Rana Mashhood calls for youth engagement to combat drug abuse

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Jul, 2026) Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan on Sunday

underscored the importance of sports and constructive youth engagement in the fight against

drug abuse.

He expressed these views while attending the “Ride for a Cause – Cycle Rally Against Drugs”

as the chief guest. The rally was organised by the Drug Advisory Training Hub (DATH) in collaboration

with the Deputy Commissioner Office Lahore to promote a drug-free society and encourage

healthy lifestyles among young people.

Addressing the participants, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said sports and recreational activities

played a vital role in steering youth away from drugs by providing them with positive avenues to

channel their energy and talent. He stressed that safeguarding the younger generation from

substance abuse was a shared national responsibility requiring the collective efforts of government

institutions, civil society, educational organisations and families.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

He appreciated the organisers for launching an awareness campaign through cycling and described

such initiatives as effective platforms for promoting physical fitness, discipline and social responsibility

among youth. He announced that future cycling initiatives would be organised in collaboration with the

Prime Minister’s Youth Programme to expand public participation and encourage healthy living.

Rana Mashhood also announced that the government would organise a large-scale cycling event

on August 14 as part of the Independence Day celebrations to promote fitness, patriotism and greater

youth participation across the country. He said the government was committed to empowering young

people through sports, community engagement and awareness programmes, adding such initiatives

would help build a healthier, more active and drug-free Pakistan.

Later, the PMYP chairman also distributed commemorative shields among the participants in recognition

of their contribution to the anti-drug campaign.