KARACHI, June 19: Despite repeated complaints to draw attention of the authorities concerned towards the rising menace of glue-sniffing as an intoxicant among children, they appear reluctant to prevent its spread.

Glue-sniffing, a form of substance abuse, is believed to have been introduced by Bengali and Afghan immigrants in Pakistan and has registered an alarming increase among children in the city.

An increasing number of people are becoming addicted to glue- sniffing which has gained popularity among the youth, specially homeless kids under the age of 14 and belonging to low-income families.

During a detailed visit to some of the city areas, it was found that glue-sniffers are mostly found in Lyari Town, Korangi Bus Stop, Khadda Market, Artillery Maidan, Empress Market, Jehangir Park, Cantt Railway Station, Arambagh and Korangi Bus Stop.

A minor boy between 10 to 12 years, working in a food shop on Burnes Road, said he started sniffing glue while employed at a shoe-manufacturing factory.

“Large quantities of glue are used in making shoes. I remained associated with the factory for one year. When I left the place, I realized I craved the smell of glue. Unavailability of the same compelled me to buy some and sniff it, turning me into an addict,” he said.

These glue-sniffing children either pour glue onto a piece of cloth which they then roll up and sniff or they pour the sticky substance into a shopping bag and hold it near their face. Some opt to enhance the pleasures of intoxication by putting it in their mouths.

A 13-year-old runaway informed that he sniffs glue to fight off hunger and memories of his missing family. Moreover, he added, glue is easily available and nobody can question its use on purchase.

“After sniffing glue, I start feeling dizzy, light-headed and drowsy,” said a 14 year-old boy near Lyari General Hospital, who came to Karachi some three years ago from the NWFP.

“The smell of glue gives a feeling of pleasure. It distorts the senses and heightens carnal cravings. Perceptions also change leading to hallucinations,” a health expert, in response to a query, disclosed.

“Inhaling glue by covering the face causes the displacement of oxygen in the lungs and subsequently the central nervous system, causing breathing to cease. The constant use of glue has been associated with a number of serious, long-term and often irreversible health problems including loss of hearing, damage to the brain and bone marrow, and deficiency of oxygen in the blood,” said Dr Sarfraz at Civil Hospital.

“Some long-term effects include suffering from burnt nose membranes, perforation of the gall bladder, bone marrow destruction, blindness and even possible death,” added another expert who refused to be named.

Another glue-sniffer, a 14-year-old boy who arrived in Karachi some five months ago from a village, testified the doctors’ revelation.

“For the first time, I felt that my vision had blurred and everything seemed to be covered in a fog. Later, I felt I was floating in the air,” he explained. He now seems to be hooked to the lethal substance for life.

The city administration, in the wake of the menace of glue- sniffing in the port city, has turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to the critical situation which is threatening the future of the youth. No practical measures appear to be have been taken by them to arrest these addicts.

Observers, while expressing concern over official neglect, said that there is an urgent need to arrest the rising tide of this alarming trend with requisite medical treatment, education and preventive measures.—PPI