QUETTA, March 13: Ulema of different schools of thought have urged the government to implement Islamic laws against drug manufacturers, smugglers and users.

Around 40 religious scholars of the province signed a document at the concluding session of a two-day seminar arranged by the ANF Balochistan here on Sunday. Ombudsman Malik Sikandar Khan presided.

Speakers voiced their deep concern over the increasing number of drug addicts in Balochistan and underlined the need to aware people of drug hazards.

?Opium, hashish, liquor and other drugs are prohibited in Islam (Haram),? the document signed by the ulema said and added that Islam and Shariat propose 80 lashes for the users and sellers of the drugs. The document also said that it was the responsibility of the government in a Islamic country to ensure implementation of Islamic punishment to drug manufacturers, addicts and traders.

Malik Sikandar Khan said drug was a curse which affected whole society and added that serious efforts were needed to overcome this fast spreading menace in the country. ?The Narcotics Act 1997 should be implemented strictly in the country,? he said.

He said that he had prepared a report for the rehabilitation of drug addicts and handed it over to the provincial government. He quoted prohibition enforcement of Hudd order 1979 and Dangerous Drug Act 1930 and 1959 for action against drug smugglers and traders.

The ombudsman said that all laws against drug smuggling and manufacturing should be implemented with full force for creation of a free-drug society.

ANF DG Maj-Gen Nadeem Ahmed said ulema could play an important role in creating awareness against drug business.