Audit Exposes Shocking Failures In Drug-Free Peshawar Campaign

Serious irregularities, substandard facilities, and inhumane treatment of drug addicts have been revealed during Phase Three of the Drug-Free Peshawar campaign.

A special audit report by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Social Welfare Department has raised serious questions over the performance of rehabilitation centers.

According to the audit report, most of the rehabilitation centers established for the campaign lacked dedicated detoxification and rehabilitation wards, while none of the centers had laboratory facilities.

The report stated that space allocated for recreational activities was inadequate and bathroom facilities were found to be unsatisfactory.

It further revealed that between 55 and 80 drug addicts were housed in a single hall, while the number of beds and rooms was less than what had been officially reported. In some centers, HIV-positive patients were kept in the same area as other individuals, which constitutes serious negligence.

The audit report also disclosed that drug addicts were subjected to physical abuse at rehabilitation centers and were not provided with proper food.

Moreover, no psychologists were appointed at any center, and there was no admission or attendance register for patients.

The report added that payments exceeding Rs 2 million were made to the control room and the DC Office in violation of KPPRA rules.

During the campaign, failure to pay income tax, KPPRA tax, sales tax, and stamp duty caused a loss of Rs 17 million to the national exchequer.

Under Phase Three of the Drug-Free Peshawar campaign, 2,000 drug addicts were shifted to rehabilitation centers. However, despite poor performance, a fine of Rs 886,000 imposed on Da Haq Awaz was not recovered.

Following these revelations in the audit report, serious questions have been raised about the transparency and effectiveness of the campaign.

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