Peshawar (Khyber Mail): A seminar on “Drug Addiction Awareness” was held at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar, organized by the Anti-Narcotics Student Society of UET in collaboration with the Fazaia College of Education for Women, Peshawar Campus. The seminar aimed to educate students about drug addiction and the strict enforcement of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Control of Narcotic Substances (CNSA) Act 2019.
The guest speakers for the seminar were Miss Nida Syed, a Clinical Psychologist and Lecturer at FCAW, and Mr. Sofiyan Haqqani, Director of Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control, KPK. Ms. Syed discussed the psycho-physiological aspects of drug abuse and addiction, particularly among youth. She emphasized the need for a behavioral approach, including counseling, relapse prevention, motivation therapy, and strict law enforcement to reduce drug supply. She advocated for treating drug addicts as patients and showing empathy during the rehabilitation process.
Mr. Haqqani informed the audience about the department’s new initiatives to crack down on major narcotics dealers and hubs, using technology and modern methods. He called on academia and students to assist the government in identifying drug smugglers on campuses and implementing the anti-drug policy in its true spirit. He stated that a large number of drug dealers have been arrested, with no concessions given to drug smugglers.
Dean MCAI, Prof Dr. Sahar Noor, assured that UET Peshawar is adhering to the HEC’s Anti-Drug policy for educational institutions, with mechanisms in place to ensure its proper implementation in hostels and university premises. Dr. Khizar Azam, Registrar of UET Peshawar, stated that the university is also focusing on sports and extracurricular activities as effective means to counter drug inclination among students.
The seminar concluded with a question and answer session, followed by the presentation of souvenirs to the guest speakers by Prof Dr. Sahar Noor. The seminar was attended by Prof. Dr. Shahzad Khattak, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Prof. Dr. Afzal Khan, Provost, faculty members, and students from IM Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Peshawar, and FCAW.