THIS is apropos the letter regarding the rise in cases of drug abuse among university students (March 5). For parents who volunteer to afford higher education for their children this is a major setback. A few years ago, a medical student from a renowned university in Karachi lost his life to drugs. Recently, a similar incident was reported from a university in Lahore as well. The easy availability of drugs of potential abuse and the failure of the police to penalise authorities supplying the stuff are sad but harsh truths that we face today.

Research in Pakistan proves that smoking is the first step towards other drug addictions. Easy access and stimulatory and relaxant potentials of tobacco make it one of the most common addictions the youth stands enslaved to. Controlling smoking can help control drug abuse; once the major perpetrator is caged, it’ll be easier to monitor the remaining ones.

A few years back the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan dispatched a notice to vice chancellors of all universities asking them to ensure their campuses are smoke-free zones. Unfortunately, no action was taken.

Current anti-tobacco laws of Pakistan not only prohibit smoking within university premises; selling tobacco within 50 metres outside the university walls is disregarded as well.

If we really wish to make it a secure and progressive future of our youth, then all university premises should be made smoke-free zones.

Prof Javaid A. Khan

Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2017