Karachi Event Highlights Urgent Need to Combat Drug Addiction in Schools

Drug addiction in our educational institutions

is a ticking time bomb, threatening to obliterate

the future of an entire generation

News Desk

Karachi: “Drug addiction in our educational institutions is a ticking time bomb, threatening to obliterate the future of an entire generation,” declared Prof. Dr. Nida Hussain, Pro-Chancellor of Ziauddin University. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, describing it as a full-blown crisis that demands immediate action.

Prof. Dr. Hussain spoke during the 22nd interactive session of ZU Dialogues, themed “Youth at Risk: The Growing Threat of Drug Addiction in Educational Institutions,” held at Ziauddin University. The session aimed to raise awareness about the increasing problem of drug abuse in schools and universities, focusing on identifying the root causes and fostering collaboration to protect students.

Urgent Call for Action

Prof. Dr. Hussain stressed that campuses, once safe havens of learning, are being exploited by organized networks for drug distribution. “At Ziauddin University, we enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy on drugs,” she stated. She called for immediate and collective action from educators, parents, policymakers, and communities to safeguard students and restore the integrity of educational environments.

Alarming Statistics and Expert Insights

Dr. Salman Shahzad, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Karachi, presented alarming statistics from a 2019 World Bank report. “43% of youth are using meth, alcohol, and other substances,” he revealed. He highlighted that nearly half of the child population in Pakistan’s northern regions has access to drugs, with 44.9% having consumed alcohol. These figures underscore the urgent need for national intervention.

Approaches to Address Drug Abuse

Dr. Sarah Jehangir, Principal of the College of Clinical Psychology at Ziauddin University, emphasized the importance of compassionate communication about drug use. “Have open dialogues with your children and students,” she advised. Dr. Jehangir pointed out factors like stress, peer pressure, and socio-economic challenges as contributors to substance abuse. She encouraged engaging in open conversations to guide young people toward recovery.

The Role of Spiritual and Ethical Guidance

Dr. Umair Mahmood Siddiqui, a distinguished Islamic scholar, stressed the importance of a well-rounded upbringing that includes ethical, physical, aesthetic, intellectual, and spiritual nourishment. “Spiritual and ethical guidance is crucial in helping children resist harmful influences,” he said. Dr. Siddiqui advocated for integrating spirituality into the educational journey to help students lead purposeful lives.

The Role of Parents

Former Pakistani cricketer Sikandar Bakht highlighted the critical role of parents in preventing substance abuse. “Maintain open lines of communication with your children,” Bakht advised. He urged parents to be supportive and engaged, noting that families play a crucial role in safeguarding against drug addiction.

Unified Efforts Needed

In his concluding remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Inayatullah Khan emphasized the need for a unified effort to combat drug addiction in educational institutions. He reaffirmed Ziauddin University’s commitment to creating a safe and healthy learning environment for all students.