KARACHI, Oct 2: Sindh Home Minister Rauf Siddiqui has exhorted the people to keep a vigil on those selling narcotics in their localities, or else the menace of narcotics addition will spread in every nook and corner of the city.

He was speaking as chief guest at the launching ceremony of Dr Muhammad Tariq Khan’s book “Narcotics, social problems and remedies” held at Bahria auditorium on Saturday night. Executive District Officer (Higher Education) Prof Raees Alvi, educationist Ahmed Sultan and the writer of the book also spoke on the occasion.

Expressing concern over the increasing number of people becoming addicted to narcotics, the minister apprehended that the youths of almost every house might become victim of narcotics in the next five years or so if some harsh measures were not taken against those involved in narcotics’ trade.

Emphasising the need for community’s involvement in rooting out the menace of narcotics from society, he said that people should not only keep a strict vigil on those selling narcotics in their localities but should also inform police on ‘15’ without any fear of its repercussions as such an act on their part would help save youths from the menace of addition.

Describing the book as informative and useful, the minister said that the book would help in creating awareness among people about the hazards of narcotics.

EDO Prof Raees Alvi said that since Dr Tariq’s efforts in highlighting social problem having a direct link with the menace of narcotics were quite commendable he would ensure availability of the book in libraries of all colleges.

The ceremony was followed by a musical programme. Prominent singers Shazia Khushk, Hasan Jehangir, Shehzad Roy and Zahida Noor enthralled the audience with their performance.