ISLAMABAD: Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Sweet Home and former Member of the National Assembly, Zamurd Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz), has called for urgent and coordinated measures to curb the growing spread of drug abuse among Pakistan’s youth, warning that the crisis poses a serious threat to the country’s future.In a statement, Zamurd Khan said the increasing number of young people falling victim to drugs was a matter of grave concern.
He identified deprivation, association with drug users and easy availability of narcotics as some of the major factors contributing to the growing problem.He stressed the need to empower young people through education, promote social and religious values, and build resilience among them to prevent drug addiction.Zamurd Khan said the government and relevant institutions must seriously examine how and why drug abuse has penetrated society, particularly educational institutions, and take immediate and decisive measures to prevent its further spread.He expressed concern over the easy availability of addictive substances, including painkillers, sedatives, sleeping pills and stimulants, often without proper medical authorization. He urged authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the misuse and illegal sale of such medicines.
He also appealed to the federal and provincial governments, as well as Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, to recognize the seriousness of the growing threat and enhance institutional support for combating drug abuse.Zamurd Khan noted that Pakistan’s armed forces have consistently played an important role in addressing national challenges, including natural disasters, internal security and nation-building, and said their support could also be valuable in tackling the drug crisis.He proposed launching a pilot project in Islamabad aimed at making the capital a drug-free city, with the model subsequently replicated across districts throughout the country. He emphasized that every district should establish clear targets and a comprehensive mechanism to combat drug abuse.
He further called for a nationwide emergency action plan based on accurate data regarding the number of affected individuals, their rehabilitation needs, prevention of relapse and their reintegration into society.Referring to international experiences, Zamurd Khan said Pakistan could learn from countries such as Singapore and New Zealand by adopting effective and comprehensive strategies to control drug abuse.He warned that continued delays and inaction could put an entire generation at greater risk, depriving society of talented young people who could otherwise contribute positively to national development.“Building a drug-free society and restoring dignity, purpose and stability among affected youth must become a national priority,” he said, stressing that collective and sustained efforts were essential to turning the goal of a drug-free Pakistan into a reality.
