KARACHI: Number of addicts may cross four million mark: Anti-narcotics day today
KARACHI, June 25: The World Anti-narcotics Day is being observed on June 26 throughout the world.
It is worth mentioning here that there are around four million addicts in Pakistan.
According to doctors, the country, with this huge number of drug addicts, is facing a serious problem of relapse on part of those, undergoing detoxification programme at centres.
The relapse rate in the country has increased to 70 per cent owing to the lack of commitment on part of the concerned quarters responsible to arrange for adequate rehabilitation of these individuals. However, out of 200 rehabilitation centres established in the province, only 72 are currently functioning due to the lack of assistance, which these centres were getting from donor agencies.
In the given scenario the society and community in general besides parents, teachers and influential quarters have to play their due role to combat the spreading menace.
The doctors regretted that lack of concern and interest even among the immediate family members of the unfortunate individuals was making the matter all the more difficult.
Meanwhile, a number of government and non-governmental organizations have arranged events on the occasion to spread awareness among the masses against the drug abuse.
To observe the day, the anti-narcotics force has arranged a donkey cart race, which will start from Keamari at 5.00pm and end at Clifton.
The ANF Commander, Brig Saleem Akhund, said that Pakistan despite being able to prevent poppy cultivation and elimination of illicit drug processing units is exposed to flow of the same from a neighbouring country, reportedly producing heroin in large quantities.
To highlight the problems caused by drug addiction, the Marie Adelaide Rehabilitation Centre will organize an awareness programme in Catholic Colony Ground (near old Numaish), from 7.00pm to 10.00pm. The programme includes a play, depicting the typical person at the Drop-in Centre (DIC) and a film about MARC.
One of the main emphasis of this awareness programme is a campaign to “Adopt a Street Child”. Director Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre, Dr Ruth Pfau, will be the chief guest on the occasion. Other speakers include Brig Saleem Akhund of the Anti- narcotics Force (ANF), Thomas Zendil of the UNDCP, Dr Sharaf Shah Ali of Sindh AIDS Programme, Dr Iqbal Pirzada of TB Sanatorium and Dr Brohi of Mental Health Institute, Hyderabad.—PPI/APP
