Federal Secretary for Narcotics Control, Akbar Durrani TI/PAS chaired a meeting on mass awareness campaign against drug abuse in the Ministry of Narcotics Control. Key stakeholders from all relevant sectors participated in the meeting and gave their valuable input on the given topic. The Federal Secretary briefed the participants that it was very unfortunate to find out that only 216 beds in various hospitals were designated for the treatment of drug abuse victims. He further suggested that there should be specified ward for these people in all major hospitals of the country. The Secretary further said that we intend to create a model rehabilitation Centre in Islamabad for betterment of people who fall prey to this menace. Dr. Maqsood Ahmad presented how Hometown Community foundation was functioning and discussed way forward. BISP representative suggested that educational Ministry should be taken on board and curriculum can be used to create awareness amongst students from very start. Furthermore, the meeting concluded with the decisions of re-launching the Zindagi App and increase its reach to create drug awareness. It was also reinforced that dissemination of information should be maximum at every platform including digital and social media. It was also decided that theatre and dramas engage youth and these platforms should also be utilized to create mass awareness. Under this decision, it was mutually agreed upon that there will be awareness dramas under supervision of PNCA. The participants emphasized on the need of family and social values that will minimize the generation gap. This will have a positive impact on mental health, that is one of the major causes of drug addiction. Furthermore, it was said that clerics and other religious leaders should address the matter and play their role in creating awareness. It was also decided that psychological counselling should be made integral part of educational institutions to improve mental health of children and save them from drugs. The meeting was attended by DG Radio Ms. Ambreen Jan, DG Internal Publicity, Mr. Manzoor Ali Memon, Dr Maqsood Ahmad, MD, Hometown Community Foundation, Mehwish Tariq, CEO, HCF, Dr. Manzoor ul Haq, Advisor DDR & HIV/AIDS UNODC, Ms. Cristina von Sperling Afridi, Chairperson KKAWF, Dr. Tanveer Kiani, Director BISP, representatives from PTV, Private Education Sector, Pakistan Sports Board, Mental Health Experts, Social Media Experts and other relevant officers.
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