559 addicts died in 2023: report

LAHORE : The use of drugs substantially increased in year 2023, as at least 559 people lost their lives in the streets, gardens and footpaths in the City.

‘The use of drugs increased among men and women as ice meth seemed popular drug among youth during the last year,’ reveals Dissemination of Annual Report 2023 – ‘Addiction in Lahore’ compiled by Drug Advisory Training Hub (DATH) in collaboration with YOCFAN. The Anti-Drugs/Narcotics Campaign, Consultant, Syed Zulfiqar Hussain, Secretary Adeel Rashid, Mohsin Zulfiqar and others were present.

While presenting the annual report here Thursday, Syed Zulfiqar Hussain said that 40 percent demand of drugs increased among youth through WhatsApp groups, online and mobile. Crystal Ice, STC, LSD tablets, Heroin, Naswar, E-Cigarette, Cigarette, Charas have not been decreased during 2023 but still Crystal Ice, which is a form of drug methamphetamine, remains favourite among young people. He said that 20,000 injections were sold on the streets of Lahore on a daily basis, in the year 2023, at least 559 homeless and unidentified drug addicts lost their lives in City. Syed Zulfiqar Hussain said that Lahore is a capital City and cultural hub of Punjab; about 13 million people are living here. Population-wise Lahore is second biggest city of Pakistan after Karachi, where the drugs/narcotics are being sold freely. There are 110 plus most affected areas where addicts are seen injecting drugs without any fear.

The areas, including Roshani Gate, Taxali Gate, Masti Gate, Data Darbar areas, Ali Park, Royal Park, Sabza Zar, Tokhar Niaz Baig, Lal Pul, Mughalpura, Dharampura, Kot Lakhpat, Badami Bagh, Data Nagar, Shahdara, Imamia Colony, Wahdat Road, Lakshmi Chowk, Khana Main Road, Nisbat Road, Railway Station, General Bus Stand areas, Muslim Town Mor, Ghari Shahu Road, Ganga Ram Chowk, Regal Chowk, Chauburji and Yateem Khan Chowk remained the main hub for drug addiction.

He said that the dissolution of marriages was a big social issue during 2023, as at least 6,096 women got divorce through Khula in 274 Union Councils of Lahore District. The reason was drug addict husband, violence against women and other issues.