KARACHI: "Drug addiction in our educational institutions is ticking time bomb, threatening to obliterate future of an entire generation.

This is not minor issue-it's full-blown crisis. With each day of inaction, more students fall prey to substances that devastate their minds, shatter their lives and turn our campuses into breeding grounds for addiction.

If we don't take immediate and drastic measures, we are not just endangering their futures-we are witnessing their descent into irreversible destruction, one hit at time. This is war, and we are losing. We must wake up youth," declared Prof. Dr. Nida Hussain, Pro-Chancellor of Ziauddin University.

She addressed students during 22nd interactive session of ZU Dialogues, themed 'Youth at Risk: The Growing Threat of Drug Addiction in Educational Institutions,' held at Ziauddin University. Event aimed to raise awareness about alarming rise of drug abuse within educational institutions, focusing on identifying root causes and fostering collaboration among students, faculty and parents to protect campuses.

Prof. Dr. Nida Hussain underscored gravity of escalating crisis, stating, "Our campuses, once sanctuaries of learning, are being exploited by organised networks as distribution centers for illicit substances. At Ziauddin University, we enforce strict zero-tolerance policy on drugs." She cautioned that educational institutions, which are meant to nurture and protect students, now face risk of becoming hotbeds for drug abuse.

Dr. Hussain called for immediate and collective action from educators, parents, policymakers, and communities to protect students and restore integrity of these learning environments, ensuring they remain spaces of growth and intellectual development.

Dr. Salman Shahzad, prominent Professor of Clinical Psychology at University of Karachi highlighted alarming statistics from 2019 World Bank report, revealing that "43 percent of youth are using meth, alcohol and other substances." He noted that in Pakistan's northern regions, nearly half of child population has access to drugs, with 44.9 percent having consumed alcohol.

These stark figures underscore urgent need for national intervention and decisive action to address this escalating crisis.Dr. Sarah Jehangir Principal College of Clinical Psychology at Ziauddin University stressed importance of engaging with youth about drug use in compassionate and non-judgmental manner. "It is crucial to have conversations with your children at home and students at school.

Rather than asking why they take drugs, ask if it benefits them, and then begin counseling process," she advised. Dr. Jehangir highlighted key factors such as stress, peer pressure and socio-economic challenges that contribute to substance use among students. "Open dialogues with young people, parents and educators are essential in guiding them toward recovery," she concluded.Dr. Umair Mahmood Siddiqui distinguished Islamic scholar and former member of Council of Islamic Ideology emphasised that well-rounded upbringing-encompassing ethical, physical, aesthetic, intellectual and spiritual nourishment-is essential for raising children effectively.

He highlighted importance of integrating spirituality, particularly fostering connection with Allah, into educational journey from schools to universities. "Spiritual and ethical guidance is crucial in helping children resist harmful influences and lead purposeful lives," Dr. Siddiqui stated.

Former Pakistani cricketer Sikandar Bakht emphasised critical importance of parents maintaining open lines of communication with their children. "It is essential not to isolate your kids; engage with them," Bakht advised, urging parents to be more than just authority figures but also friends to their children. He underscored vital role of family in preventing substance abuse, stating, "Parents bear greatest responsibility in safeguarding against drug addiction among students and youth."

Vice Chancellor of Ziauddin University Prof. Dr. Muhammad Inayatullah Khan underscored critical need for unified efforts to combat escalating threat of drug addiction within educational institutions. He reaffirmed University's unwavering commitment to fostering safe and healthy learning environment for all students.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 11 2024

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