THE Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) in a crackdown on drug supply in educational institutions of twin cities, seized 2.4 kg of hashish from an accused who was a student of BS Computer Science at a local university. During investigation, the accused confessed to supplying drugs in different university campuses and hostels.

There have been reports regarding growing use of drugs by teenagers, particularly college boys and university students across the country, however the educational institutions in big cities particularly have now become much more notorious from this perspective.

Drug smuggling is a significant concern in our society, wherein, the country’s geographic location plays a crucial role in ever growing trade, trafficking and abuse of drugs. Drug addiction has grown in our society at an unprecedented speed, with 6.7 million users and over 4 million addicts, which is one the highest numbers for any country in the world. The issue of drug addiction casts a shadow over the societal fabric of our country. Meanwhile, drug sales and use in educational institutions are a hindrance to educational attainment and cause serious harm to teaching activities and the environment in educational institutions. Currently, drug addiction is seriously hurting Pakistani society with millions of drug users causing multiple issues ranging from health crises, social disintegration, economic challenges, law and order issues and a sharp rise in crimes.

On the other hand, the drug trade is a significant source of income for organized crimes including terrorism and fuels corruption in politics and governmental affairs. The menace of drug abuse has spread all out Pakistan while youth clubs, schools and universities are prime targets of the drug dealers that pose a grave risk to our society.

Addressing drug abuse requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond traditional measures and simple law enforcement as a significant chunk of our population, particularly the youth have fallen prey to this curse.

There is a need for the adoption of multifaceted approaches, including prevention and awareness about the risks involved in drug use, the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, legislative and preventive measures. Intelligence sharing and coordination by the ANF should strengthen cooperation with neighbouring states, alongside robust policing and pre-emptive strategies. This comprehensive approach will effectively curb the menace of drug trafficking and drug abuse sustainably in our society once and for all.

—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.

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