Since the Taliban took power, one of the significant challenges faced by the government has been the pervasive drug problem in Afghanistan. Drugs have not only affected Afghan youth but also spilled over into neighboring countries. In response, the Taliban government has made it a priority to tackle this issue and help reintegrate youth into society as productive citizens.
According to Mufti Abdul Mateen Qane, the Spokesman for the ministry of interior, Afghan government has reserved nearly one billion Afghani annually for the treatment of drug addicts.
He emphasized that the leadership of the Emirate of Islamia has committed to ending the cultivation, production, trafficking, sale, and use of narcotics in the country.
Mufti Qane, highlighted the success of the treatment program for drug addicts, noting that bringing drug addicts together and housing programs, helping hundreds of thousands of addicts to overcome their addiction and now they are employed.
“So far, 36,114 drug addicts have completed their treatment and are now living normal lives with their families,” he stated.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior said that the treatment of thousands of drug addicts is still going on, and employment opportunities are being created for many of them.
“Drug traffickers have to face severe penalties, including sentence of up to ten years in prison,” ministry of interior warned.
Citizens have also applauded the efforts of the Ministry of Interior. Raza Hussaini, a shopkeeper at Timurshahi Bridge, hailed the improvement in the area, saying that the authorities have successfully removed numerous drug addicts from the streets and placed them in treatment centers. Ahmad Seriki, a tourist who visited Pul Sukhta, praised the transformation of the area from a drug-trafficking center into a cultural site.
In contrast to previous government’s failure in addressing scourge of drug issue, the current government’s commitment to eradicating this evil of society and the effective operations of the anti-narcotics police have led to a significant reduction in drug trafficking in the country.
