Khanewal: Police have taken an important step to combat drug abuse and facilitate the rehabilitation of drug-dependent individuals by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Khalid Bin Waleed Counselling Centre, Mian Channu.
District Police Officer Muhammad Abid visited the counselling centre and signed the MoU with its administration to promote coordinated efforts for the treatment, counselling, psychological support and rehabilitation of drug addicts.
DSP Mian Channu, CSO Rai Farhat, PRO Shiraz Cheema and other police officers and relevant officials were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, DPO Muhammad Abid said the initiative aimed at providing drug-dependent persons with quality treatment, psychological assistance, counselling and rehabilitation facilities so that they could overcome addiction and return to healthy and dignified lives.
He said that under Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Drug-Free Punjab campaign, Khanewal Police were adopting a comprehensive strategy that focused not only on taking effective action against drug dealers but also on rehabilitating those affected by drug addiction. ‘The fight against drugs cannot be limited to arrests and registration of cases against drug dealers. An equally important part of this struggle is to help victims of addiction recover and become productive members of society, ‘ the DPO said.
He added that, in collaboration with the Khalid Bin Waleed Counselling Centre, different stages of rehabilitation would be carried out, with professional psychological counselling and expert support provided to patients. Along with medical treatment, special attention would be given to their mental and social rehabilitation so that, after recovery, they could reintegrate into their families and society.
DPO Muhammad Abid stressed that the fight against drugs was essentially a fight for the future of younger generation. He said police, medical professionals, welfare organisations, parents and all segments of society needed to work together to eradicate the menace of drug abuse.
He further said an effective anti-drug strategy required simultaneous efforts in law enforcement, awareness, treatment and rehabilitation. The DPO reiterated that Khanewal Police would continue its zero-tolerance policy against drug dealers while utilizing all available resources to provide treatment and rehabilitation opportunities to people struggling with addiction.
