Two deaths were reported from a renowned business school of Karachi, where the two deceased over consumed drugs
KARACHI: Recently the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) banned consumption of fizzy, carbonated drinks and instant juices in schools because the artificiality and the health conditions such drinks can possibly lead to. Undoubtedly, this is one good step the provincial government has taken which must be followed by other provinces too.
However, far more hazardous and deadly is the common use of drugs in educational institutions. Although the type and kind of drugs being used in government and private educational institutions varies, depending on the economic well-being of the student, getting access to any one kind of drug is no longer a task.
Recently, two deaths were reported from a renowned business school of Karachi, where the two deceased overconsumed drugs. According to a UN research, there are 7.6 million drug addicts in Pakistan with an annual rise of 40,000 every year, putting Pakistan at the top among countries with the highest number of drug addicts.
To counter the increasing drug use and abuse, particularly in educational institutions, strict action must be taken against schools turning a blind eye to drug abuse. The ministry and departments concerned must impose strict laws to control drug use in schools and track down the drug dealers supplying drugs to students. The government must formulate a policy and ensure its implementation across the country to deal with this menace efficiently.
Ahmed Hasnain
Published in The Express Tribune, August 15th, 2017.
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