Drug abuse in Pakistan

The use and smuggling of drugs have shaped into a serious problem that impacts various aspects of society, including public health, safety, and socioeconomic well-being of the public. Pakistan is a major transit route for narcotics trafficking due to its geographical location between major drug-producing regions and consumer markets that spread across the globe. The country faces challenges in combating drug smuggling, as organized criminal networks engage in the trafficking of heroin, opium, cannabis, and other illicit substances. These activities not only pose health risks but also contribute to social insecurity, corruption, crime, and instability. The drug trafficking industry is also responsible for human trafficking particularly women and children for sexual abuse and exploitation.

Recently, Kohat Police has uncovered a vast inter-province ice smuggling network that was involved in supplying and transnational smuggling of drugs from across the Durand line. Meanwhile, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) busted a nine-member gang and seized one metric ton of drugs worth millions of rupees in two separate operations during the last week. Currently, drug addiction is seriously hurting Pakistani society with millions of drug users causing multiple issues ranging from health crises, social disintegration, economic challenges, a rise in crimes, and law and order problems. On the other hand, the drug trade is a significant source of income for organized crimes including terrorism, and fuels corruption in politics and governmental affairs. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Pakistan has 6.7 million drug users. Almost 2 million of those are addicts, amongst the highest numbers for any country in the world. The menace of drug abuse has spread all out Pakistan while youth clubs, schools, and universities are prime targets of the drug dealers that pose a grave risk to our society.

Although government agencies including Poice and Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) are working to curb the use and supply of drugs, but their performances are not at par because of institutional corruption, a lack of resources, and public cooperation. The government is using all possible means including law enforcement operations, border controls, awareness campaigns, and international cooperation to disrupt drug smuggling networks. But, the problem persists due to the complex nature of the illicit drug trade and its connections to transnational criminal networks. There is a dire need for enhanced law enforcement, community engagement, rehabilitation programs, and regional cooperation to effectively tackle the use and illegal transportation of drug, to achieve the goal of a drug-free Pakistan.