Special education minister vows to create drug awareness across Balochistan

Baloch says rehabilitation centres to be set up in Panjgur, Bela and Loralai

QUETTA: The Balochistan government is working hard to spread awareness about drug addiction and also setting up rehabilitation centres, a provincial minister has said.

“Young people are a valuable asset. It’s necessary to inform them about drug addiction and other social evils. That is the vision of the provincial government,” said Social Welfare, Human Rights and Special Education Minister Mir Asadullah Baloch.

He was addressing a ceremony organised by the Institute for the Treatment and Social Welfare of Drugs Addicts Department. “Drug addiction is a major problem swallowing our younger generation,” he added.

“The social and economic structure of the country is being adversely because of drugs. The social welfare department is working hard to overcome this challenge.

Baloch said the awareness campaign would be extended to all parts of the province. Besides, more treatment and rehabilitation centres would be set up.

“The treatment and rehabilitation centre in Quetta has earned a reputation for its excellent performance and effective results,” he noted.

“The government will establish centres in Panjgur, Bela and Loralai as well.”

The minister said the society needed to be informed that drugs are not a path to salvation, but that of destruction. “Drugs not only destroy the individual but their family as well.”

Speaking on the occasion, the social welfare secretary said besides the government, it was also the responsibility of other segments of the society to raise awareness about the menace of drug addiction.

Later, the youngsters who attended the event and participated in a competition were awarded prizes and certificates. The minister announced Rs100,000 for the Horizon Foundation and its students.

Musa Langove, the director of the organisation, presented a commemorative shield to the minister and the social welfare secretary on behalf of the institution.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2019.