Pakistani Laws on the Use of Narcotics and Drug Addiction: Need for Reforms

Abstract

The use of narcotic substances and drug addiction are growing at alarming levels in Pakistan. The harsh anti-narcotics laws, which are against the spirit of the Sharia, have failed to contain this mushrooming growth and have instead added to the suffering of drug addicts. Based on the qualitative research carried out in district Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), this paper provides for the ineffectiveness of these laws and highlights the challenges in their implementation. The
government’s lack of interest to address this issue has also been observed through the absence of medical treatment and rehabilitation facilities for drug addicts. It is suggested that the existing laws should be reformed in favour of addicts and harm reduction programmes should be introduced in the wider interest of the society.