More than 800,000 Pakistanis between ages of 15 and 64 use heroin regularly, says UNODC
\nPESHAWAR
\nThe KMU anti-tobacco and drug control committee in collaboration with the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Khyber Medical University (IPS-KMU) Peshawar and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) organized an awareness session on \u201cDrug abuse\u201d to spread awareness amongst the students about the harmful effects drugs cause to our mental, physical, social and economic lives, their illegality and the fierce enforcement taking place for countering the narcotics in Pakistan.
\nThe deputy director ANF KP Wajid Yousaf was the chief guest, while the dean of basic medical sciences Prof. Dr. Robina Nazli, Registrar KMU Mr. Inamullah Khan, director IPS Dr. Sami Siraj, chief proctor KMU Dr. Haji Bahadar, faculty and a large number of students were also present at the occasion.
\nThe deputy director of ANF KP Wajid Yousaf gave the introduction of the ANF and the countering areas where the ANF is deployed on the ground. He then shared certain alarming facts and figures about the drug\u2019s production and usage. He shared that the UNODC calculates that more than 800,000 Pakistanis between the ages of 15 and 64 use heroin regularly.
\nIt is also estimated that up to 44 tons of processed heroin are consumed annually in Pakistan. He highlighted the several causes observed in the young generations to go towards drug addiction.
\nThe main reasons include weakness in faith, depression, peer pressure, unintentional dependency of medicines, and lack of self-control, for experience and to enhance performance.
\nThe deputy director emphasized that drug abuse has grown from an essential domestic problem into a national and global threat. ANF as a force will leave no stone unturned to curb this menace and will fight against all odds to secure our next generation. He imperatively held the strengthening of faith as the practical solution for curbing drug abuse.
\nHe made recommendations of self-belief, self-control, reduction in communication gaps, strong family bonding, self-awareness and involvement in healthy activities as a workable way out to counter the drug\u2019s inclination. He suggested treating a drug addict as a patient and always being empathetic during his rehabilitation process.
\nThe chief guest asked the young students to pledge not to be diverted by any wrong company and to always uphold the esteem of their faith and their family.
\nHe assured the participants of complete support and cooperation from the Force and emphasized the role of educational institutes in the societal space to save the future of Pakistan from the curse of narcotics by highlighting \u201cEducation as a weapon against drugs\u201d within the ambit of \u201cshape\u201d strategy.
\nWhile talking to the session Dr. Sami Siraj and Dr. Haji Bahadar highlighted challenges posed to youth, the role of society, and academic institutions against drug abuse. They said performance anxiety and peer pressure emerged as core causes of addiction among young students.
\nThey said that keeping society safe from drug addiction is a shared national responsibility. They emphasized that drug abuse has grown from an essential domestic problem into a national and global threat. The experts said a completely drug-free society is the guarantee of a bright future for the young generation.
\nThe experts said that addiction to narcotics must be eradicated from its roots to safeguard the youth and prosperity of Pakistan. They emphasized the causes of effects of drug abuse.
\nDrug use can be reduced through public awareness seminars and campaigns. Experts recommended there should be awareness of the dangerous effects of narcotics in the youth of Pakistan. At the end of the session, a walk was also held, whereas Registrar KMU presented the chief guest with the university\u2019s souvenir, and certificates of appreciation were also awarded to the members of the organizing committee.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
More than 800,000 Pakistanis between ages of 15 and 64 use heroin regularly, says UNODC PESHAWAR The KMU anti-tobacco and drug control committee in collaboration with the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Khyber Medical University (IPS-KMU) Peshawar and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) organized an awareness session on \u201cDrug abuse\u201d to spread awareness amongst the students about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":337504,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-337493","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-peshawar"},"yoast_head":"\n