Summary Each year this day is observed on 26th of June.
(WebDesk) - Youth is considered as one of the pillars in the development of any society and the nation as a whole. However, the fateful, could-be promising, a substantial chunk of youth in Pakistan is already facing a slump. Financial crisis, joblessness, mental frustrations and identity crisis has led them into committing heinous crimes. When nothing felt better anymore, they took to drugs to find temporary comfort and within no time the people who were supposed to shape the future of the country were either dying or were restricted to the streets. Drug abuse became a serious issue.
The little hands that were supposed to carry books to schools started learning how to inject fluids in their own bodies. Year after year, drug addiction became grimmer and before one could register the seriousness of the scenario heroin became one of the most common and easily available drug in Pakistan.
Its 2018 and the issue remains afresh and as grave and as dangerous as ever. In Pakistan, the total number of drug addicts acording to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), is 6.7 million. The number of these addicts is increasing at the rate of 40,000 per year making Pakistan one of the most drug-affected countries in the world.
Heroin:
Heroin is a recreational drug that is used most commonly for its euphoric effects. Heroin is taking a toll on the Pakistani youth with each passing day.
As indicated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Pakistan is home to nearly 800,000 regular users of Heroin. All of these people are between the age of 15 and 64. Estimates show that around 44 tons of heroin is consumed every year in Pakistan. This ratio is nearly three times higher than USA.
Homeless addicts and dirty needles are most commonly found in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), where an estimated 11 percent of residents use illicit substances – primarily heroin.
Cannabis:
Fortunately or unfortunately, Pakistan prides itself as one of the world’s largest producers of Hashish, much of which is trafficked via the Middle East and Central Asia to Europe, Africa and North America.
Hashish or Cannabis is very common in Pakistan. The love affair with the drug usually starts around or after the age of 18 and usually prolongs even till after marriage. Full-blown addiction, although not so common, still exists in the northern areas of Pakistan.
According to the 2013 report, Cannabis is the most commonly used drug, with a prevalence of 3.6 per cent of the population, equivalent to four million users nationwide. The majority of drug users in this study fell between 25 and 39 years of age. Cannabis use was highest among 30 to 34 year olds and heroin use was highest among 35 to 39 year olds.
Cocaine:
Cocaine is another drug that is being taken in huge amounts in Pakistan. Unlike other drugs, Cocaine is not specific to any other region and is usually available almost all over the country. It is often smuggled to and from Pakistan for thousands of dollars in cash.
LSD:
Lysergic acid diethylamide or LSD is a drug that is currently on the rise. It is most commonly used in big cities like Lahore and Islamabad. It is fairly common amongst young adults in their mid and late 20s.
LSD is most commonly consumed on social events like concerts or dance parties etc.
World Drug Prevention Day and Pakistan
The overuse and abuse of numerous drugs has taken the world by storm. So in order to try to create awareness regarding the grim issue, The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illegal Trafficking is being observed all over the world, today.
Each year this day is observed on 26th of June. These anniversaries stimulate reflection on the effectiveness, and the limitations, of drug policy.
According to the review conducted by the General Assembly Special Session on Drugs (UNGASS), illicit drugs continue to pose a health danger to humanity. That is why drug should remain controlled.
The representatives of the government of Pakistan tweeted with the following message to mark the importance of the day: “This day aims to strengthen action & cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.”
— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) June 26, 2018
By: Raacikh Asghar
