RAWALPINDI: A poster competition opened on Monday in connection with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The competition has been organised by the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), and aimed to engage young people in healthy activities to highlight the International Day against Drug Abuse.

It featured the work of 90 students from all four districts of Rawalpindi division and the capital submitted posters under the theme ‘Nashey se Inkaar, Zindagi se Pyaar’ (No to Drugs, Love Life).

The competition ceremony was hosted by artist Masud Khawaja. ANF Director General Maj Gen Musarrat Nawaz Malik was invited as chief

guest, while ANF Joint Director Mohammad Riaz Soomro and RAC Director Waqar Ahmed were also in attendance.

Students from Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum and Islamabad sent in bright, watercolour, oil and pen and pencil works highlighting youth drug use and its implication on health and society.

Mohammad Shumail won first prize for his poster, while Shehla Ahmed won second, Sonam Nawaz won third and Aleena Azhar won the fourth prize.

Encouragement prizes were distributed to another 10 competitors: Hala Gul, Kanwal Kazmi, Rimsha Rafique, Noor Iqbal, Saman Qandeel, Aqsa, Zeerak Fatima, Syeda Fatima Ajaz, Rimsha Shahzadi and Qirat Qamar.

Renowned artist Azeem Iqbal, Mehmood Ali and Younis Roomi were the judges.

Speaking at the prize distribution, Mr Malik said every Pakistani should play a role in eradicating drugs from the country.

Parents should keep an eye on their children, he added, saying that the future of the new generation needed to be protected.

The ANF will also hold a theatrical performance called Andheri Raah ka Musafir, also on drug awareness, at the RAC on June 26.

The RAC is also collaborating with Pattan Lok Natak and Aim Association to hold a drug awareness show at the Murree Arts Council.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2018