The Balochistan Assembly has approved a resolution to hold a two-hour debate in the upcoming session on the alarming rise in heroin addiction in the province.
The resolution was tabled by MPA Zafar Agha, who emphasized the urgency of addressing the drug epidemic that has gripped Balochistan.
During the session Provincial Chief Jamaat-e-Islami, Maulana Hidayatur Rahman, strongly criticized the Balochistan government and law enforcement agencies for their failure to eradicate narcotics from the region.
"Drug addiction is not just an individual problem; it is a societal curse that is spreading like wildfire. Authorities have failed to curb its menace, and the situation is worsening by the day," he stated.
Rahman further claimed that the number of drug addicts in Balochistan has surpassed one million mark, a figure that remains unverified by government sources.
"The actual number of addicts is far higher than what officials admit. We need immediate action, not empty promises," he added.
Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani and Asfandyar Khan Kakar also voiced concern over the devastating impact of narcotics on youth, calling for stricter policies to tackle the crisis.
"Drugs are destroying our future generations. If we do not act now, we will lose an entire generation to addiction," Raheela said.
Asfandyar however stressed the need for rehabilitation centers and comprehensive awareness campaigns.
"Instead of merely punishing addicts, we should focus on their treatment and reintegration into society," he remarked.
Another lawmaker, Fazal Qadir Mandokhail, highlighted the link between drug trafficking and organized crime, urging stronger enforcement measures.
"Drug cartels operate with impunity because there is little political will to dismantle their networks. We need strict laws and their proper implementation," he stated.
He also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to combat cross-border smuggling.
"If we do not coordinate with neighboring provinces and countries, this battle against narcotics will remain ineffective," he warned.
Several other lawmakers also expressed their views, agreeing that drug addiction has become a major public health crisis in Balochistan.
The upcoming debate is expected to bring forth proposals for stricter legislation, enhanced rehabilitation efforts, and better enforcement strategies to combat the growing drug problem in the province.
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