Islamabad students high on ice, says interior minister

–Shehryar Afridi says 75pc female, 45pc male students addicted to ice, crystal meth in federal capital

–Reiterates resolve to tackle thriving drug culture

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi revealed on Tuesday that as many as 75 per cent female students of the federal capital are addicted to stimulating drugs, including ice and crystal meth; whereas almost 45 per cent of male students too are substance abusers.

Addressing the launching ceremony of “Child Rights Training for Islamabad Police Officials” held at Police Lines, he said that keeping in view the alarming upward trend of drugs among students, the Interior Ministry has come up with an effective strategy aimed at not sparing anyone pushing drugs and destroying the youth’s future.

“The federal government has waged war on drug barons, land grabbers and mafia groups and an example will be made out of those involved in heinous crimes targeting the common people,” he said, adding that the capital city police has also launched a crackdown in this regard.

The unprecedented crackdown, Afridi said, has been launched against the drug mafia on the special directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan and no one will be allowed to mar the future of the country’s younger generations.

He also warned all politicians, police officials and media persons against supporting drug barons.

“Under the premier’s future strategy, youth will be taken forward as the frontline soldiers of Pakistan. I am organising the youngsters of all educational institutions and soon they will be defending Pakistan’s case on social media and all other fronts,” the minister said.

The minister also urged the parents to keep a close eye on their kids, who may become a victim of drug or child abuse and said there was a need to initiate an awareness campaign to sensitise the masses towards the menace of drugs usage at large.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Today learnt that illegal drugs-related businesses were flourishing in the federal capital like real estate owing to the support of the capital’s cops. “The drug mafia has strong roots in the capital’s administrative quarters, police, and is backed by influential tycoons,” sources said.