ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (ABC): Pakistan conducted 4,752 anti-drug awareness and demand-reduction activities during July-March FY2025-26. At the same time, authorities expanded rehabilitation services and strengthened enforcement against narcotics-related crimes.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the government launched a comprehensive anti-narcotics strategy based on three pillars: drug supply reduction, drug demand reduction and international cooperation. The strategy follows the Anti-Narcotics Policy 2019.
Awareness campaigns gain momentum
During the first nine months of FY2025-26, anti-narcotics authorities organised 4,752 drug demand-reduction activities. These campaigns aimed to raise public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote preventive measures across the country.
The report also shows that rehabilitation and treatment services expanded during the period. These initiatives support addiction recovery through healthcare and rehabilitation programmes.
Rehabilitation services expand
During July-March FY2025-26, Model Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centres (MATRCs) treated 2,024 patients across Pakistan.
The MATRC in Karachi’s Lyari area treated the highest number of patients, handling 510 cases. Other centres treated 374 patients in Malir, 342 in Manghopir, 278 in Hyderabad, 228 in Quetta, 167 in Islamabad and 125 in Sukkur.
The government is also strengthening rehabilitation infrastructure. It is developing a new Model Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Islamabad at an estimated cost of Rs456.38 million.
The project has reached 99% completion, and contractors have almost finished all civil works.
Once operational, the new centre will expand treatment capacity and improve access to rehabilitation services for people struggling with substance abuse.
Enforcement efforts continue
Alongside rehabilitation initiatives, authorities continued enforcement operations against narcotics-related crimes.
During July-March FY2025-26, law enforcement agencies registered 1,489 First Information Reports (FIRs). They also arrested 1,729 suspects in anti-narcotics cases.
The report says the conviction rate reached 78%, reflecting continued efforts to strengthen legal enforcement and improve prosecution outcomes.
Balanced anti-drug strategy
According to the report, Pakistan is increasingly combining enforcement with prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Authorities consider awareness campaigns, treatment facilities and rehabilitation services essential for reducing drug demand and supporting long-term recovery.
Overall, Pakistan organised 4,752 anti-drug awareness activities, treated 2,024 patients, registered 1,489 cases and brought a new Rs456.38 million rehabilitation facility in Islamabad close to completion. These initiatives demonstrate the government’s broader efforts to strengthen both the preventive and treatment components of its anti-drug strategy.
