AS per latest surveys and reports from world monitoring institutions, trend in drugs and substance abuse, is gradually shifting from plant-based drugs (ie. Opium and Hashish) to synthetic drugs (Methamphetamine and Ecstasy tablets etc).

Methamphetamine, commonly known as Meth, is a highly addictive synthetic drug, which is increasing its footprint in Pakistan.

Met amphetamine is a growing health concern not only in Pakistan but for the region and the globe as well. A reported 60% surge in the seizures of Methamphetamine in South and West Asia necessitates immediate actions against its proliferation. As per UNODC estimates, Meth seizures in and around Afghanistan soured from 2.9 tons to 29.7 tons from 2017 to 2021. It is in this backdrop that vulnerability of Pakistani youth to synthetic drugs specifically Meth, has increased manifolds. Unfortunately, Meth addiction in Pakistan is steadily rising. The most vulnerable segment of the society is the youth, ranging in ages from 18 to 35 years. The educational institutions are the most exposed places, where addicts may range from doctors to engineers and sportsmen to entrepreneurs.

Soon after taking over Afghanistan in 2021, Taliban vowed to crack down on narcotics by issuing a decree to ban the production and sale of illicit drugs. But the decree was not adequately enforced. Notwithstanding the slowdown in 2022 and 2023, drugs trade in Afghanistan started to witness a big boom again. As per UNODC Report-2024, currently Afghanistan is experiencing 19% increase in cultivation and almost 30% increase in drugs production. Taliban’s crackdown on poppy cultivation in 2022/ 23, also instigated a strategic shift towards Methamphetamine production. Surge in Meth production in Afghanistan bears dire implications for Pakistan, region and the globe. Reportedly, there are scores of Meth-manufacturing facilities functional in Afghan provinces, which are bordering Pakistan. Since, 40%........

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