DRUG abuse in Sindh is a grave threat to the future of the young generation. It demands urgent and strong intervention from the state and the public. The caretaker government is taking action against drug dealers in the districts, mainly those who sell Gutka and Mawa, but that is not sufficient. This problem needs a holistic strategy, lasting remedies and tougher laws.
Drug abuse is a menace that is ruining our young generation and causing outbreak of diseases. It also leads to various social and economic issues such as, violence, poverty and terrorism. The World Drug Report 2022 states that drug consumption has risen sharply in Pakistan, particularly cannabis and opioids. The high numbers of drug users, especially in Sindh province call for urgent and effective actions to curb and treat drug abuse. The current caretaker government is doing a commendable job and the efforts of the district authorities and the police of Sindh are also noticeable and will surely benefit the society, economy and youth. The government should spend more on drug prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services. Public education campaigns should also be initiated to warn the youth about the harms of drug consumption. Law enforcement agencies should be empowered to halt drug smuggling and supply and assist those who want to leave the drug addiction.
Society has a vital part in this issue. Communities, families and schools must foster a culture that discourages drug consumption and encourages a healthy lifestyle. They should also offer help for healing and sober living for those who want to overcome addiction. To defeat this drug menace, the government and the society need to collaborate a diversified strategy and devise adopted to protect the future of the youth of Sindh from this perilous practice.
Another crucial issue that I want to highlight is the high interest rate on loans, which the government should also address and oversee and take preventive measures. This is a grave issue in Sindh province. Many impoverished people are stuck in the debt cycle and are abused by some dishonest lenders who exploit their inability to use formal banking facilities.
The worst hit areas are Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Badin and Umerkot, where people are mortgaging their valuable jewellery, land, animals or even their check books and ATM cards and getting loans at 10 to 15 percent interest. This has resulted in a rise in the suicide rate among farmers or poor who fail to pay back their loans. As per official data, 316 people have committed suicide in Thar from 2021 to 2023.
The Sindh Private Loan Bill, a historic legislation passed in February 2023, is a commendation to the former Sindh government. This law also shields borrowers from intimidation by lenders. The law states that people who use these practices can face 10 years of jail and a penalty of 10 lakh rupees. The law enables severe legal measures against private financiers and authorizes the district officials and the police to act against them. This law will have positive outcomes if it is fully enforced. Drug abuse and usury are both vices that hurt everyone in some way. We need to join forces to save our youth from these perils and secure the well-being of our province and country.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
Email: [email protected]
views expressed are writer’s own.
