SARGODHA: The University of Sargodha (UoS) organised an anti-drug awareness seminar aimed at sensitising youth to the harmful effects of narcotics and promoting the vision of a drug-free, healthy and safe Punjab.

The seminar was arranged by the Directorate of Student Affairs in collaboration with the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF). Retired Lt-Col Jawad Masood, Director CNF Sargodha Division, attended as the chief guest. Director Student Affairs Dr. Mehmoodul Hassan, Chairperson Department of Islamic Studies Prof. Dr. Ferozuddin Shah, faculty members, staff and a large number of students were also present.

Addressing the participants, Jawad Masood described drug abuse as a growing societal challenge, particularly among young people. Citing the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Report 2020, he said around 7.6 million people in Pakistan are drug addicts, including 2.6m youth, while approximately one million women are also affected.

He added that 45 per cent of drug addicts belong to Punjab, and nearly 67pc fall within the 15 to 35 age group, with a significant proportion comprising students.

He termed the fight against narcotics “more difficult than a war zone” due to the scale of youth involvement, stressing that safeguarding the future of young people was a collective responsibility.

Mr Masood emphasised the role of social responsibility in curbing drug abuse, urging students to discourage peers from engaging in harmful activities.

“True friendship lies in preventing others from going astray rather than becoming part of the problem,” he said, questioning why peer pressure could not be channelled in a positive direction.

He also highlighted the importance of acknowledging addiction as a problem and supporting affected individuals through rehabilitation instead of isolating them.

“Drug addiction should not be treated as a stigma; rather, society must help individuals recover,” he said.

He further briefed participants on various types of drugs and their associated health risks, reiterating the message: “Say no to drugs.”

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Ferozuddin Shah shed light on the issue from an Islamic perspective, stating that drug addiction not only destroys individuals but also devastates families and society at large.

He explained that Islam prohibits all substances that impair human intellect, regardless of quantity, and underscored the importance of safeguarding five fundamental objectives of human life: faith, life, intellect, honour and social order.

BOOKED: Saddar police have registered a case against three persons for allegedly gang-raping and killing a minor boy at Chak No. 33 NB.

Reports said suspects - ‘Mu’, ‘M’ and ‘S’ - administered alcohol to an 11-year-old boy and gang-raped him. After health of the boy deteriorated, they kept treating him secretly, but he could not survive. He was brought to the hospital in a critical condition on Monday where he died.

Police have registered a case against the suspects. The family members are being pressurised not to pursue the case.

In another incident, Haq Nawaz lodged a complaint with Jhal Chakian Police, alleging that suspects Imran, Shahid and Yusuf abducted his 12-year-old daughter.

The complainant, a labourer, staged a protest outside the local press club and accused Jhal Chakian Police of pressuring him to reach a reconciliation.

He further claimed that despite repeated requests, the police have yet to record his daughter’s statement. He expressed fear that the suspects had threatened him with dire consequences, pressurising for reconciliation.

Haq Nawaz said the SP (Investigation) had assured him of help and summoned him to the office; however, he was not allowed to meet the officer.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2026