Opinion
 
Time to ensure a drug-free Pakistan
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March 02, 2012
Drug abuse has plagued our society and young generation. With the passage of time it is growing apace. It’s necessary for the government, authorities concerned and the civil society especially to not let the grass grow under their feet and make Pakistan a drug-free country.

According to Syed Zulfiqar Hussain, a consultant working with the Anti Narcotics Campaign, the number of drug users in Pakistan has gone up from 50,000 in 1980 to 8.1 million in 2011. Every year, at least 50,000 more people get addicted to different kinds of drugs. On average, an addict spends between Rs3,000 and Rs3,300 on drugs in Pakistan. These figures are alarming; we have to take some concrete measures before it’s too late. Unfortunately, almost 60% of drug users are educated, young people — mostly at schools, colleges and universities. It means the future of Pakistan is in danger. According to the National Survey of Drug Abuse, hashish was the most common drug in Pakistan commonly used by university students.

Pakistan’s proximity with Afghanistan has led to this situation. Most of its provinces close to Pakistan are major producers and exporters of drugs, opium etc. According to some estimates, the quantity of opium consumed in Pakistan has gone up to 80 million tonnes, which is more than the quantity consumed in India i.e. 67 million tonnes. According to some estimates, every year an estimated 210 million people use drugs and almost 200,000 die. According to the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime’s annual drug report, Pakistan’s annual heroin market is worth $1.2 billion. It is estimated that by 2010, total drug users in the country reached nine million, out of which 1.5 million use opium, 750,000 are heroin addicts and 200,000 are drug-injecting users while 75,000 addicts are also suffering from HIV/AIDS. Pakistan is major transit route for Afghan drugs. This is the major reason of high rate of drug abuse in Pakistan.

There are many other factors which contribute to the increase of drug abuse in Pakistan. Those are increased availability of drugs at low prices, lack of jobs and economic frustration, lack of proper interest in education, Peer pressure, negligence of parents, existence and operation of drug dens, lack of drug education within the family and in educational institutions and lack of concern on the part of community leaders.

Most of Pakistanis believe this menace should be curbed. According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 61 per cent believe that use of narcotics has increased in the country while 71 per cent believe that addicts should be given medical care.

The nuisance is getting momentum in Pakistan as is evident from the recent incident in which the Anti Narcotics Force seized its largest ever heroin cache of almost 375kg worth an estimated $44 million. This shows the level of engagement of drug traffickers in Pakistan. This case is an eye-opener for our decision makers.

Drug abuse has wide-ranging implications not only for the user, but also for the whole community. These implications are worsening health situation. These drug addicts are more prone to higher risk of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B & C, tuberculosis, suicide, overdose deaths and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore married drug addicts have high probability of having mentally retarded and physically handicapped children. Drug use deteriorates the balance of a society and crime rate soars with the passage of time. Drug abuse causes economic breakdown of a family, loss of self-confidence and will to work, loss of job, indulgence in crimes such as theft, and suicidal thoughts. It is also a major threat to our young generation. According to some estimates, one of every tenth college/university students is a drug addict. It is imperative for the government to understand the gravity of situation and take following steps to curb this hazard from Pakistani society.

1. An awareness campaign should be launched by the government with the help of electronic and print media. Series of seminars, conferences and talks should be held throughout Pakistan.

2. Pakistan must also join hands with international organisations like WHO and UNODC and seek their help to mitigate this threat.

3. Revitalization of law-enforcement agencies is also vital to this campaign. These agencies should be equipped with modern weapon and equipment.

4. The government should also devise strict laws and improve their enforcement to curb drug trafficking in Pakistan.

5. The civil society should also play its due role; without their help it is impossible to overcome this problem. They can identify drug peddlers, drug suppliers in society. They must come forward and fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies.

6. Teachers of schools, Madressahs, colleges and universities should also counsel their students and must have periodic lectures on this issue.

7. Parents should also come forward and keep check on their kids, their activities and movement. Negligence of parents could be fatal for the future of their children.

8. Pakistan’s security forces, especially ANF and forces deployed at the Afghan border should take extra measures to enhanced vigilance and curb illicit trafficking.

9. Augment observation at airports in Pakistan. Many cases of drug trafficking has been reported in the recent past. Many Haj bound passengers were caught for drug trafficking, many Europe, Middle East and Africa bound passengers were also involved in the drug trafficking.

10. It is necessary for the school, college and university’s administration to increase vigilance and must have proper check on students residing hostels.

11. The government must provide more addiction treatment facilities in order to treat drugs related patients.

12. More recreational facilities should be created to take the youth off the drugs and engage them in positive, healthy activities.

All these steps should be taken on an emergency basis; any laxity in this regard would be considered as a criminal negligence. We cannot afford to have a major chunk of young generation suffering from drug abuse. Now is the time for the government, civil society, teachers, media and parents to come forward and work collectively towards a peaceful, healthy and drug-free Pakistan.

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