and policy advocacy.
