DRUG addiction is rampant and is continuing to spread fast across the country. The increasing use of drugs among youngsters is disturbing. Contrary to the general perception, drug addiction is not prevalent in the upper class alone; it is just as common, if not more, in the middle and lower segments of society.

Sadly, very little efforts have been made to eradicate this curse from society which is destroying the youngsters and can also destroy the future generations badly. Besides, the lack of action by the relevant departments against this menace can be linked to mafias enjoying the support of some powerful people or institutions. Without such a support, those involved in this heinous trade cannot carry on their activities so blatantly without any fear of getting caught.

The people of Ghareebabad, a locality in Hub, recently set an example that may work in other places as well. It had become a hub of narcotics trade, with drug peddlers and addicts roaming the streets freely. They were clearly not locals and hailed from various parts of the country who had established their hideouts in Hub.

The locals suffered silently because there was inaction on the part of police and other law-enforcement agencies. Roadside mugging became common and then came a spike in robberies. People were not safe neither in their homes, nor on the streets.

It was then that the people of the area decided to hit back. They joined hands and started raiding the houses of drug peddlers and burning the hideouts of drug addicts. Soon, some ran away, and some were handed over to police. Within a few weeks, the locals were able to regain their space and the area was free of drug peddlers and addicts. This was possible only because the locals were sincere about safeguarding the future of their young ones, and had the guts to take on a mafia.

If the masses are united and take a bold stand, the same episode can take place in most places across the country where these mafias commit their crimes against humanity. Nothing is as strong as people’s power.

Ahsanullah Mengal
Hub

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2022