KARACHI:
Drug trade and consumption is an illegal and harmful activity worldwide, including Pakistan. According to a national survey, 4.25 million people in Pakistan are known to use various illegal drugs, with heroin and cocaine being the most prevalent. Much of these illegal drugs are transported from Afghanistan that involves smuggling of one or the other kind in and through Pakistan.
Furthermore, a research article published in 2020 indicates that the first step towards drug addiction often begins with smoking. Many individuals turn to drugs due to unemployment or involvement in illicit activities, leading to anxiety and depression, which ultimately drive them towards addiction. In addition to mental health, social neglect is another major cause that pushes people, especially youngsters, to find recourse in drug addiction and the social company involved in it. The government must take immediate and decisive action to combat drug sellers, raise awareness among people and establish rehabilitation centres to address this growing crisis.
Mahnaz Barkat
Turbat
Published in The Express Tribune, March 26th, 2024.
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