Education institutes to be rid of drugs

Plan formulated for drug, beggar-free Peshawar

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has taken decisive action to eradicate drug abuse and beggary from educational institutions and the city of Peshawar.

Mashal Azam Yousafzai, Advisor to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Zakat, Ushar, Social Welfare, and Women Empowerment, has announced ambitious plans to transform Peshawar into a drug-free and beggar-free city, ensuring a safer and healthier society.

Chairing a meeting with Commissioner Peshawar Riaz Mehsud, Yousafzai emphasized the importance of preventing drug abuse and begging, directing efforts toward creating safe spaces like Zamong Kor and Darul Kafala to accommodate vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

Yousafzai further stressed the need for collaboration with international organizations to expand the capacity of Zamong Kor and provide comprehensive rehabilitation programs for drug addicts.

Additionally, she underscored the importance of ongoing monitoring and skills training for rehabilitated individuals to reintegrate them as productive members of society.

During the meeting, officials highlighted the success of previous campaigns, with over 2,397 individuals receiving treatment and support through drug rehabilitation centers.

Significant resources, totaling Rs189 million, were allocated to these initiatives, resulting in tangible progress towards a drug-free and beggar-free Peshawar.

Looking ahead, plans for Phase III of Drug Free Peshawar and Phase II of Beggars Free Peshawar were discussed, with a budget of Rs326 million allocated for the admission and rehabilitation of around two thousand individuals. The comprehensive approach aims to address root causes and provide sustainable solutions to combat drug abuse and begging in Peshawar.

Published in The Express Tribune May 3^rd, 2024.