In Pakistan, the primary legal framework for drug control is established by two federal laws from 1997: the Control of Narcotic Substances Act (CNSA) and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Act. Together, these laws define offences, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms for narcotic and psychotropic substances.
1. Control of Narcotic Substances Act (CNSA), 1997
The CNSA is the substantive law governing narcotics in Pakistan. It defines prohibited activities, prescribes penalties, and sets rules for special cases.
Prohibited Activities:
Cultivation and production of narcotics
Possession, sale, or purchase of drugs
Trafficking and distribution of controlled substances
Possession of controlled chemicals
Penalties:
Small quantities: Up to 2 years imprisonment and/or fines
Large quantities: Life imprisonment or death (e.g., heroin >6kg since 2022)
Educational institutions: Maximum penalties if drugs are sold near schools or colleges
Special Provisions:
Asset freezing and forfeiture for profits derived from trafficking
Strict penalties for synthetic drugs, including methamphetamine (“Ice”)
2. Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Act, 1997
The ANF Act establishes the Anti-Narcotics Force as the primary enforcement body for drug laws.
Mandate:
Investigate, inquire, and prosecute drug-related offences nationwide
Operate under the Ministry of Narcotics Control
Powers & Structure:
Functions like a police force
Authority to establish its own stations
Dual role in law enforcement and drug demand reduction (rehabilitation, awareness programs)
Recent Legal Developments (2025–2026)
Provincial vs Federal Law: Supreme Court (early 2026) ruled that federal CNSA 1997 prevails over provincial laws in case of conflict
Punjab Control of Narcotic Substances Act 2025: Tailored provincial law addressing local drug challenges, especially synthetic drugs like Ice
Summary Table: Key Features
Law / Act Purpose Key Provisions Penalties / Powers
CNSA 1997 Defines drug offences & penalties Ban on cultivation, trafficking, possession; asset forfeiture Up to death for large quantities; max penalty near schools
ANF Act 1997 Enforcement & rehabilitation Investigation, prosecution, public awareness Police powers, nationwide jurisdiction, demand reduction programs
Punjab CNSA 2025 Provincial enforcement Target synthetic drugs, regional enforcement Localized sentencing, stricter Ice penalties
Conclusion
Pakistan’s drug control framework combines strict legal penalties with proactive enforcement through the ANF. Recent updates emphasize federal supremacy in law, the emergence of provincial regulations, and special attention to synthetic drugs.
This framework ensures both punitive action against traffickers and rehabilitative measures for demand reduction.
