Siddeeq appointed chair of National Drug Agency

Ahmed Siddeeq has been appointed chairperson of the National Drug Agency (NDA) yesterday.

Siddeeq, formerly a state minister in the Home Ministry, succeeds Lubna Zahir Hussain, who held the post since June 13 last year and was transferred to the Foreign Ministry two months ago.

NDA, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is responsible for tackling drug abuse, trafficking, and peddling, as well as developing and implementing national policies to combat drug-related crime, violence, and health issues. Its primary mandate also includes treating and rehabilitating drug users.

However, the public has long criticized the agency for failing to fully meet its responsibilities, particularly in the area of rehabilitation, leaving drug-related challenges unresolved.