Problems in Pakistan Today
Modern History of Illicit Drug Use in Pakistan
Article By
Qamar Clement - Director - Crossroad to Victory Pakistan
The floodgate of illicit drugs entering Pakistan in recent times is tied to the
rule of Gen. Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq, who was the Chief Marshal Law Administrator. He
captured the throne by dismissing the government of Mr. Zulifqar Ali Bhutto who was
elected Prime Minister of Pakistan. Gen. Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq was responsible for
the death of the elected prime minister Mr. Zulifqar Ali Bhutto which he had hanged
as a grim statement of his brutality to the opposition to help prevent them from
mounting a coordinated attack against his regime.
This was during the time when
the Soviet Union attacked Afghanistan and USA helped Pakistan to fight the invasion
by the Soviet Union. During this war Afghans entered Pakistan and brought the illicit
drugs with them. The Afghans cultivated poppies into opium and heroin which was
used for their countries economic trade. The opium was smuggled to all over the
world and with the destabilizing of Northern Pakistan due to war, its roots came
to Pakistan to stay.
Meanwhile in the same era Gen. Zia-ul-Haq issued permits to
non-Muslims for liquor which resulted in new business revenue for the government
but also in a rise in alcoholism. Muslims are big users of alcoholic beverages and
Non-Muslims (including Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs etc.) that had permits started
selling liquor to Muslims for profit. These circumstances helped to spread drugs
in Pakistan as well.
Faisalabad is called the Manchester of Pakistan and is also
the main center for use and distribution of drugs. Almost every drug is available
in Faisalabad and drug users are increasing day by day. Christian town, Warispura
and many other areas are well known for availability of drugs. The younger generation
is being ruined by these drug dealers for the sake of money. On every street you
can find two or three drug dealers. They sell liquor, cocaine, heroin and other things
that lead to the destruction of our younger generation.
The basic solution for
these people is fervent, intercessory PRAYER. We should pray for them (both users
and delears) that the Lord might convert them and their souls may be saved.
Then there
must be renewal and restoration centers run by some honest persons who should love
their mission to save such people. There are many centers being run by NGO's and
also by government institutions but those are basic source of spreading drugs. These
NGO’s needed to be screened because NGO's main goal is only to make money and corrupt
people are heading up both government and NGO sectors. They provide drugs to their
patients for money instead of helping them get rid of their drug habits. We have
an example of Mr. Yousaf Masih, who is running an NGO with its clinic in the well
known Pinto Ground where patients are ruined and not saved.
The government sector
should also take strict measures to remove corruption to help overcome the drug problem.
They should visit the streets with sincere and dedicated personnel to capture the
culprits. This would be helpful in cutting the roots of both dealers and users of
illicit drugs in Pakistan.