3rd phase of drug-free Peshawar drive to begin in August

PESHAWAR: The third phase of the “Drug-Free Peshawar” campaign is set to begin in the first week of August, targeting drug addiction and begging in the city.

The campaign, led by Commissioner Peshawar Division Riaz Khan Mahsud, involves a coordinated strategy with the district administration, Social Welfare Department, Excise Department, Anti-Narcotics Department, and private rehabilitation centres.Over 2,000 drug addicts on Peshawar’s streets will be taken into custody and shifted to rehabilitation centers for a four-month treatment programme. After completing treatment, the recovered individuals will be reunited with their families.

In tandem with the operation, professional beggars will be taken into custody and handed over to the Social Welfare Department for skills training, aimed at transforming them into productive citizens. Minor beggar children will be transferred to the Zamung Kor welfare home for free accommodation, education, and training.

Commissioner Riaz Khan Mahsud emphasised the campaign’s goal of making Peshawar a drug-free city.“We are committed to eradicating drug addiction and begging from our streets, and providing former beggars with the skills they need to become useful citizens,” he said.

A recent meeting to discuss the campaign was attended by Deputy Commissioner Peshawar Captain (r) Sarmad Saleem, District Officer Social Welfare Noor Muhammad, and officials from relevant departments.