WAH CANTT, November 12, 2026: Speakers at a seminar on substance abuse have called for a comprehensive national strategy to protect young people from drug addiction, urging stronger coordination among government institutions, law-enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals and civil society organisations.
The seminar, organised under the National Initiative for Social Empowerment in collaboration with the Rising Pakistan Forum, brought together representatives of political parties, human rights organisations, medical professionals, business circles and law-enforcement agencies.
Participants discussed the social, medical and security challenges associated with substance abuse and emphasised the need for preventive education, rehabilitation services and sustained public awareness campaigns.
Addressing the gathering, National Initiative for Social Empowerment Founder Chairperson Rukhshanda Tasneem said tackling drug addiction required collective national efforts rather than isolated enforcement measures.
She stressed the importance of prevention, community engagement and rehabilitation programmes to protect vulnerable young people.
General Secretary Sherish Naz called for greater involvement of parents, educational institutions and community organisations in identifying early signs of substance abuse and raising awareness about its consequences.
PPP Human Rights Cell member Shaista Kanwal described drug addiction as a public health and human rights concern, urging authorities to improve access to treatment and rehabilitation facilities.
Qaumi Ittehad Party founder Raja Muhammad Shabbir emphasised stronger political commitment and cooperation between government institutions and civil society.
International law-enforcement officer Toqeer Kiyani highlighted the importance of intelligence-based operations and coordinated enforcement against drug trafficking networks.
He said efforts to combat substance abuse must address both the supply of illegal drugs and the factors driving demand among young people.
Pakistan Academy of Family Physicians local chapter patron Dr Shahid Nawaz Malik discussed the medical and psychological consequences of addiction.
He stressed early identification, professional counselling and medical treatment, urging families to approach addiction as a health condition requiring appropriate support rather than social stigma.
Rawalpindi Chamber of Small Trade and Small Industry Senior Vice-President Naeem Ashraf highlighted the private sector’s role in supporting youth awareness and rehabilitation initiatives.
The speakers collectively recommended a national framework combining preventive education, stronger action against drug suppliers, accessible rehabilitation services and active participation by educational institutions.
They warned that increasing exposure to narcotics threatened public health, social stability and the country’s future workforce.
The seminar concluded with a call for sustained institutional cooperation and community participation to address substance abuse among young people.