Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Wednesday launched the third phase of the “Drug-Free Peshawar” program, under which 2,000 drug-addicts would be rehabilitated. The provincial government has released substantial funds of Rs. 320 million for this purpose. Under this program, individuals suffering from drug addiction will be shifted to rehabilitation centers, where they would be provided with quality treatment and facilities. Additionally, an extensive awareness campaign has also been launched in educational institutions aimed at educating the young generation about the devastating consequences of drugs addiction. As part of this awareness campaign, a seminar and awareness walk were held on Wednesday at the University of Peshawar, led by the Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur himself.

Provincial cabinet members Syed Qasim Ali Shah, Muzammil Aslam, members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, government officials, heads of provincial universities, faculty members, religious scholars and a large number of students attended the seminar. Addressing the seminar, the chief minister emphasized the provincial government’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs abuse, stating that ‘relevant departments and institutions have been directed to intensify actions against those involved in drug trafficking’. He urged the concerned departments to target the “big fish” and make them an example, regardless of their influence. He added that drug trafficking is a heinous crime deserving the strictest punishment.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan