Drug problem

This refers to the article, ‘Drug problem’ (April 7) by Dr Cesar Chelala. The writer has rightly highlighted the increasing use of drugs in Afghanistan. A significant portion of our population has also been hit by the devastating effects of opium use, and the percentage is increasing because of a number of factors ranging from easy access to drugs to socioeconomic imbalance in society.

Studies have revealed that nearly six percent of the country’s adult population is addicted to drugs of which 78 percent are men and 22 percent are women. It is estimated that the majority of drug users in our country are between the age of 25 and 39 years. Intravenous drug use is also considerably high, with 430,000 people estimated to be injecting drugs in the country. Over the years, weak border management and lack of policies have made our country a transhipment point for 40 percent of the most addictive poppy derivative. The government should strictly monitor the movement of goods at Torkham and launch a mass awareness campaign in the country.

Razaullah Marwat

Peshawar