SWABI: The elders of Naro Kallay area of Maneri Bala have started a door-to-door campaign to create awareness among the people about the increasing use of ice and other drugs by youngsters.

The elders Sirzamin Khan and Mir Ghulam, and Bahrul Amin, president of a local welfare body, and Ishtiaq Hussain, one of its founders, said they wanted to reach every family and every person to educate them about the lethal effects the ice drug left on its users, and how to protect youngsters from it. They said they would ask parents to keep an eye on the activities of their children.

They said ice drug use had reached alarming proportions in the district. They said the campaign would continue till Eidul Azha, and if they felt the need they would resume it after Eid.

The elders said drug addiction had far-reaching effects on the society, health of youth, their families and other children.

Meanwhile, members of a local jirga said that they would play their due role in making the campaign a success.

BANNED: Swabi deputy commissioner Dr Tariqullah on Tuesday enforced Section 144, banning Illegal cattle markets, collection of hides by banned organisations and individuals, sale of firecrackers, firing in the air and bathing in rivers and dams.

The ban would remain intact till after Eidul Azha.

Officials of the district administration said that action would be taken against violators of the ban under Section 188.

Meanwhile, in order to prevent fire incidents in the forests, the deputy commissioner has imposed a complete ban on fireworks, campfires or any kind of lighting activity in the forests for two months.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2024