Strict implementation of poppy ban decree urged at MoFA meeting — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) says its deputy minister for administrative and financial affairs has called for greater coordination among relevant institutions, joint efforts and the strict implementation of the decree banning poppy cultivation issued by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) leadership. In a statement issued on Monday, the ministry said its Department of Dawah and Guidance had held a meeting to explain and clarify Decree No. 31 issued by the IEA leadership on the prohibition of poppy cultivation in the country. According to the statement, MoFA’s deputy minister for administrative and financial affairs, Dr Mohammad Naeem, the head of the Dawah and Guidance Department and several religious scholars discussed the objectives of the decree, its legal and social aspects, international reactions and the IEA’s policy on preventing narcotics. The statement said participants also highlighted the importance, impact and achievements of the decree in preventing the cultivation, production, trafficking and use of narcotics. Naeem said narcotics were a social challenge and their prevention was a shared responsibility of society. “Every member of society has a responsibility, particularly to think first about themselves and then their families, friends, surroundings and the wider community, and to contribute to public awareness efforts so that society can be protected from this dangerous problem,” he was quoted as saying. He said…