August 19, 2008	Tuesday	Sha’aban 16, 1429

QUETTA, Aug 18: The number of drug addicts is increasing because of inaction of the government and lethargy of politicians, says Balochistan Minister for Education Shafiq Ahmed Khan.

Addressing a two-day workshop on ‘Ulema’s support to fight poppy cultivation and drug abuse’ here on Monday, he said unemployment was one of the main factors behind the increase in drug addiction, adding that the government should provide means of livelihood to unemployed people.

“The government must take prompt steps to rectify the situation,” he said, adding that it was not only the responsibility of the government but also of all segments of the society, including Ulema and NGOs.

He said that Ulema should inform the people about the dangers of drug use and the government should curb drug trafficking from Afghanistan to curb the use of narcotics in Pakistan.

The minister said the government would also make school and college students aware of the harms of using drugs.

Earlier, the Commander of the Anti-Narcotics Force, Balochistan, Brig Saleem Mehmood, said there were 500,000 drug addicts in Pakistan. He said the force had seized 150,338 kilograms of drugs over the past three years in the province and arrested 107 people.

He said the ANF had established a rehabilitation centre in Quetta where addicts were being provided free food, medicines and accommodation.

Deputy-Diector General Iftikhar Ahmed also spoke on the occasion.