As an underdeveloped country,
Pakistan is facing drug addiction problem besides its other major problems, for
years. In the last few decades, drug addiction has increased exponentially in
Pakistan. Most of the illegal drugs come from the neighbouring Afghanistan.
According to the UN estimate, 6.7 million people in the country are drug users.
The rate of injection drug abuse has also increased significantly in Pakistan,
sparking fears of an HIV epidemic.
Although, the increase in the problem has been alarming, the government response
has been minimal at best. Few programs are active in the country to help drug
addicts and smuggling and availability of the drugs in the country has gone
almost unchecked.
Government needs to take measures on a serious note to help decrease the use of
drugs in the youth of country. Based on a little research I have made, here's
what I think our government can do to reduce and possibly eliminate drug
addiction in the country;
The thing that can help the most is, they can invest in anti-drug education. As
education has no boundaries, it should be taught often, it should be taught to
the teachers, in the schools, in the street corners, in the hospitals, in the
trains and buses to the rich and poor, old and young.
A little knowledge can go a long way in curbing the demand and allure of drugs.
On the other hand, it is observed that per-capital the majority of drug
abuse(legal and illegal) occurs in poor developing countries. So what can a
country do? Create good jobs.
There are many initiatives that a government can do to create better jobs. One
of them is to create a better education workforce. Another is to promote
investment, both internal and foreign. And yet, another is to establish a brand
that is exportable and has value around the world.
There is some truth to the old adage "idle hands are the devil's workshop."
Some studies have shown that of the drug addicts, that seek help at
rehabilitation clinics, about 50% recover. With the proper program, education
and support it can help the addicts to kick the habit.
The above mentioned things require commitment from multiple government agencies
and their leaders, as they are not so easy to be accomplished. I, as a citizen
of Pakistan look forward to the government to take these steps on an early basis
and let the country's youth grow.