This is apropos a letter to the Editor titled “Time to act before it’s too late” from this writer carried by the newspaper yesterday.
Several factors contribute to this growing problem. Poverty and unemployment remain among the most significant causes.
Financial hardship forces many children to leave school early and enter the workforce, depriving them of education and awareness. Without proper guidance, they often struggle to distinguish between healthy and harmful choices. Peer pressure is another major influence, as young individuals are easily swayed by their social circles.
READ MORE: Time to act before it’s too late-I
Additionally, a lack of parental supervision plays a critical role. In many cases, parents are either too occupied or unaware of their children’s activities, allowing harmful habits to develop unchecked.
The consequences of widespread drug abuse are both immediate and long-term. Crime rates tend to rise, with incidents such as theft, gas meter stealing, and other illegal activities becoming more common. At the same time, young people lose direction and purpose, putting their futures at risk. Health complications are equally concerning. Drug abuse gradually damages the body, often silently, until the effects become severe and irreversible.
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this crisis is the silence surrounding it. Many residents are aware of the issue, yet few are willing to speak out. Social connections often discourage intervention—those involved in drug use are frequently neighbours, friends, or acquaintances.
Some individuals also adopt an indifferent attitude, believing that they will eventually move away and therefore bear no responsibility for addressing the problem.
Addressing this issue requires a collective and sustained effort. Parents must take an active role in monitoring and guiding their children. Schools and educational institutions should prioritize awareness programs that highlight the dangers of drug use. Community organizations can contribute by organizing campaigns and support initiatives. Most importantly, the government must ensure strict law enforcement and limit the availability of harmful substances.
In conclusion, ignoring this issue today will have devastating consequences for future generations. It is not enough to avoid drugs individually; society as a whole must work together to combat the problem. Through awareness, responsibility, and united action, it is still possible to build a safer and healthier environment for all.
Concluded.
Abdul Basit, A student (BBA) of Sindh Madressatul Islam University,Karachi
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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