Pubdate: Wed, 27 Jun 2012
Source: Express Tribune, The (Pakistan)
Copyright: 2012 The Express Tribune News Network
Contact:  http://tribune.com.pk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5288

'TEACHERS CAN CREATE AWARENESS, STEM DRUG ABUSE'

Teachers can play a significant role in creating awareness among
students about drug abuse in Pakistan. This was said by International
Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) President Dr Sahibzada Sajidur
Rehman while addressing a public awareness seminar at the old campus
of the university, said a press release.

The event was organised by the IIUI's Psychology Department. The
department's dean, Dr NB Jumani, Acting Psychology Chairperson Dr
Seema Gul, Assistant Professor Dr Tahir Khalily and a large number of
students attended the seminar.

Dr Khalily said substance abuse is not a new phenomenon in Pakistan
and people have long been abusing drugs for reasons varying from
pleasure and recreation to social and religious costumes, and also to
address medical needs and psychological problems. Dr Khalily
underscored the need to stop supplies of illicit drugs and reduce
demand with treatment as the core approach, as drug abuse in Pakistan
has increased dramatically in the past few decades.

Dr Rehman said there is need to inform students about drug abuse and
motivate them to conduct research and share its findings with the
society. He added that evil cannot be eliminated through strict
administrative directives, but through proper counselling and rational
actions.
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MAP posted-by: Matt