RAWALPINDI: As part of their campaign for drug abuse awareness, the Anti- Narcotics Force (ANF) organised a 10-day clyclothon covering 810 kilometres, which reached the Anti-Narcotics Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Monday.

A group of 11 cyclists, led by Latif Sial, took part in the ‘Jeeway Pakistan Cycle Rally’, which started from Muzaffargarh on April 22.

ANF Director-General Maj-Gen Nasir Dilawar Shah welcomed the participants and appreciated them for taking part in the drug awareness campaign.

The rally made 14 stops on the way including in Multan, Khanewal, Mian Channu, Chichawatni, Sahiwal, Okara, Patoki, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Kharian, Jhelum, Sohawa, Gujar Khan and finally in Rawalpindi, before setting off for Murree.

The rally was aimed at creating awareness among the masses, particularly the younger generation, about the hazards of using drugs and for the promotion of a drug-free society. On their journey, the cyclists also distributed pamphlets, handouts and stickers in schools, colleges, bus stands and other public places. They delivered speeches and held talks and discussions about a healthy lifestyle. Messages against the use of drugs were also printed on flags, banners and T-shirts.

The rally was open for anyone to join, even if it was only till the next stop or for meeting with the participants.

The cyclists remained in touch with ANF throughout, during the planning, on their way and even at the end.

A spokesperson for ANF said that the force has been a supporter of sporting activities and has supported cycling rallies for 15 years.

The ANF leadership believes that taking part in a sport plays a vital part in deviation from unhealthy activities including drug addiction.

He said that ANF’s Drug Demand Reduction Directorate overlooks demand and harm reduction activities and addiction treatment hospitals.

To this effect, ANF conducted 437 demand reduction activities in 2015 across the country and treated 1210 drug addicts in its treatment centres, he said.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2016