Pakistan has initiated a large-scale anti-narcotics campaign recently, targeting drug rings, local dealers, and the networks near schools and universities. This push, supported by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and provincial police, highlights a nationwide commitment and the critical need to tackle drug addiction, which affects millions. Most visible actions and media reports come from Karachi, but the campaign involves all provinces, each facing distinct challenges.
Punjab: The Epicenter of the Campaign
Punjab has become the main focus of the nationwide campaign, with over 112,000 raids carried out in 2024. Police arrested over 66,000 individuals and opened roughly 59,000 cases under narcotics laws. Large seizures included 35,716 kilograms of charas, 473 kilograms of methamphetamine (ice), and 6,979 kilograms of heroin.
However, Punjab’s issues extend beyond just law enforcement. A drug use survey estimated that 4.8% of its population, about 3 million people used drugs in one year, including around 250,000 who inject drugs. The conviction rate for drug cases has also dropped to just 2%, raising concerns about prosecution and loopholes.
Punjab’s Inspector General of Police commented: “We can't call this a victory with arrests alone. This battle will only be half won unless the conviction rate rises and young people find better alternatives.”Meanwhile, families are asking for assistance.
A mother in Lahore said: “My 22-year-old son started with hashish in college and now is addicted to ice. We need more rehab centers, not just raids.”
Sindh: Urban Addiction and Governmental Action
Sindh, where Karachi is located, is facing an alarming situation where about one in four households in the city have been touched by addiction. Approximately 570,000 people use opioids in the province, with nearly 100,000 injecting drugs. Cannabis use is also common, making Sindh a top-consuming region in Pakistan.
In 2024, Sindh started the “Substance Misuse Prevention and Treatment Policy,” including a 24/7 helpline, rehab support, and stricter penalties under new drug laws. Special courts are planned to speed up cases, and awareness campaigns are expanding in schools and colleges.
A social worker in Karachi explained: “The city’s addiction crisis is right out in the open. Every street has its story, but shame keeps families quiet. We welcome this new policy, but resources must equal the issue’s size.”
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Severe Drug Issues
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) arguably faces the most critical situation, with data revealing that around 10.9% of its residents have experimented with illegal substances. Even more concerning, roughly 11% are thought to use “hard drugs,” specifically heroin and crystal meth. The province’s position near Afghan trafficking routes makes it particularly susceptible.
One local politician cautioned: “Crystal meth, known as ‘ice,’ has become rampant among our young people. Without immediate prevention efforts in schools, we could lose an entire generation.”
Meanwhile, a young man in a Peshawar rehab center explained: “I turned to drugs to escape joblessness and despair. Treatment helped me, but many friends are still struggling, without support.”
Balochistan: The Trafficking Epicenter
Balochistan is still Pakistan’s most at-risk area, given its location on international drug routes. Studies suggest approximately 1.6% of its inhabitants regularly use heroin or opium, yet the true figures are thought to be higher due to people hiding their habit. The province also sees the highest rates of multiple drug use, with many users mixing opiates, cannabis, and pharmaceutical drugs.
Although officials have increased efforts to eliminate poppy crops and stop trafficking, Balochistan lacks enough rehab centers. Many addicts in rural areas cannot get treatment.
A Quetta community leader stated: “Drugs are destroying our young people faster than poverty or unemployment. We need schools, sports, and optimism-not just arrests.”
A National Problem with Local Variations
Pakistan’s major initiative indicates the importance of addressing the drug crisis; however, local situations indicate a uniform approach won’t succeed. Punjab needs improved prosecution; Sindh requires urban rehab infrastructure; K-P is experiencing an increase in hard-drug use; Balochistan needs treatment options and global anti-trafficking collaboration.
The crackdown has resulted in record arrests and seizures, but unless it is combined with prevention, rehabilitation, and justice reforms, addiction and trafficking may persist. As one recovering addict simply put it: “We need more than just raids -we need a second shot at life.”
Conclusion
Pakistan is at a crucial turning point. The initiative has shown that the state can act forcefully against drug networks; however, the deeper struggle lies in the courts, communities, and schools. If enforcement is accompanied by rehabilitation, education, and enhanced legal systems, the country has a chance to change the trend. Otherwise, the initiative may be a brief success while the crisis secretly grows. The future of millions of young Pakistanis depends on the path chosen.
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