ISLAMABAD:
With drug abuse escalating alarmingly in the country, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) involves “Boom Boom” Shahid Afridi to fight the menace making him the agency’s Goodwill Ambassador. Under the new responsibility, he will target the youth, particularly young boys. Afridi signed his official contract as UNODC’s Goodwill Ambassador here at Shalimar cricket ground on Monday.
After the signing ceremony, he told media that he would try to play his part and promote more youngsters to move towards not just cricket but other sports as well. “There are a lot of youngsters in Pakistan, who are de-tracking themselves and engaging into unhealthy activities. I will do my best to promote sports and other healthy activities,” he said.
UNODC’s representative Jeremy Douglas told The Express Tribune that Afridi was announced as UNODC’s Goodwill Ambassador two months back but due to his cricket commitments, he could not have a formal signing ceremony. Douglas added that the agency had looked into other options but Afridi seemed like the ideal candidate. “His portfolio is brilliant,” said Douglas. “Everybody knows him not just because of cricket but also his commercial endorsements.” He added that for the position, they had been looking for someone like him, who would have the ability to project the subject well in front of a large number of people. “His word is more powerful than that of politicians and so the impact is going to be greater,” he said.
While talking to The Express Tribune, Afridi said that he had his consultative meeting with the agency and suggested to start talking on the subject from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa region, which was badly affected by drug abuse. “Douglas told to me about Lahore and Karachi but I suggested to start from Peshawar because I belong to that area and there is a need to address the people of that province first. “We will reach out to schools and madrassas and talk closely to children,” he said, adding “I want to set an example for youngsters to move towards sports, not just cricket but other sports too.” He further added that a great responsibility lay on parents and teachers that need to guide children. However, as citizens of the Pakistan, he would said that this is everyone’s moral right and responsibility. Afridi said that this was a great opportunity for him to guide youngsters. “They are the future of this country and we need to get them to come on the right track and focus on which ever profession they wish to pursue,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2012.
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