Peshawar: Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s counter-violence and extremism department have launched an anti-drug campaign across universities and colleges in the region. The initiative aims to combat the growing issue of drug addiction among youth through coordinated efforts involving multiple government institutions.
Officials report a concerning increase in drug use among students and emphasize the collective role of society in addressing this issue. Government and non-governmental organizations working on drug prevention have revealed in their reports that drug addiction among youth in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is on the rise.
To tackle the problem, the department plans to establish committees in each educational institution. These committees will conduct blood testing to identify drug use among students. Speaking on the initiative, Ikramullah Khan, a senior official, said:
“We have received reports indicating that a significant number of students are addicted to drugs. We are focusing on educated youth because they can serve as role models for others. Our initial phase of work in universities and colleges is nearing completion. In the next phase, we will collect blood samples and have already sent forms to institutions to gather data.”
According to statistics from the Higher Education Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the province has 34 universities with approximately 250,000 students and 368 colleges accommodating around 280,430 students.
At a recent seminar on drug prevention held at Peshawar’s Agricultural University, experts highlighted the importance of staying away from drugs to safeguard both health and future prospects. Dr. Anwar Ali Shah, the head of the anti-drug agency, explained:
“Young people cannot be stopped by force, war, or coercion. Police, the military, and trade controls have their roles, but real change can only come through education and awareness. During today’s session, we reminded students of their responsibilities—not just to themselves, but to their families and society. If they succumb to drugs, it is not just their downfall but that of an entire community.”
Government reports indicate that drugs such as heroin, ice (methamphetamine), and cannabis are smuggled into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of Pakistan through neighboring Afghanistan.
A 2013 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) stated that 11% of the population in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is addicted to drugs, with over 4 million drug users across Pakistan.
This campaign underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to curb drug addiction and secure a brighter future for the region's youth.
