LAHORE: (Wednesday, February 25, 2026): Director General Punjab Counter Narcotics Force, Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal, stated that drug addiction destroys lives and futures, emphasizing that eliminating the menace of narcotics are a collective societal responsibility. He expressed these views while addressing an awareness seminar titled “Youth against Drugs”, jointly organized by the Anti-Narcotics Committee of University of the Punjab, Directorate of Students Affairs, and the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force at Al Raazi Hall on Wednesday. On this occasion, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Director Enforcement Colonel Furqan, Chairman PU Anti-Narcotics Committee and Dean Faculty of Quality & Industrial Systems Engineering Prof Dr Muhammad Shafiq, Director Students Affairs Dr Shahzeb Khan, Clinical Psychologist Dr Sadia Khan, faculty members, and a large number of students were present. In his address, Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal described narcotics use as a serious national security issue, stressing that anti-drug awareness messages must reach all segments of society. He urged students to actively report drug-related activities and contribute to awareness efforts within their communities. Earlier, Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal called on PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali at his office. During the meeting, the Vice Chancellor underscored the importance of curbing drug use among youth through sustained awareness campaigns. He commended the efforts of the university’s Anti-Narcotics Committee in striving to maintain a drug-free campus and appreciated the organizers for hosting the awareness seminar. Later, the Vice Chancellor presented a souvenir to Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal. Addressing the participants, Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood remarked that while institutions are making concerted efforts to eliminate this societal menace, it remains the collective duty of responsible citizens to support government initiatives and anti-narcotics agencies in their mission.