KKAWF calls for investing more in prevention efforts to address new & complex challenges of drug abuse
On the eve of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026, the Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation brought together policy makers, enforcement agencies, diplomats, youth, educationists and civil society at the Centaurus Mall to raise awareness on addressing the global rise in drug use and abuse.
The awareness event held in the main lobby Atrium of Centaurus Mall pulled a large number of youth, families, particularly students who took keen interest in the advocacy pamphlets and brochures distributed by the KKAWF members and volunteers.
On the occasion while presenting the findings from the World Drug Report 2026, released by UN Office on Drugs and Crime on June 26th, KKAWF CEO, Cristina von Sperling Afridi said that despite worldwide recognition and seizures, global drug use has reached record high with an estimated 331 million people having used drugs in 2024, equivalent to 6.2 per cent of the world’s population aged 15 to 64, up from 5.2 per cent a decade ago. Our main worry is that increasingly potent synthetic drugs are spreading and reshaping illicit markets and exposing vulnerable youth to greater health risks. In 2024, authorities identified 755 new psychoactive substances, including 118 reported for the first time, she said.
Other speakers at the gathering included Regional Commander Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Brigadier Hasan Awan, CEO Centaurus, Sardar Yasir Ilyas, UNODC Representative Ms Rizwana, DIG Jawad Tariq, Joint Secretary Ministry of Narcotics Control Akhlaque Qureshi, Ambassador of Portugal Mr Paolo Domingues, Ambassador of Austria, Mr Wolfgang Oliver Kutschera and member National Football Team Eman Fayyaz.
The speakers were of the view that urgency to implement evidence-based prevention responses in educational institutions has never been greater in light of reports showing 17 million youth between 18 – 30 being drug users (ANF, 2025), 53pc of university students used drugs (2022) and drugs hitting every fourth household in the city of Karachi. Pakistan has to tackle many fronts-the challenge now includes synthetic drugs, online markets, new substances, organized crime networks, public health strain and the safety of communities.
In her remarks Cristina called for youth to come forward to team sports for building resilience and keeping away from harms of drugs. Towards the end, a series of activities including screening of KKAWF short film “Drive”, inspirational Skits performed by local youth groups, distribution of advocacy material, interactive booths featuring quizzes, and photo-op spot.
