Youth and the media should play a great role in creating a drug-free society, speakers at a seminar on “The Role of the Youth in Drug Abuse Prevention” said here on Wednesday. The speakers said it is very important for all stakeholders to play a vital role in protecting the youth from drug and providing the best possible resources to the youth to improve their living standards. 

The seminar was organized by Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) in collaboration with Narcotics Control Division (NCD), Ministry of Interior & Narcotics Control Government of Pakistan with an aim to create awareness among the youth about the harmful effects of drug.

On the occasion, Secretary, NCD, Muhammad Galib Ali was the chief guest while PMAS-AAUR, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad was the guest of Honor. A large number of faculty members, students and official’s of NCD also attended the seminar.

At the seminar, Secretary, NCD, Muhammad Galib Ali highlighted the role of the government in the prevention of drug abuse. He congratulated PMAS-AAUR administration for organizing this awareness program and appreciated the efforts to prevent youth from becoming victims of drug abuse. He said that the issue of drug abuse needed immediate attention suggesting that print, electronic media and the civil could play an effective role in creating awareness among the masses about the harmful effects of drug. He hoped a better and brighter future for the students.

Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR, in his address said PMAS-AAUR is making an effort to keep a strong check on the activities of its students and has constituted several committees which are playing their role in refraining students from engaging in unhealthy and negative activities. He said that elimination of poverty, ignorance and pessimistic approach are necessary for bringing an end to drug addiction in the country.  He said healthy activities like sports and debates play a great role in preventing students from becoming addicts. Vice Chancellor assured full cooperation from PMAS-AAUR to play its role in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of Drug addicts at all forums. He further stated that it is our responsibility to save our generation from drug abuse in order to build a progressive, prosperous and drug free Pakistan.

 Mr. Muhammad Hafiz,  Joint Secretary NCD,  Mr Iqrar Hussain Narcotics Control expert and Dr. Ayesha Saddiqa in their presentations highlighted the role each individual can play in order to make a difference in society, especially in minimizing drug abuse in society. They told the participants that the use of drug in our society is due to psychological and socio-cultural factors. Drug use can be prevented if proper measures are taken, public awareness seminars and campaigns can also be helpful in this matter, they added. They said that public perception about the drug addicts could be changed. They said that addiction is a treatable ailment, but due to lack of awareness addicts were seen as criminal in the society while in fact they were patients in need of special attention and proper care.