Islamabad, Mar 14, 2025: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has revealed that the rehabilitation initiative for drug-dependent individuals will soon be incorporated into the Sehat Card Plus scheme.
On Thursday, a ceremony in Peshawar marked the successful completion of the third phase of the Drug-Free Peshawar campaign.
CM Gandapur graced the event as the chief guest, accompanied by provincial ministers, lawmakers from both National and Provincial Assemblies, senior officials, and members of civil society.
During the gathering, families joyfully reunited with individuals who had undergone treatment in the third phase, symbolizing their journey towards a new beginning.
Initiated in November 2024, this phase successfully rehabilitated 1,239 individuals struggling with addiction, including 13 women and 28 minors. Of these, 611 were from Peshawar, 536 from other districts of K-P, 48 from Punjab, 10 from Sindh, and 26 Afghan nationals.
With a robust allocation of Rs320 million, this initiative stands as the most extensive rehabilitation effort of its kind.
Read More:
Today’s Saudi Riyal to PKR Exchange Rate – 14 March 2025
Addressing the audience, CM Gandapur expressed his satisfaction in witnessing rehabilitated individuals rejoin their loved ones.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse and supporting addicts in becoming productive members of society.
He stressed that the program is not confined to K-P but extends its benefits to people from all over Pakistan and Afghanistan.
“We do not differentiate based on region or nationality,” he stated.
Gandapur recalled that they initially launched the program in 2022 and have since rehabilitated 2,400 individuals, including 1,154 from Peshawar, 1,039 from other K-P districts, 170 from Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, along with 34 foreigners.
Underlining his administration’s vision for a welfare state, Gandapur reaffirmed the government’s unwavering dedication to public welfare.
“Deputy Commissioners only need to bring addicts to the designated centers, and the government will bear all treatment expenses,” he assured.
He urged citizens to come forward and facilitate the rehabilitation of those suffering from addiction, ensuring that the government would oversee their complete recovery.
The chief minister also issued a stern warning against drug use, stating:
“Anything that people cannot do openly is inherently wrong. Drugs do not bring happiness or solace—only devastation. True peace and progress come from following the path of righteousness.”
He encouraged the public to take a stand against drug traffickers and cleanse their neighborhoods of this menace.
“The police will support you. Report drug dealers, and swift action will follow.
These criminals are enemies of our children and future generations,” he declared.
Concluding his address, Gandapur emphasized the shared duty to combat drug abuse and criminal networks while expressing gratitude to the business community for offering employment to rehabilitated individuals.
