Rabia Mustafa
26 June marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by United Nations. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the devastating impact of illicit drugs on individuals, families, and societies. Addressing the world drug problem requires a holistic approach; it demands prevention, legal framework, education, public health, and international cooperation.
The global drug landscape is changing rapidly. The UNODC World Drug Report 2026 paints a concerning picture of expanding illicit drug markets, increasing production of cocaine and synthetic stimulants, and the emergence of increasingly potent synthetic opioids. Organized criminal networks continue to exploit technology, globalization, and weak governance to expand trafficking routes and reach new users.
Drug dependence is fundamentally a public health issue. Prevention remains the most effective strategy, particularly through education, strong family support, youth engagement, mental health services, and community-based interventions. For those already affected, accessible treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration offer hope and reduce the cycle of addiction.
Governments also have a critical role. Effective drug policies must combine strong action against organized criminal networks, treatment, harm reduction where appropriate, and rehabilitation programmes. International cooperation is essential because illicit drug trafficking transcends national borders and fuels organized crime and insecurity worldwide.
For developing countries, drug trafficking also threatens sustainable development by undermining public institutions and placing additional pressure on already limited health and justice systems. Pakistan’s geographical location places it close to major regional drug routes. For decades, the country has faced the consequences of illicit drug trafficking, particularly because of the movement of Afghan-origin narcotics through the region.
The National Drug Use Survey Pakistan 2022–24, launched jointly by the Ministry of Narcotics Control, UNODC and international partners, is an important step toward evidence-based policymaking. Earlier national data showed that millions of people in Pakistan had used substances other than alcohol and tobacco, while drug dependence and treatment needs remained serious concerns.
Pakistan’s legal framework is primarily based on the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997, supported by the Control of Narcotic Substances Rules, 2001, the Anti-Narcotics Force Act, 1997, and the National Anti-Narcotics Policy 2019. These instruments regulate narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursor chemicals, enforcement powers, licensing, import/export controls, investigation, prosecution, forfeiture of assets, and treatment-related responses.
The Ministry of Narcotics Control Year Book 2022-23 shows that Pakistan’s anti-narcotics system is not limited to policing. It includes regulation of precursor chemicals, issuance of NOCs, registration of firms, quota allocation for controlled drugs, international cooperation agreements, coordination with law enforcement agencies, and policy oversight. These are important institutional functions, but their effectiveness depends on implementation, transparency, coordination and public trust.
Pakistan’s situation is becoming more complex. Traditional drugs such as cannabis, heroin and opium remain a concern, but synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances are emerging as serious threats, particularly among youth and in educational settings. The misuse of the internet, social media and online platforms for drug-related activity further complicates enforcement.
A major gap remains in treatment and rehabilitation. Drug dependence should be treated as a health issue, not only a crime. Pakistan needs more accessible, affordable and standardized rehabilitation centres, trained addiction professionals, mental health support, aftercare services, and community reintegration programmes. Families also need guidance because addiction affects entire households, not only individuals.
Youth protection must be a national priority. Schools, colleges and universities should have preventive education, counselling systems, referral mechanisms, and strict action against drug supply networks around educational institutions. Awareness campaigns should move beyond slogans and provide practical knowledge about addiction, mental health, peer pressure and recovery.
On the enforcement side, Pakistan must continue strong action against traffickers, organized criminal groups, money laundering networks and illegal supply chains. The way forward for Pakistan should include updating national data, stronger implementation of existing laws, expansion of treatment and rehabilitation services, protection of youth and educational institutions, and deeper regional and international cooperation.
Drug abuse is not only a criminal justice issue. It is a national development issue, a public health issue, and a human dignity issue. A collective commitment to protecting future generations from the harms of drugs is mandatory. Parents, educators, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, civil society organizations, and communities all share responsibility in creating environments where young people can thrive without the dangers of substance abuse.
Prevention is possible. Treatment is possible. Recovery is possible. Building a drug-free future is possible.
This possibility must be achieved at any cost.
