Quetta Citizens, Traders Alarmed by Open Presence of Drug Addicts on Jinnah Road

QUETTA: Citizens and traders have expressed serious concern over the alleged growing presence of drug addicts in public places along Jinnah Road and adjoining areas of Quetta, saying the situation is increasingly affecting the environment and sense of security in the city’s busy commercial centre.

According to local sources, drug addicts can frequently be seen at various locations along Jinnah Road, with some allegedly using drugs openly. Residents claim that the situation has become so serious that women are also reportedly being seen among those openly using drugs.

Citizens said the presence of drug addicts on roads, footpaths and other public spaces was causing difficulties for pedestrians, shoppers and business owners. They added that some individuals remained sitting or lying along roadsides while under the influence of drugs, creating an uncomfortable environment for people visiting commercial areas.

Jinnah Road is one of Quetta’s major commercial and public centres, attracting large numbers of people every day for shopping and business activities. Citizens said the open presence and alleged drug use in such a central location raised serious questions about administrative monitoring and law enforcement.

Residents have also questioned the alleged lack of effective action by police and the district administration. They said authorities had reportedly been informed about the situation on several occasions, but the problem had not been addressed on a permanent basis.

According to information received by Daily Qudrat Quetta, a large number of drug addicts are also reportedly gathering inside and around the City Police Station. Local sources further claim that a hotel has been operating within the premises of the police station, allegedly providing food and breakfast to drug addicts.

The claims have raised questions among citizens about the purpose of such a facility and who authorized it. However, the allegations could not be independently verified, and the position of the relevant police authorities has yet to be obtained. Citizens have called for a transparent inquiry to establish the facts.

Citizens, traders and social groups have demanded effective action against drug use and the sale and distribution of narcotics in Jinnah Road as well as other markets, highways, parks and public places across Quetta.

They stressed that merely arresting drug addicts would not provide a lasting solution and called for strict action against those involved in the supply and sale of narcotics. They said controlling the availability and supply of drugs was essential to reducing addiction.

Social groups also emphasized that many people suffering from addiction require treatment and rehabilitation rather than only punitive measures. They called for rehabilitation centres, medical treatment, counselling and psychological support to help affected individuals return to productive lives.

Particular concern was expressed over the alleged increase in drug use among women and young people. Social activists called for dedicated treatment and rehabilitation facilities for women, allowing them to seek help without fear of social stigma.

They urged the provincial government, Health Department, police, district administration and social organizations to develop a coordinated strategy against drug abuse and increase surveillance in sensitive areas of Quetta.

Some traders and residents of Jinnah Road said the growing presence of drug addicts was negatively affecting the area’s environment, particularly during evening hours, when families visiting the market reportedly felt increasingly uncomfortable.

They called for increased police patrolling on Jinnah Road and other major roads, closer monitoring of suspicious activities and indiscriminate action against drug dealers.

Citizens also demanded a transparent investigation into reports of a hotel allegedly operating inside the City Police Station and providing food to drug addicts. They said that if the reports were found to be true, those responsible should face action; if the allegations were unfounded, police authorities should clarify the facts publicly.

Residents urged senior police and administrative officials to take immediate notice of the situation and seek reports from the relevant officers.

Public representatives and social activists called on the Balochistan government to formulate a comprehensive strategy to combat the growing drug problem in Quetta, intensify action against drug dealers, strengthen rehabilitation centres and expand treatment facilities for women and other people struggling with addiction.

They stressed that drug addiction affects not only individuals but also their families and the wider society, making it necessary to address the issue through law enforcement alongside healthcare, education, social welfare and public awareness initiatives.