Sir: The statistics of drug abuse in Pakistan, compiled by the report 'Drug Use in Pakistan, 2013', has shocked the legal and medical fraternities. According to this report, more than 4.2 million people are suffering from drug addiction. Most of the time habit-forming drugs are used for recreational purposes. With time, the body demands frequent use, until a time comes when the person can no longer function normally in the absence of such drugs. In Pakistan, opium extracts (hashish and heroin) and Indian hemp are commonly used items. Criminology directly links social crimes and law and order situations to drug usage. The repetitive use of these chemicals causes psychological dependence. When financial and legal constraints make drugs unobtainable, people show violent behaviour and resort to theft, robbery, abduction for ransom, targeted killing and other street crimes. Sociology too blames addiction for disturbing social peace and progress.

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