Young Parliamentarians Call For Rehabilitation and Fair Punishment in Drug Cases
UrduPoint (7th Sep, 2026) – ISLAMABAD: The Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) has expressed its commitment to addressing drug abuse among young people through collaborative efforts with Justice Project Pakistan (JPP). This was agreed upon during a meeting between YPF President Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, and JPP representatives at Parliament House.
The discussion focused on potential strategies to enhance legislation, parliamentary engagement, public awareness, and policy advocacy regarding drug-related issues.
Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar emphasized the necessity of a health-centric and evidence-based approach to tackling drug addiction, suggesting that it should be primarily treated as a medical condition requiring appropriate care and rehabilitation rather than solely through criminalization. She advocated for providing access to healthcare and protecting individuals affected by drug use from discrimination and stigma. Furthermore, she called for proportionate sentencing and reforms that differentiate between drug offenses based on their nature and severity.
JPP representatives presented their work in providing legal assistance to prisoners facing narcotics charges, highlighting the need for fair trials, humane treatment, and reforms to Pakistan’s drug laws. They emphasized adhering to international human rights standards while maintaining a balanced approach to addressing both public health and legal considerations.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue consultations and explore joint initiatives focusing on parliamentary briefings, awareness campaigns, and policy advocacy. Both parties expressed their willingness to strengthen cooperation on drug-related matters while prioritizing national priorities and the well-being of young people.
