Karachi (HRNW) Senior leader of the Insaf Lawyers Forum Karachi Division and prominent legal practitioner Advocate Hasnain Ali Chohan has expressed grave concern over the growing narcotics trade in the city, alleging that the open sale of drugs and addictive substances is destroying the younger generation.
In a press release issued on May 19, Chohan said that hashish, opium, ice, heroin, liquor, gutka, mawa, banned betel nut products and other narcotic substances were being sold openly in different parts of Karachi, pushing young people towards addiction and crime.
He alleged that the illegal trade was allegedly operating under the patronage of influential elements and certain police officials, allowing drug dealers to evade the law while continuing to endanger the lives of citizens, particularly the youth.
“The easy availability of narcotics near educational institutions, residential neighbourhoods and public places has become a matter of serious concern,” he said.
Advocate Chohan further stated that gutka, mawa and banned chewing substances had severely affected the health of teenagers and children, while dangerous drugs such as ice and heroin were contributing to a rise in criminal activities across the city.
He warned that if urgent and strict action was not taken, Karachi’s future would face serious risks.
Calling for immediate intervention, he urged the Sindh government, the home department, the inspector general of police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies to launch an indiscriminate operation against drug traffickers, their facilitators and those allegedly providing protection to them.
He also demanded strict action against any police personnel found involved in the illegal business.
Chohan said the people of Karachi, especially parents, were living in fear and anxiety as narcotics networks continued to target the younger generation. He added that the Insaf Lawyers Forum Karachi Division would continue to raise its voice against the menace and pursue legal and constitutional efforts for the protection of citizens and the future of the youth.
