Islamabad, Feb. 25 : Drug trafficking in Pakistan may witness an upsurge as security forces are preoccupied with tackling terrorism in the country. This is what the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) of the country fears.

The Joint Director (intelligence) of Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), Zegham Khan told a Senate Standing Committee on Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis that it was difficult to curb drug trafficking due to a shortage of manpower.

He said that without the help of the Frontier Constabulary (FC) and the army, it was virtually impossible to tackle the menace.

"With 1,962 personnel, it was not possible for the ANF to curb drug trafficking. Without the help of the Frontier Constabulary (FC) and army, the provincial governments could not eradicate poppy cultivation, as the security forces were engaged in fighting the war against terrorism," The Daily Times quoted Khan, as saying.

Khan also informed that poppy is being cultivated on 4,000 hectares of land in Pakistan in the current year.

Concerned by the situation, the Senate Standing Committee unanimously asked the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to enhance the ANF strength, provide it all the help needed. (ANI)