Plan unveiled to rehabilitate drug addicts

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Wednesday unveiled an initiative ‘Drug-Free Peshawar’ aimed at rehabilitating the city’s drug-affected population.

KP Minister for Social Welfare Syed Qasim Ali Shah spelled out the details of the campaign at a meeting here. He underscored the government’s dedication to supporting marginalized individuals facing addiction, calling on rehabilitation centers to approach their work with sincerity and commitment.

The minister said the ‘Drug-Free Peshawar’ campaign marks a proactive effort by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to tackle the urgent issue of drug addiction, aiming to enhance the overall health and welfare of the community.This initiative, he added, not only addresses a pressing social challenge but also aims to restore hope and dignity to countless lives.

It seeks to provide comprehensive treatment for approximately 2,000 individuals struggling with addiction on the streets of Peshawar. Syed Qasim Ali Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to allocating substantial funds for the treatment of drug addicts. “We have carefully selected private rehabilitation centers to ensure high-quality care and effective rehabilitation,” he stated.

The individuals will be safely transferred to designated rehabilitation centers, where they will undergo a rigorous four-month rehabilitation program designed to reintegrate them as productive members of society.

The campaign will commence in the third week of this month under the leadership of Peshawar Division Commissioner Riaz Khan Mahsud.Speaking on the occasion, the commissioner added: “Our primary goal is the effective and lasting treatment of drug addicts. We will enforce strict monitoring measures, including surprise inspections and the installation of CCTV cameras at all centers to maintain high standards of care.”