ISLAMABAD: The Senate’s Functional Committee on Human Rights was informed by Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) officials that nearly 17 million young people, aged 18 to 31, are struggling with drug addiction across Pakistan.
This alarming figure came to light during a meeting chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, where the committee reviewed the growing prevalence of drug use among students and the measures taken to address it.
ANF representatives noted that, following directives from the Prime Minister, a nationwide drug awareness campaign was launched in 237 universities starting in February 2024. As part of this initiative, not only were widespread addiction patterns discovered, but the ANF also identified 31 drug dealers and seized 140 kilograms of illegal substances.
Despite these efforts, committee members expressed concern over the absence of scientific data explaining why drug abuse is increasing among students. They emphasized the importance of data-driven strategies to better combat the crisis.
Senator Zehri criticized the lack of public awareness initiatives, stating she had not seen any media campaigns by the Ministry that highlighted the harmful effects of drugs. She also raised concerns about the unchecked sale of vapes in Islamabad, urging authorities to take serious action. The senator requested a comparative report evaluating the outcomes of ministry-led campaigns for the next meeting.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC), recommended that awareness programs be introduced at the school level, involving teachers and parents. She also pointed out that reduced recreational activity among students may be contributing to their vulnerability to substance abuse.
Representatives from the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) shared the measures being implemented in 432 public educational institutions across Islamabad. These include random drug checks, a dedicated curriculum on the dangers of drug use, and mental health support programs run in collaboration with Taskeen App and Umre Rawan.
The committee instructed the FDE to submit all educational materials covering drug awareness for review in the upcoming session.
Read more: ANF Burns 15 Tons of Seized Narcotics in Punjab
Providing further data, DIG Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) reported that 78 drug-related cases had been registered from 2023 onward, leading to the arrest of 735 suspects and the seizure of 131 kilograms of drugs. He also shared details of the “Friends of Police” initiative, which engages civil society and business communities to raise awareness among youth.
Sharmeela Rassool, Deputy Representative for UNICEF Pakistan, also briefed the committee on the organization’s work to improve child welfare nationwide. She highlighted a collaborative effort with the Punjab government that led to notable improvements in child nutrition levels.
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