ISLAMABAD, Sep 07 (APP):The Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) on Monday agreed to explore collaboration with Justice Project Pakistan (JPP) to address drug abuse and narcotics-related offences among young people through prevention, rehabilitation and rights-based reforms. The understanding was reached during an introductory meeting between YPF President Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, and representatives of JPP at Parliament House, where the participants discussed possible measures to strengthen legislation, parliamentary engagement, public awareness …
Young parliamentarians call for rehabilitation, fair punishment in drug cases
ISLAMABAD, Sep 07 (APP):The Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) on Monday agreed to explore collaboration with Justice Project Pakistan (JPP) to address drug abuse and narcotics-related offences among young people through prevention, rehabilitation and rights-based reforms.
The understanding was reached during an introductory meeting between YPF President Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, and representatives of JPP at Parliament House, where the participants discussed possible measures to strengthen legislation, parliamentary engagement, public awareness and policy advocacy on drug-related issues.
Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar stressed the need for a health-focused and evidence-based approach to tackling drug abuse among young people, saying addiction should be treated primarily as a medical condition requiring appropriate care and rehabilitation rather than relying solely on criminalisation.
She emphasised that young people affected by drug use should have access to healthcare and protection from discrimination and stigma, while policies should respect their dignity and rights. She also called for proportionate sentencing and reforms that distinguish between drug-related offences according to their nature and severity.
JPP representatives briefed the meeting on the organisation’s work providing legal assistance to vulnerable prisoners facing narcotics charges. They highlighted their advocacy for fair trials, humane treatment and reforms to Pakistan’s drug laws, stressing the importance of ensuring that penalties remain proportionate to offences.
The representatives also called for strengthening the country’s drug-control framework in line with international human rights standards, while maintaining a balanced approach that addresses both public health and legal concerns.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue consultations and explore joint initiatives focused on parliamentary briefings, awareness campaigns and policy advocacy. Both sides expressed a willingness to strengthen cooperation on drug-related issues while keeping national priorities and the protection of young people at the centre of future efforts.
