DRUG addiction is increasing at an alarming rate. The number of addicts is mounting at the rate of 40,000 per year making Pakistan as one of the most drug affected countries in the world. The figure of presence of seven million drug addicts in the country revealed by Prime Minister Imran Khan whilst addressing an event on Monday clearly indicates as to how serious the situation is and efforts are required on a war footing especially the government’s commitment to save our society from this curse which is not less dangerous than that of terrorism.
The Prime Minister also announced that a robust strategy would be devised soon to check drug abuse amongst youth and save the future generations. He said relevant ministries including education and health would be taken on board to chalk out the policy in view of the growing trend of drug abuse at educational institutions. Indeed this menace is consuming our lives and we need a durable solution. Apart from taking a full fledged operation against the drug mafias and cutting the supply lines, both the education and health ministries indeed have a very important role to win the war against this menace. It is only through education that the hazards of drugs can be battled. Given the high prevalence of drug addiction at the educational institutions, it is important that the youth should be taught through curriculum about the harm and effects of drugs. Both the parents and the teachers have an important role to play in this regard. Tobacco is the leading risk factor towards the drug use, in fact it is a first step towards this menace and the parents must keep an eye on their children to save them from destroying their lives. Mass awareness campaigns should also be launched to sensitize the youth about the hazards of narco-drugs. Then, there should also be better treatment facilities in hospitals for drug addicts. We will rather suggest the establishment of special rehabilitation centres for these addicts across the country that should help them become productive citizens of the country.
