Ministry of Interior Renamed as Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control as Government Merges Narcotics Control Division with Interior Ministry–Official Notification

Major Restructuring: Narcotics Control Division Merged with Interior Ministry– Federal Government’s Gazette Notification Issued:

In a significant administrative move, the Government of Pakistan has merged the Narcotics Control Division into the Ministry of Interior, renaming it as the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control. This decision, formalized through S.R.O 83(1)/2025 dated 4^th February 2025, also places the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) as an attached department under the Interior Ministry.

This restructuring aims to streamline operations, improve coordination, and enhance the government’s efforts against drug trafficking and national security concerns. The necessary amendments have been made to the Rules of Business, 1973, and all official correspondence will now reflect the new ministry name.

Key Takeaways from the Notification:

• Narcotics Control Division merged into the Interior Ministry.
• Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) is now an attached department under Interior Ministry.
• New official name: Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control.
• Changes reflected in Schedule-I, II, III, V-A, and V-B of Rules of Business, 1973.

This move is expected to enhance the effectiveness of counter-narcotics policies and strengthen Pakistan’s internal security framework. Please find the official notification below:

TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE NEXT ISSUE
OF THE GAZETTE OF PAKISTAN PART-I

GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN
MINISTRY OF INTERIOR AND NARCOTICS CONTROL

Islamabad, the 11^th February, 2025

NOTIFICATION

In pursuance of S.R.O 83(1)/2025 dated 4^th February, 2025, the Narcotics Control Division has been merged into the Interior Division as a Wing, along with placement of Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) as an Attached Department of the Interior Division. The necessary amendments have been carried out in Schedule-1, Schedule-II. Schedule-III, Schedule-V-A and Schedule-V-B of Rules of Business, 1973 and the “Ministry of Interior” has been re-named as “Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control” with immediate effect in the light of above referred S.R.O.

2.                           Henceforth, the name of “Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control” shall be used in official correspondence instead of “Ministry of Interior” and all the correspondence pertaining to the then Narcotics Control Division be addressed to Ministry of Intcrior and Narcotics Control.

Deputy Secretary (Admn)

The Manager,
Printing Corporation of Pakistan Press,
Karachi.

Impact of the Merger on Anti-Narcotics Policies:

The decision to merge the Narcotics Control Division with the Ministry of Interior is expected to boost efficiency in drug enforcement policies and provide a unified approach to national security. The integration of ANF under the Interior Ministry will ensure better coordination in anti-drug operations, law enforcement, and policy implementation.

Why is this important?

• Stronger coordination between narcotics control and law enforcement agencies.
• More streamlined policymaking for tackling drug-related crimes.
• Enhanced security operations against drug trafficking.
• Improved administrative efficiency within the government.

With this change, Pakistan aims to strengthen its fight against narcotics and organized crime, ensuring better enforcement and policy integration. For the latest updates on government notifications, policy changes, and official announcements, stay connected with Vocal Pakistan – Your Trusted Source for Government Updates!

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