We have to realise that drug dealing has moved out of the dark alleys. It is in our neighborhoods, near our schools and even on our phone screens through social media. Dealers are smart. They target the young, leaning on their curiosity and the pressure to ‘fit in’. What starts as a ‘one-time thing’ or a way to escape stress quickly turns into a full blown addiction that rips families apart and destroys lives before they have even truly begun. Even with law enforcement trying to step up, the problem keeps growing. Why? Because there’s a lack of public awareness, weak monitoring and a lot of social silence. We often look the other way until it hits our own doorstep. Fixing this is not going to be easy and it cannot be done by one person.
We need a real, collective effort. The authorities have to tighten their grip, enforce the law and actually hold people accountable. But it also starts at home and in the classroom. Parents and teachers need to be the first line of defense, talking to young people and guiding them towards better paths. Community involvement is also a missing piece of the puzzle. We have to stop being silent. If we see something suspicious, we have to report it. We also need the media to keep the pressure on and educate the public. We cannot afford to lose any more lives to this silent epidemic.
Aiman Naveed
Sialkot
