HARIPUR, June 26: A walk against narcotics was organized here on Saturday by a local NGO, Anti-Narcotics Organization, to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse.

Many students, lawyers, journalists, workers of human rights organizations and elected representatives participated in the walk, which was led by District Coordination Officer Haripur Capt (retd) Jehanzeb Khan.

The participants marched through city's main bazaar, carrying placards and banners inscribed with slogans against drug abuse.

Speakers on this occasion discussed hazards of narcotics use and stressed the need for a greater role of all stakeholders to rid society of drug menace.

They said the drugs had not only brought a bad name to the country internationally but also caused an irreparable loss to human resources.

They said millions of youths had lost their social life, honour and even lives after having become drug addicts. They said the menace could be checked once society realized its moral duty and role.

They urged participants to join hands against drug addiction and its smuggling so that elements involved in this illegal business could be checked.

Speaking on the occasion, ANO president Mohammad Salim Khan said his NGO, which was working for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, had so far treated over 200 addicts in the Haripur alone and it was committed to expanding its operation in other districts of Hazara division.