ISLAMABAD, Aug 2 (APP): Ms Michele J. Sison, Charge d’ Affairs, US Embassy Tuesday said the year (1999) was a "banner year" for Pakistan’s counter Narcotics efforts in general and for the Anti Narcotics force ANF in particular. "This achievement is the reason for which President Clinton granted Pakistan full certification for counter narcotics in 1999," she said at a simple but impressive ceremony held at Anti Narcotics Force Headquarters to confer Performance Awards on outstanding ANF officials. Muhammad Aziz Khan, Secretary Narcotics Control Division was the co-chief guests on the occasion who distributed awards.

Ms Sison said it was privilege to honour these dedicated and brave individuals who were responsible for the Anti Narcotics Force’s achievements in 1999. The first six months of this year are equally impressive, providing further evidence of the continued commitment by the Government of Pakistan to respond to the growing menace of drug trafficking from Afghanistan, she remarked. The US Charge d’ Affaires further said the close personal and professional relationships that exist between two countries would get further strengthened in the years ahead. Earlier, Secretary Narcotics Control Division, Muhammad Aziz Khan in his address, acknowledged the assistance being rendered by the US government through Narcotics Affairs Section to assist Pakistan in countering the menace of narcotics in Pakistan. He said the relationship between two countries in this field was an epitome of mutual cooperation and coordination at its best, that would grow further in future. In his welcome address, Major General Zafar Abbas, Director General ANF recalled the achievements of the Anti Narcotics Force. Sepoy Muhammad Mushtaq and Naib Subedar Saber Hussain Shah were awarded Rs.100,000 and Rs.60,000 respectively for their brave and fruitful actions against drug traffickers. A large number of foreign diplomats and senior ANF and government officials attended the ceremony.