Over 43% students use drugs in Pakistan's educational institutions: report

More than 43 percent of students in Pakistan's educational institutions are using alcohol and other narcotics, according to a report published by the World Bank (WB). 

The disturbing trend has prompted warnings from medical professionals about severe negative effects on students' mental and physical health, as well as academic performance.

Experts gathered at the 22nd Ziauddin University Dialogue, titled "The Growing Threat of Drug Addiction in Educational Institutions", to address the growing threat of drug addiction in educational institutions.

Pro-Chancellor Ziauddin University Professor Dr Nida Hussain described drug addiction in educational institutions as a "ticking time bomb" and a "full-blown crisis" requiring immediate attention.

Dr Salman Shahzad, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Karachi, highlighted the alarming statistics from the WB's 2019 report, stressing the need for national intervention.

Dr Sarah Jehangir, Principal of the College of Clinical Psychology at Ziauddin University, advocated for open dialogues to address stress and peer pressure.

Former cricketer Sikandar Bakht urged parents to engage with their children to prevent drug addiction.