Seminar

The University of Sargodha held an awareness seminar on Friday to highlight the risks of drug abuse among young people and mobilise students to support efforts to make Punjab drug-free.

Organised by the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, the seminar was attended by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tasawar Hayat (H.I., S.I., T.I.), Director of the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force Sargodha Division Mr. Jawad Masood, Dean Faculty of Computing and IT Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ilyas, event focal person Dr. Muhammad Ashraf and a large number of students.

Addressing the participants, Prof. Dr. Tasawar Hayat said combating drug abuse required collective action, particularly by educating young people about its devastating effects on individuals, families and society. He stressed that students must recognise the importance of protecting their health, making informed choices and discouraging practices that put their own and others’ lives at risk.

Mr. Jawad Masood said university students had a greater capacity to think critically and make informed decisions, placing greater responsibility on them to help prevent drug abuse. He briefed participants on the role of the narcotics force and factors that make young people vulnerable to addiction.

Citing survey findings, he said a significant proportion of people affected by drug addiction belonged to the 15–34 age group. He called for discouraging those who profited from selling drugs and addressing their widespread availability.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ilyas said educational institutions had a responsibility to develop socially aware young people committed to building a drug-free society. Referring to Islamic teachings, he highlighted the harmful effects of intoxicants and urged students to avoid substances that endanger human life.

The seminar also featured an interactive question-and-answer session in which students discussed practical measures to prevent drug abuse and contribute to a healthier, safer Punjab.