Balochistan Government Launches Crackdown on Drug Addiction, Plans for Treatment and Rehabilitation

Quetta:Secretary of Social Welfare Balochistan, Asmatullah Qureshi, announced the launch of a crackdown on drug users in the city. The initiative is part of a broader effort to combat drug addiction and provide medical treatment to affected individuals. He revealed that there are currently around 2,500 drug addicts in Quetta city. Under the **Endowment Fund**, approval has been granted for the treatment of 292 patients, and steps are being taken to further address the issue.

Qureshi shared that under the directives of Chief Minister Balochistan, Sardar Balochistan, a comprehensive program is underway to rehabilitate drug-addicted individuals. “Soon, Quetta will be declared a **Drug-Free City**,” he said. As part of the **Drug-Free Quetta Campaign**, rehabilitation centers are being established to accommodate individuals battling addiction. Currently, 150 individuals are being treated at the Social Welfare Department’s center, while agreements have been signed with private drug rehabilitation centers to treat 1,322 people.

Moreover, new centers will be established at **Eastern Bypass**, **Saryab Road**, and **Kuchlak** to cater to the remaining addicts. Chief Minister Balochistan has also issued instructions for the transfer of three vacant government buildings to the department, where construction and repairs are already underway. The government is in discussions with additional private centers and NGOs to expand rehabilitation facilities.

Asmatullah Qureshi explained that the owners of these centers will be compensated at the rate of **300 rupees per patient per day**. The treatment process will initially last for three months, but it may be extended for up to six months if necessary. The government is collaborating with the police to ensure effective monitoring and intervention, with plans to clear streets and public areas of drug addicts.

He also appealed to the public for their cooperation, urging them to identify locations where drug addicts are present and report them to the authorities.

In addition to the drug rehabilitation efforts, Qureshi outlined the ongoing work under the **Endowment Fund** for the treatment of impoverished patients. Currently, the fund holds **7 billion rupees**, generating approximately **8.5 crore rupees** in income each month. He mentioned that a recent board meeting held on **February 28th** approved the treatment of 292 patients, highlighting that the current fund is insufficient for the growing demand. Following a request from Parliamentary Secretary **Wali Muhammad Noorzai**, the Chief Minister has promised to increase the Endowment Fund to **14 billion rupees**.

The Endowment Fund supports treatments for critical conditions like **heart disease**, **cancer**, **thalassemia**, **deafness** (through hearing devices), **kidney transplants**, and burns. In addition to these regular treatments, emergency cases are also approved by a special board, which meets regularly every two months.

Qureshi concluded by emphasizing the importance of improving healthcare access for the public and ensuring that resources are used effectively for the well-being of the people of Balochistan.