(MENAFN- Tribal News Network)
In Peshawar, thousands of drug addicts have taken over various areas, including Bacha Khan Chowk, Firdous Phatak, Hashtnagri Phatak, Gulbahar, the railway track in front of the jail, Town, Hayatabad, and Karkhano Market. The presence of these addicts poses a significant threat to citizens as they wield sharp instruments, intimidating the public. Additionally, these addicts engage in theft, targeting electricity meters, gas meters, and water pipes, among other items.
These addicts don't even spare the protective barriers on major highways and flyovers. The city has once again been held hostage by these individuals, leading to widespread insecurity among the residents.
In various parts of Peshawar, drug addicts have resorted to banditry, causing a rise in theft and robbery incidents, particularly in the affluent area of Hayatabad. Haji Azharuddin, a resident of Hayatabad Phase 4, recounted that his neighbor was robbed of his car at gunpoint, and in the same week, a person was robbed of a substantial amount of cash.
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Fayyaz Khan, a resident of Hayatabad Phase Seven and a former local government employee, reported that in the past month, unknown addicts had stolen from five houses on his street. They have stolen electricity meters and wires and have even cut and taken them away.
A neighbor mentioned that a thief stole sewer pipes from his house when the street watchman left for duty in the morning. Additionally, iron rods installed in the streets with street numbers written on them have been uprooted and stolen. Despite nominal police patrols, no thief has been arrested yet.
Razi Khan, the patrol in-charge of the Hayatabad police station, confirmed that most of the thefts are committed by drug addicts. These addicts injure themselves with sharp instruments when arrested, forcing the police to bear their medical expenses. While actions have been taken against them periodically, the current government, under Commissioner Peshawar Riaz Mehsud, has decided to revive the rehabilitation project for these addicts.
However, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is currently facing a severe financial crisis, halting ongoing development projects in sectors like health and education. Consequently, the project for the rehabilitation of drug addicts in Peshawar has been delayed due to a lack of funds. Despite more than a month passing, no action has been taken against the addicts, nor have they been apprehended and sent to rehabilitation centers.
The addicts who were previously rehabilitated under this project have relapsed, and their numbers have significantly increased. The task was again assigned to Commissioner Peshawar, but financial constraints have hindered the project's commencement.
Previously, the PTI government had initiated a three-phase rehabilitation plan for drug addicts in Peshawar in 2022, aiming to reintegrate them into society. Five thousand drug addicts were to be rehabilitated in the initial phase, with an allocation of five hundred million rupees by former Chief Minister Mehmood Khan. Commissioner Peshawar Riaz Mehsud was tasked with overseeing the project.
The campaign initially saw success, with addicts from various city areas, including Hashtnagri, Firdous Phatak, Central Jail Road, Hayatabad, and University Town, being forcibly taken to rehabilitation centers. They underwent treatment for three to four months, and 1,080 patients were recovered and handed over to their families. Among them, 44 were found to be HIV positive, apart from those with hepatitis. Despite the initial success, many recovered addicts have relapsed, and drug addicts are once again a common sight in Peshawar's streets.
A Psychologist's Perspective
Prof. Dr. Syed Muhammad Sultan, former president of the Pakistan Psychiatric Society and Psychiatric Federation, shared his insights with a TNN correspondent. He explained that ice, hashish, and heroin are chemically produced, severely damaging the kidneys, liver, and lung tissues. Addicts lose weight rapidly and become mentally incapacitated.
Dr. Sultan noted that there is no cure for ice addiction, and addicts can act unpredictably, harboring suspicions and negative thoughts. They may resort to theft, robbery, and even murder to satisfy their addiction.
Commissioner Peshawar Riaz Mehsud assured that the project to prevent drug addiction would be initiated soon.
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