Drug Abuse in Schools: Will the Government Act Before It’s Too Late?
APP
Islamabad: In a stark warning to authorities, the President of the All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association (APPSCA), Malik Abrar Hussain, has sounded the alarm over the growing drug abuse problem among students, particularly from middle and upper-class backgrounds.
However, despite repeated concerns, the government’s response remains sluggish, failing to address this deepening crisis effectively.
Speaking to a news channel, Hussain underscored the need for collective action to curb the escalating drug menace in educational institutions.
He urged parents, teachers, and policymakers to take immediate steps to prevent further deterioration of the situation. Shockingly, recent estimates indicate that 20 to 30% of Pakistani youth are involved in drug-related activities, signaling a severe social and health crisis.
Policy Gaps Fuel Addiction
While Hussain emphasized the role of parents and educators in guiding children, his call for stricter policies and law enforcement raises questions about the government’s failure to combat drug trafficking and consumption effectively.
Despite widespread concerns, authorities have yet to implement comprehensive measures that address both prevention and rehabilitation.
Hussain pointed out that students frequently gather at “Chaye Khanas” (tea houses) and other social hangouts, where they are at risk of exposure to drugs. However, in the absence of regular monitoring, awareness campaigns, and strict enforcement, such spaces continue to serve as breeding grounds for addiction.
Ignoring a Looming Health Crisis
The consequences of unchecked drug abuse are severe, leading to mental health disorders, organ damage, and even fatalities among young individuals.
Despite these dire risks, Pakistan’s public health response remains woefully inadequate. Rehabilitation centers are scarce, awareness programs are ineffective, and law enforcement agencies have failed to dismantle the networks supplying drugs to students.
Hussain also called for utilizing social media platforms to spread awareness, but digital campaigns alone are not enough. Without tangible reforms in policy, strict regulation of drug distribution, and a proactive approach from educational institutions and law enforcement, the crisis will only escalate.
Will the Govt Finally Act?
The growing trend of drug abuse among Pakistan’s youth demands more than just statements from concerned stakeholders. The authorities must move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action.
Until comprehensive anti-drug policies are implemented and enforced, the country’s youth will remain vulnerable to this life-threatening epidemic.
The question remains: Will the government finally step up, or will Pakistan’s next generation continue to fall victim to drug abuse?
