Rana Waheed Shehzad, President of Minhaj Youth League, has expressed serious concern over the alarming rise in drug addiction among youth in Pakistan, calling it a moment of deep reflection. Over 8 million young people are now addicted to drugs. He announced that the upcoming week will be observed as “Anti-Drug Awareness Week” under the leadership of Minhaj Youth League.

He shared these views while addressing a seminar held at the central secretariat in Model Town. The event was attended by Dr. Imran Younas, General Secretary of Minhaj Youth League, along with the organization's central, provincial, and district leaders.

Rana Waheed Shehzad said that drug addiction has become a national tragedy, and remaining silent is a form of criminal negligence. Drugs are causing severe mental, physical, and moral destruction among youth, the consequences of which the entire nation will have to face in the future.

He emphasized that international reports and national investigative agencies continuously warn that millions of youth in Pakistan are now drug-dependent. The easy availability of narcotics — in educational institutions, recreational areas, and even homes — is an alarming and unfortunate trend.

He identified several major causes behind this destructive trend, including lack of moral education, unemployment, psychological stress, economic instability, family breakdown, and the easy access to narcotics. He stressed the urgent need for strict action against the drug mafia.

Rana Waheed Shehzad demanded that the government immediately declare a national emergency to combat the drug crisis. All relevant institutions should be activated, and every segment of society must be involved in this struggle. Existing laws must be strictly enforced.

He appealed to parents, teachers, religious scholars, and social workers to take practical steps within their communities to protect youth from falling into the trap of drug addiction. He emphasized that this crisis can be tackled through effective legal action, border surveillance, educational awareness, establishment of rehabilitation centers, strong family and social roles, media campaigns, and active involvement of youth organizations.

He announced that Minhaj Youth League will soon launch a nationwide “Anti-Drug Campaign,” which will include seminars, awareness walks, lectures in educational institutions, and a strong social media movement to raise awareness among youth.