TOBA TEK SINGH: Up to 250,000 people lose their lives every year due to drug addiction in the country and the growing trend of drug addiction among the youth is pushing society towards darkness.

To combat this issue, there is a need to create awareness and work towards eliminating this curse.

Speakers said this at an anti-narcotics awareness seminar organised by the UAF’s Department of Rural Sociology, in collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Force and Anjuman Insdand-i-Munshiat.

Prof Dr Imtiaz Ahmed Dogar, Department of Mental and Psychiatric Diseases head at the Faisalabad Medical University, said that in addition to traditional drugs, substances like ice, heroin, and even internet video game addiction had taken root in society, contributing to anxiety and other mental health disorders.

He said that anxiety, lifestyle and other factors often lead to addiction. Promoting exercise, yoga, and religious activities, he suggested, could improve both mental and physical well-being.

Dean of Social Sciences Prof Dr Babar Shahbaz said the parents should pay special attention to their children so that they could play an active role in society’s development. He also linked the issue of drug addiction to a decline in religious and moral values and called for stronger efforts to tackle the problem.

Rural Sociology Chairman Dr Izhar Ahmad Khan said character building among students had been a key focus at UAF. He said promoting a culture of positive activities could help eliminate vices such as drug addiction.

Dr Naima Nawaz said the nation is blessed with immense talent and potential. If these abilities are channelled towards positive pursuits, the country could progress rapidly.

Published in Dawn, September 25th, 2024