Pakistan Faces Escalating Drug Crisis Amid Youth Vulnerability

Drug abuse has become one of Pakistan’s most pressing social challenges, undermining public health, safety, and national stability. Official estimates and UN statistics reveal that nearly 6.7 million Pakistanis misuse controlled substances, with cannabis being the most commonly consumed drug. Heroin addiction, alongside synthetic narcotics such as methamphetamine and ecstasy, continues to spread across demographics, intensifying the crisis.

Experts warn that Pakistan’s youth—who make up 64% of the population—are at the highest risk. Peer pressure, family discord, unemployment, and academic stress often push young people toward substance abuse as a coping mechanism. This trend threatens to erode the social and moral foundations of the next generation.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has designated June 26 as the International Day Against Drug Abuse, emphasizing community-led prevention, stronger treatment programs, and the elimination of stigma. Pakistan’s participation in this global initiative highlights the importance of empathy and collective action in tackling addiction.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), police, customs, and paramilitary units, have expanded operations to dismantle drug networks. In Faisalabad, Regional Police Officer Sohail Akhtar Sukhera has led intelligence-based raids, detaining thousands of individuals involved in trafficking and peddling. His community-driven approach also focuses on building resilience among students to resist peer pressure and avoid destructive behaviors.

Pakistan’s strategic location within the Golden Crescent—alongside Afghanistan and Iran—makes it both a transit and consumption hub for opiates. Large quantities of Afghan heroin and opium destined for international markets pass through Pakistan, complicating domestic enforcement efforts.

While the Control of Narcotic Substances Act (CNSA) of 1997 provides strict penalties, including life imprisonment and even the death penalty for traffickers, experts argue that punitive measures alone cannot solve the problem. Comprehensive prevention strategies, expanded rehabilitation services, and destigmatized treatment pathways are urgently needed.

Beyond health consequences, drug abuse fuels crime, corruption, and economic instability. Families and healthcare systems bear immense pressure, especially in regions with limited medical infrastructure. Recognizing addiction as both a medical and social issue, Pakistan has established model rehabilitation centers, but the scale of the crisis demands far greater investment.

Ultimately, combating drug abuse requires unwavering political will, social cohesion, and coordinated national action. By prioritizing prevention, rehabilitation, and community engagement, Pakistan can reduce the devastation caused by addiction and move closer to a safer, healthier society.