Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is once again launching the “Drug-Free Peshawar” campaign, with its fifth phase set to begin on March 1.

 Under this phase, around 1,200 drug addicts will be shifted to rehabilitation centers as part of efforts to eliminate drug addiction from the city. 

Those who relapse after completing treatment will be provided free medical care for up to four months.

Commissioner Peshawar Division, Riaz Khan Mehsud, has directed the District Officer Social Welfare to immediately issue advertisements for the selection of rehabilitation centers to ensure a transparent process and the inclusion of quality facilities. 

Formal agreements have already been finalized with rehabilitation centers for this purpose.

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A meeting chaired by the Commissioner decided to form special teams comprising the district administration, Peshawar Police, Social Welfare Department, Excise Department, and Anti-Narcotics Control Department to take action against drug addicts.

These teams will conduct joint operations across different areas of the city, taking drug addicts into custody and transferring them to rehabilitation centers.

Commissioner Riaz Khan Mehsud emphasized that the fifth phase of the Drug-Free Peshawar campaign will be made effective at all costs. 

He directed that all available resources be utilized to rid the city entirely of drug addiction and sought regular performance reports from the relevant departments.

The Commissioner stated that the primary objective of the campaign is to provide citizens with a safe, peaceful, and healthy environment, and that no negligence in this regard will be tolerated.