Our member, Mian Afzal Trust Hospital (MATH), located in Gujranwala, Pakistan, has organised a Seminar to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26th with the theme “People First: No Stigma and Discrimination to Strengthen Prevention”. Col Dilshad Hussain Shad – Joint Director of the Anti Narcotics Force Punjab – was the Chief Guest. The guests of honour were Mr Muhmmad Aalam – Social welfare Officer, Mr Adnan Pehlwan – Wrestling Champion Punjab, and Ms Fozia.

During the Seminar, Mr Sana Ullah Rathore, Chairman MATH/Director ISSUP Pakistan, highlighted the need to minimize discrimination and the need for substance use rehabilitation through strengthening prevention as prevention is better than cure. He also showcased that MATH is working for prevention and rehabilitation. Col Dilshad Hussain Shad Joint Director, Anti Narcotics Force Punjab shared that everyone needs to play their role. ANF conducted different drug demand reduction activities along with supply reduction of substance use. Rana Maqsood Ahmad, Arshad Javed Mughal, Sufi Muhammad Javed, Ms Fozia, Muhammad and Dr Tariq Aziz Khokhar were among the speakers.

Additionally, a poster competition was competition in light of World Drug Day. The exhibition of posters was arranged at Mian Afzal Trust Hospital, Gujranwala, and inaugurated by Col Dilshad Hussain Shad – Joint Director, Anti Narcotics Force Punjab, Mr Sana Ullah Rathore, Chairman MATH/Director ISSUP Pakistan, Rana Maqsood Ahmad, Arshad Javed Mughal, and Sufi Muhammad Javed. Mr Muhammad Aalam, Ms Sidra, and Dr Maham were on the panel of judges. The judges announced the winners of the poster competition. Col Dilshad Hussain Shad Joint Director, Anti Narcotics Force Punjab, Mr. Sana Ullah Rathore, Chairman MATH/Director ISSUP Pakistan, Rana Maqsood Ahmad, Arshad Javed Mughal and Sufi Muhammad Javed awarded cash prizes to the winners of poster competitions.

Lastly, the Pakistan Youth Organization organised a seminar on the eve of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in collaboration with Freedom Drug Treatment & Rehab Centre on 26th June 2023 at the GIFT University, Gujranwala, Pakistan.  Muhammad Javed, Sana Ullah Rathore, Ms Hina Bhukhari – Deputy Director of Social Welfare, Muhammad Aalam – Social Welfare Officer, Ms Shumaila – Social Welfare Officer, and Ms Fozia were the speakers. The speakers shared about the harms of drugs and how we can prevent our youth from developing a substance use addiction. Students had the opportunity to ask various questions to the speakers. Students also raised questions regarding the dire need for skill-building trainings for students to prevent substance use addiction. Speakers also addressed different myths about drugs.