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asy access to drugs, exposure to social media, parental neglect and the lack of an environment conducive to healthy and wholesome activities are cited as major factors behind the rising trend of addiction among the youth. Peer pressure, academic anxiety and parental expectations are also contributing to the menace.
Drug Free Peshawar drive, a three-pronged cleanup operation that targeted drug manufacturers, dealers and traffickers, was launched under the directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Riaz Mehsud, the Peshawar division commissioner, oversaw the campaign launched by a team from Excise Police, Peshawar division, Anti-Narcotics Force and the Social Welfare Department. It was completed in three phases.
Over 3,500 drugs addicts were picked up from various neighbourhoods and admitted to eight rehab centres in the city. The treatment facilities were paid for under the Sehat Card initiative. An official statement said efforts were being made to reduce the relapse rate.
According to official data released recently, 1,141 kg of various narcotics including crystal meth worth Rs 2 billion were seized and burnt down. The Excise Police confiscated 2,952 kg of hashish, 13 kg of crystal meth, 105 kg of heroin and 2,048 liters of liquor. 238 individuals involved in the illegal business were also arrested .
Dr Azlan Aslam, the additional SHO of Excise Police, Peshawar division, who led the Drug Free Peshawar drive said, “the most worrying thing is that students are becoming addicted to narcotics. The drugs are commonplace in schools, colleges and universities.”
“That is why, under the Drug-Free Peshawar campaign, we organised a series of talks in educational institutions to raise awareness about this menace,” he said.
Unfortunately, most of the parents and teachers are unaware that children are falling prey to addiction. All stakeholders, including parents, law enforcement and religious scholars, need to step up efforts to address the urban drug problem. Peshawar, a metropolitan city, is particularly vulnerable because of its proximity to tribal districts bordering Afghanistan.
Dr Azlan Aslam, additional SHO of Excise Police, Peshawar division, who led the Drug Free Peshawar drive said, “the most worrying thing is that students are becoming addicted to drugs. Narcotics are commonplace in schools, colleges and universities.”
Students Anti Drugs Society of Peshawar Public School and College, the lone semi government institution established 45 years ago in the city, arranged an interactive session with students hailing from Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including merged tribal districts. Dr Azlan Aslam and an alumnus of the institution delivered a talk. They discussed the reasons behind drug addiction, the enforcement challenges and the way forward. The talk was attended by students, faculty members and rights activists.
“Staying away from drugs, focusing on the future and participating in healthy activities can help the youth save their lives. This challenge must be countered through awareness drives and counseling sessions on the campuses.”
Talking about the way forward, Dr Azlan Aslam said that engaging students in sports and cultural activities while running a comprehensive awareness drive about drug addiction and its impacts on lives was key.
Prof Iftikhar Ahmad Khan, head of the institution, said that he and his team had already organized an awareness session on drug addiction. “We also offer career counselling and direct contact with parents and experts to provide ready assistance to students coming from diverse cultural backgrounds.”
Usman Dawar, president of the Students Anti-drugs Society and his team, including Tausif Khan, Raheel Khan, Jawad Khan and Hasamuddin Khilji, vowed to play their role in raising awareness on hazards of drug addiction.
Security chief, Prof Farmanullah Khalil, Prof Riaz Azam Khan and Prof Shamusddin Khan, also shared their ideas. Later, the head of the institution gave away souvenirs and commendation certificates in recognition of selfless services of the guest, Dr Azlan Aslam.
The interaction debate was followed by a Questions-Answers session.
The writer is a Peshawar-based journalist. He mostly writes on art, culture, education, youth and minorities. His X handle:Shinwar-9