KARACHI: In a bid to create awareness about harmful effects of drug addiction and abuse on society as well as, individuals, especially the students, the Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) organised activities, including a panel discussion and poster contest under the slogan “JSMU Against Drug Abuse”.
The event was organised on the directive of Sindh government’s Department of Universities and Boards.
On the occasion, a panel discussion was held with cricketer Azam Khan, sports anchor Najeebul Hasnain and senior sports journalist Rishad Mehmood, who shared their insights and experiences on the topic. They also interacted with the audience and answered their questions.
Azam Khan said life is a precious gift that should not be wasted because of drug addiction, which harms both the addicts and their families.
Mr Wajid Ali from Humraz Foundation shared his own experiences as a recovered drug addict who was able to overcome his addiction with the kindness and generosity of a doctor and decided to repay the gesture by campaigning against drug abuse, especially among the youth.
Vice Chancellor Prof Amjad Siraj Memon said JSMU is committed to promoting a drug-free culture and recounted events from his own university days and especially cautioned the students living in hostels, both girls and boys, to shun bad company.
He spoke about the abuse of prescription drugs by students and warned of its harmful effects.
Expressing his concern over rising incidence of drug addiction among women, said according to the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF), one out of three drug users is a woman and only one out of five addicts seeking treatment is a woman.
Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Saadia Akram said the JSMU, through engaging activities and interactive sessions, strives for creating a safe and supportive environment, encouraging students to actively participate in the fight against drug abuse.
Asst Prof Dr Humera Ansar gave a lecture on drug abuse, its causes, consequences and prevention strategies, also quoting a research article that says every year half a million drug addicts are added to the existing burden in Pakistan, with a majority of them being in 18-25 year age groups. She also mentioned prevalent drugs and their street names and brands and said the country had 7 million documented drug abusers, 4 million of them using cannabis and another 2.7 million addicted to opiates.
The event was moderated by Dr Marium Azfar, while Registrar Dr Azam Khan presented a vote of thanks to the guests, organisers and participants.
Asfiya Aziz, Additional Director communications, and chief organiser of the event also thanked the media partners and volunteers for their cooperation and contribution.
A poster competition, the main activity of the campaign, was won by Abeera Saleem of MBBS programme, while Areeba Khan and Kashaf Musavi were the second and third runners up, respectively.
The audience were also shown a documentary on drug abuse prevention made by IPS Student Sameer Ali. A large number of students, faculty members, staff and media representatives attended the event.
