NOWSHERA district is gradually turning into a hub of narcotics trade. People are openly trafficking drugs across the district despite police raids and crackdown against them. Young people have been falling prey to the mafia and can be seen having fallen into the trap of drug abuse to the extent that they are now increasingly involved in its illegal sale as well.

Several groups have been active in the area, prompting people, especially the youth, to first take up smoking and then slide down the slippery slope of drug abuse. Sadly, most of the parents are unaware of their children’s addiction, and by the time they realise what is going on, it usually gets too late to do much about it.

This illicit trade in Nowshera must be stopped and the culprits must be put behind bars. Anti-drugs campaign should be carried out across the district, raising awareness about this menace. Seminars should be held in schools and colleges to highlight the dangerous effects of drugs, and educate parents about ways to keep an eye on their children before they get addicted.

Muzaffar Shah Khattak
Nowshera

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2021