Fighting abuse: Drug-free model cities to be set up

Comprehensive programme to educate people about drug abuse to be launched by Ministry of Narcotics.

ISLAMABAD: In a quest to rid Pakistan of drug abuse, the government decided to establish drug-free cities in each province as models for others.

A comprehensive programme to educate people across the country about drug abuse will be launched by the Ministry of Narcotics Control, said an official on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Interior in collaboration with provincial jail departments will also develop special training and treatment programmes on substance abuse and drug related HIV/AIDS prevention and rehabilitation, he said.

He added that Adyala Jail has been selected as the first model of a “drug-free jail.”

“Drug-free schools will also follow,” he said, and solicited the support of provincial governments for these projects.

Lahore has been selected as the first model drug-free city for which a comprehensive plan has been evolved by the Ministry of Narcotics Control and the Punjab government.

The official said the campaign will be pursued through mass education involving parents, teachers, students, religious leaders, health workers and social workers.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2010.