PESHAWAR: In a powerful blend of artistic expression and civic engagement, young artists from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gathered at the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences) to use the transformative power of theatre to raise awareness about substance abuse and its growing threat to society.

The inter-university dramatic competition, organised under the resonant banner of “Say No to Drugs”, transformed the institute’s main auditorium into a dynamic arena of creative advocacy aimed at safeguarding the youth from the perils of addiction.

The high-profile event drew a diverse gathering of academics, government officials, social activists and student contingents from prominent educational institutions.

Addressing on the occasion as chief guest, Muhammad Khalid, Director of Narcotics Control, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, lauded the initiative, emphasising that artistic platforms played a pivotal role in shaping public consciousness and reinforcing social resilience against narcotics. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to curb the spread of drugs, highlighting youth-led awareness campaigns as a crucial force in the collective fight against substance abuse.

The auditorium resonated with energy and anticipation as theatrical troupes from four prominent regional institutions—Iqra University Peshawar, Abasyn University Peshawar, the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Swat, and host institution IMSciences—took the stage. Through compelling narratives, poignant dialogue and expressive physical theatre, the performers explored the insidious influence of peer pressure, the devastating emotional impact of substance abuse on families and the challenging journey towards recovery and rehabilitation. Each performance offered a thought-provoking portrayal of contemporary social challenges, transforming complex issues into powerful visual narratives that struck a chord with the audience and underscored the urgent need for collective action against drug abuse.

The gathering brought together key stakeholders from administrative and security domains, including officials from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism (KPCVE) and the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Alongside the deputy director and senior faculty members of IMSciences, delegates reaffirmed their shared institutional mandate to cultivate safe, drug-free academic environments across the province.

The audience, comprising faculty members and energetic student groups from Edwardes College Peshawar, Iqra University, Abasyn University, the University of Swat and IMSciences, responded with enthusiastic acclaim. The interactive nature of the theatrical medium proved highly effective in sparking reflective discourse among the attendees, reinforcing the message that creative arts remain one of the most potent tools for social intervention.

Organisers highlighted that the initiative aimed not merely to stage a competitive showcase, but to instil an enduring sense of social responsibility and ethical leadership among university students. By channelling youth energy into constructive cultural expression, the event reinforced a collective community commitment to shielding educational campuses from illicit narcotics.

The competition concluded with a celebratory closing ceremony where organisers expressed deep gratitude to the visiting delegations and performing troupes for their impassioned contributions. Certificates and commendations were presented to recognise the artistic calibre and social impact of the performances. As the curtains fell, participants and distinguished guests renewed their resolve to sustain joint efforts, leveraging art, education and community action to build a healthier, drug-free society for future generations.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2026