Over 150 held as anti-drug campaign launched

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government launched a rigorous, citywide crackdown to make the province drug-free, detaining over 150 drug addicts, including women and children, on the first day of the drive.

The arrests were made from University Road, Karkhano Market and Hayatabad Industrial Road. An official communique said the operation had been launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and the supervision of Peshawar Division Commissioner Riaz Khan Mahsud to clear Peshawar of addicts by November 14.

“This initiative is part of our unwavering commitment to reclaiming public spaces and ensuring a drug-free future for Peshawar’s residents,” Riaz Mahsud said.. He added, “Our teams are dedicated to reaching every corner of the city, and the response from the community has been overwhelmingly supportive.”