Lahore: An Awareness Seminar on Drug Abuse Prevention was jointly organized by the Anti-Drug & Tobacco Committee of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Pakistan. The event, held under the theme 'Counter Narcotics Campaign in Educational Institutions and Role of Students', took place at the UVAS City Campus in Lahore, with key figures addressing the importance of combating drug abuse among students.
According to the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, the seminar's concluding session was presided over by UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Masood Rabbani, with Major Nazir, Deputy Director of the ANF Punjab, serving as the Guest of Honor. The event also featured contributions from Assistant Director (ANF) Dr Maria Ali, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science Prof Dr Kamran Ashraf, Senior Tutor Prof Dr Yasin Tipu, Dr Mariam Javed, and a number of faculty members and students.
During his address, Major Nazir highlighted the significance of students as crucial assets to the country and encouraged them to strive for success without shortcuts. He emphasized the need for students to embody good character, respect their parents, and abstain from narcotics. Major Nazir elaborated on the ANF's comprehensive operations aimed at reducing drug abuse in Pakistan, describing their efforts as a 'jihad' or dedicated struggle to shield the younger generation from drugs' detrimental effects.
Prof Dr Masood Rabbani further stressed the students' responsibility to contribute to societal welfare and spread awareness about the harmful impacts of drugs. He encouraged students to model themselves after exemplary individuals who have contributed positively to society and underscored the importance of maintaining an impeccable character.
Earlier, Dr Maria Ali provided a presentation detailing the objectives of the ANF, various types of drugs, reasons behind drug use, symptoms of addiction, and the adverse effects drugs have on health and behavior, along with prevention and treatment strategies.