Detained addicts suffering from HIV, HCV

As many as 44 test positive for such diseases

PESHAWAR:

Drug addicts in the city have been affected by fatal diseases such as HIV and HCV. These individuals have been transferred to Islamabad for treatment.

As part of the "Drug-Free Peshawar" campaign, infected individuals, taken into custody, will be sent to Islamabad for treatment. Out of the 494 individuals in custody, 26 tested positive for HIV/AIDS, and 18 for HCV.

Additionally, many showed skin and dental issues, which can be treated at rehabilitation centres where they will receive care.

Meanwhile, under the leadership of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Peshawar Division Commissioner Riaz Khan Mehsud, the "Drug-Free Peshawar" campaign continued on Sunday.

More than 100 addicts were taken into custody and moved to rehabilitation centres, bringing the total number close to 500.

Among those detained were eight women and six children. The operation was conducted in areas like Gulbahar, Haji Camp Adda, GT Road, and major graveyards in Peshawar.

According to Peshawar Commissioner Riaz Khan, major gatherings of addicts in areas like factories, Hayatabad, the Peshawar-to-Hayatabad railway track, and University Road have been cleared. Efforts are ongoing to detain those who fled from these areas to fully cleanse the city.

Elderly individuals between the ages of 60 and 76 were also among those taken into custody.