KARACHI, June 26: The world anti-narcotics day was observed in the city on Thursday.

The day was marked by a grand rally, morning walk, seminars and variety programmes, which were organized in different parts of the metropolis by non-governmental organizations and government functionaries.

In Nazimabad, the Anti-narcotics Force organized a walk to spread awareness among the masses against drug addiction.

The walk, which started from Nazimabad Petrol Pump and ended at Nazimabad No-7, was participated by the ANF chief, Brig Saleem Akhund; Dr Mubin Akhtar, activists of several NGOs, and people from all walks of life.

To highlight the social and health problems caused by drug addiction, the Marie Adelaide Rehabilitation Centre organized an awareness programme in Catholic Colony ground (near old Numaish). The programme included a play depicting the typical person at the Drop-in Centre (DIC) and a film about the MARC. One of the main emphasis of this awareness programme was a campaign to “Adopt a Street Child”.

In Essa Nagri, the Pakistan Society organised a variety programme at its Drop-in Centre. Folk dances, skits and national song competitions were the main features of the programme. The provincial minister for excise and taxation visited the Drop-in Centre organized by the Society.

Another rally, led by provincial minister for excise and taxation, Rauf Siddiqi, started from Sohrab Goth and terminated at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam, adds APP.

With the ambition to continue the struggle against the menace, he invited the Urdu and Sindhi poets to write poems for war against narcotics by July 15.

Addressing the rally, Mr Naimatullah Khan praised the efforts of the minister for elimination of drug abuse. He affirmed that the entire city government was with the minister in his jehad against narcotics. He said that the mission undertaken by Mr Siddiqi against narcotics in Sindh was quite appreciative.