Substance abuse: Tribespeople to destroy smugglers’ houses

Jirga issues warning, saying those involved in narcotics trade will be banished from area

GHALLANAI: The Haleemzai tribe in Mian Mandi area of Ghallanai announced a ban on the sale and purchase of drugs. It also announced that houses of those who engage in the narcotics trade will be demolished or burnt down. The announcement was made during a jirga held by tribal elders of Haleemzai tehsil in Ghallanai, Mohmand Agency on Saturday.

Tribal elders Malik Amer Nawaz Khan and Malik Sahib Daad decried the narcotics trade. Amer said, “Use of illicit drugs is a silent killer of our youth.” Malik Rabat Khan, who runs an organisation to combat substance abuse in the area, asked the jirga to raise its voice over the issue. He said those who sell drugs are working against the development of Pakistan’s youth. “The tribal areas are known in the world for narcotics trade after militancy. The problem must be combatted,” Rabat said. He added the political administration rendered its support to the organisation by conducting raids against those engaged in drug trafficking. The jirga later warned those involved in the narcotics trade that their houses will be burnt down or demolished if they are caught. They will also be banished from the area, the elders concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2016.