WORLD DRUG DAY: Investing in prevention

Islamabad: Each year on June 26th the world comes together to raise awareness on addressing the global rise in drug use and abuse and so it was in Islamabad as people from all walks of life gathered at F-9, Fatima Jinnah Park to commemorate International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or ‘World Drug Day,’ which was jointly organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; World Health Organisation; Ministry of Narcotics Control; Anti-Narcotics Force and the Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation (KKAWF), says a press release.

The UNODC theme this year was, ‘The Evidence is clear: Invest in Prevention,’ a testament that central to addressing the drug problem is the imperative to adopt an approach that prioritizes early prevention awareness and education among the young population in the country.

Speaking on the occasion Cristina von Sperling Afridi, chairperson KKAWF said that drugs, as part of organised crime are recognised now as a national security threat in Pakistan. “It is time that we in Pakistan should collectively focus on the power of prevention to educate our school going teenagers on the dangers of indulging in the use of recreational drugs.”

The Director General Anti-Narcotics Force, Country head UNODC, Jeremy Milsom, Secretary Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, representatives from World Health Organisation and AIRCOP also drew attention to implementing drug prevention strategies to ensure a better future for Pakistan.

Message of UN Goodwill Ambassador, Shahzad Roy was shared as well. The attendees walked and peddled from Baradari at F-10 entrance to F-9 park gate. Mementos and banners made the event lively as attendees enthusiastically participated and showed their support for this vital cause.