CHITRAL, July 18: In a significant move, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Lower Chitral Rao Hashim Azim has facilitated the transfer of 24 drug addicts to a rehabilitation center in Peshawar for free treatment and counseling.
This initiative, carried out with the support of Additional Deputy Commissioner General Abdul Salam, the Assistant Commissioner, the Social Welfare Department, and District Police, aims to curb the rising drug abuse problem in Lower Chitral.
The individuals, identified as struggling with severe substance addiction, were carefully screened and sent to a government rehabilitation center in Peshawar. There, they will receive medical treatment along with psychological counseling to address underlying mental health issues. In addition, they will be offered social guidance and vocational training, enabling them to reintegrate into society as healthy, skilled, and responsible individuals.
According to DC Rao Hashim Azim, this is part of a broader strategy to rehabilitate drug users and safeguard the youth of Chitral from falling into addiction. “We are committed to turning these lives around. This step is a milestone in our ongoing fight against drug abuse,” he said.
Local authorities hope this initiative will pave the way for similar interventions across the region, ultimately promoting a drug-free and progressive Lower Chitral.