Sindh Police Launch Aggressive Crackdown on Drug Networks Near Schools

In a bold move to tackle the growing crisis of youth drug abuse, police in Sindh province have arrested over 60 suspected drug traffickers operating near educational institutions. The operation, which began in May, targets high-risk “A+ category” drug networks situated dangerously close to schools, colleges, and universities.

Targeting Drug Mafias Around Educational Institutions

According to Sheeraz Nazeer, Deputy Inspector General of the Special Branch, 60 out of 69 identified drug mafias have been apprehended. Authorities have also dismantled 27 of 31 known drug dens and arrested 38 individuals involved in distributing narcotics through mobile apps and courier services.

This crackdown reflects growing public concern over the accessibility of drugs to students in Pakistan’s urban centers, especially Karachi.

Alarming Rise in Student Drug Use

Although official statistics remain scarce, independent surveys paint a troubling picture. The Pakistan Narcotics Control Board reports that 44% of university and college students have used drugs. Another study reveals that one in five school-aged children has experimented with narcotics.

Child rights activist Kashif Mirza warns that systemic issues are fueling the crisis. He highlights that approximately 1,200 children between the ages of six and twelve start smoking daily in Pakistan—often a gateway to drug use.

High-Profile Arrests and Shocking Revelations

Among the notable arrests is Sahir Hasan, son of renowned actor Sajid Hasan. Police allege Sahir supplied drugs to students using digital platforms to avoid detection. Authorities seized narcotics worth over Rs5 million from him, though he was later granted bail. His father has denied the allegations.

The case follows the tragic murder of Karachi student Mustafa Amir, whose disappearance led investigators to uncover a drug ring operating within elite student circles.

Families and Students Speak Out

For many families, the crisis is deeply personal. Arshad Ali, a banker, shared his son’s struggle with methamphetamine addiction and emphasized the need for dismantling the entire drug supply chain—including corrupt officials.

Students echo these concerns. Salman Shah, a Karachi University student, admitted to losing a year of his life to addiction and confirmed that drugs remain easily accessible on campus.

Next Steps: Legal Action and Asset Freezing

Sindh’s Inspector General of Police, Ghulam Nabi Memon, announced that the next phase of the operation will focus on securing court convictions and preventing bail for traffickers. The police plan to freeze assets of major offenders and collaborate with the Federal Investigation Agency to investigate financial crimes and potential terror financing.

Memon also warned that officers who fail to properly investigate or register cases will face disciplinary action.

Experts Call for a Holistic National Strategy

Despite the aggressive policing, experts caution that legal action alone won’t solve the problem. Activists urge the government to develop a comprehensive national strategy that prioritizes youth mental health, community outreach, and preventive education.

Kashif Mirza emphasized the urgency of a unified plan to disrupt the drug supply chain and penalize traffickers, while also supporting students at risk.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The crackdown in Sindh is a critical step in addressing youth drug abuse, but long-term success will depend on a multi-pronged approach. With rising addiction rates among students, Pakistan must invest in prevention, rehabilitation, and systemic reform to protect its future generations.