Shehzad Roy

Pakistani singer and social activist, Shehzad Roy, has been designated as an official National Goodwill Ambassador for United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Yury Fedotov, UNODC Executive Director, congratulated and appreciated the veteran singer and social worker by saying;

“Throughout his career as a singer, social worker and a humanitarian, Mr. Roy has shown an unwavering commitment to tackling illicit drugs.”

He added:

“His position as one of Pakistan’s most famous singers, his enduring popularity with young people, and his energy and undoubted talent, will help UNODC publicize the dangers of drug abuse.”

All honoured, Shehzad expressed his gratitude by tweeting:

Shehzad Roy has previously received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2005, a civil honour, for his efforts in the public service sector. He was also honoured with the ‘Sitara-e-Eisaar’ in 2006 for his NGO’s work for the rehabilitation of the victims of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.

The singer spoke on this occasion:

“I have been following UNODC’s work even before joining them as a Goodwill Ambassador. Their work is commendable in the fields of criminal justice, drug demand reduction and HIV/AIDS prevention. These things are close to my heart especially when children are concerned, and I will give my all to my new role as National Goodwill Ambassador for Pakistan.”

He has been appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for 2 years. During his tenure, Shehzad will work on various UNODC goals including criminal justice and drug demand reduction.

Roy said:

“It is disheartening to see children imprisoned for petty crimes or drugs ruining the lives of young people. If I can help one child out of prison or convince just one boy or girl to turn away from drugs, I feel proud that I have made a difference.”

Many celebrities and social workers came forward to congratulate Shehzad Roy on this achievement. 

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