1) Drugs addiction is a serious problem in Pakistan, which has the largest heroin market and exports heroin illegally. 2) Preventative measures against drug abuse need to address different forms of drugs and target specific populations, such as measures aimed at middle schools. 3) Unless serious actions are taken, a large portion of Pakistan's youth will have severely compromised futures due to drug addiction, which is a serious problem being ignored. Coordinated international efforts are needed to address organized criminal networks profiting from the drug trade.

1. Drugs addiction & youth in Pakistan
(By Nadeem Wagan)
Dear All
Drugs addiction in Pakistan is no less worrisome. Though its neighbours (India, Bangladesh and
Maldives as well as Nepal) all have drugs addiction issues, Pakistan is the worst affected throughout
South Asia. It is, after all, home to the largest market for heroin consumption. What’s more, Pakistan
is also a major exporter of heroin and in fact, approximately fifty tons of opium is illegally brought
into Pakistan to produce heroin. Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and even Sri Lanka
are confronted with drug-related issues where a good number of people are addicted to various
forms of drugs.
In fact, all preventive measures need to address different forms of drug abuse and addiction and
should also target different types of drug abuse and addictions. It should also be tailored to address
risks that are specific to certain populations or audience characteristics. It must be aimed at specific
populations and at major transition points such as at middle-school level.
Unless serious measures are taken now, the very future of a large chunk of today’s youth will be
severely compromised. The problem of drug addiction is too real and serious to be ignored. The
governments need to involve communities and media in highlighting the perils associated with the
drug addiction. Media has a responsibility tohighlight such issues with a view to educating people
and building a consensus among them to forge a united stand against such scourges. The
perpetrators of doom and gloom are well entrenched in the power structures and have formed
transnational partnerships for their nefarious purposes. The response to deal with such an organized
menace should also be concerted for effective output. It calls for sustained engagement and
coordinated action among countries. Individual efforts cannot produce desired results. For long have
we have turned a blind eye to such critical issues. It is now time to be responsible in our actions.
By Nadeem Wagan