Mianwali residents launch anti-drug drive after murder

The murder of a 16-year-old student, allegedly at the hands of his drug-addicted cousin, has ignited a wave of activism in Mianwali’s Swans area, leading to the launch of an anti-drug movement.

A large number of residents took to the streets in protest after the killing of college student Majid Khan, who was allegedly murdered by his cousin, Sher Afzal, a known drug user and dealer.

The demonstrators marched to the offices of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Police Officer (DPO), demanding justice for Majid and an immediate crackdown on drugs, particularly Ice (crystal meth) and Gabhika—substances that have been rapidly spreading among the youth.

Protesters expressed their frustration over the rising drug menace, stating that they refuse to lose more young lives to addiction and violence. They assured the authorities of their full support if the police take firm action against drug dealers.

DPO Mianwali, Akhtar Farooq, who was attending a video conference with the Inspector General (IG) at the time, met with representatives of the protest.

He assured them of the immediate arrest of Majid Khan’s killers and a reinforced crackdown on drug traffickers.

He urged the public to provide any information they have on drug dealers, emphasising that community cooperation is crucial for success in this fight. “We are working around the clock to eliminate this social menace,” he stated.

The urgency of the anti-drug movement was further reinforced by two other recent drug-related incidents in the district.

In one case, a man addicted to Ice stormed a mosque in Kundian and attacked two people, including a police officer, who later succumbed to his injuries.

In another shocking incident, two intoxicated individuals, following a minor dispute at a supermarket, returned armed and opened fire, killing a security guard and a child while injuring a young customer.

The rising use of Ice and Gabhika in Mianwali has triggered serious concerns across the district.