Aga Khan Social Welfare Board for Pakistan's Portfolio for Prevention of Substance Abuse organised "Your voice against drugs - A show for a cause" in collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Force Pakistan and Creek Marina Private Limited at the PAF Museum Lawn, here.
The programme aimed at creating awareness about the effects of substance abuse in an informal setting of a musical concert. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are an estimated 1.3 billion smokers in the world. The death toll from tobacco consumption is now five million people a year. This number will reach up to 10 million people a year by 2020 if the current trends continue.
According to national survey on drug abuse, approximately five million people are drug addicts in Pakistan, increasing annually by seven percent with a large number of them being youth. The increasing numbers of people affected by various kinds of substance abuse call for a collaborated effort from people from all walks of life.
Famous musical band, "Heart Beat," enthralled the audience with energising songs. Prominent national celebrities Anwar Maqsood and Moin Akhtar delivered messages about substance abuse through their famous "Loose Talk" in their special humorous style.
Addressing the audience, AKSWB-P Chairman Hussein Tajani urged the youth to serve as the ambassadors and spread the message to combat substance abuse. A special video documentary was launched, prepared by the portfolio volunteers. The documentary highlights the growing trend of various substance abuses, especially among the youth.
Portfolio for Prevention of Substance Abuse Convenor Salima Pirani, reiterated the need to raise voice against drugs and work in a concerted way for a drug free Pakistan. In the end, community leaders, prominent personalities, youth and people from all walks of life signed the pledge wall reinstating their commitment to work towards a drug-free society.