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UN report warns of shift toward synthetic drugs in Afghanistan
The United Nations has warned that drug use patterns in Afghanistan are shifting away from traditional narcotics toward synthetic drugs and the misuse of medical substances, according to a new report released by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The report, the third and final volume of the National Drug Use Survey in Afghanistan, found that cannabis and opium remain the most commonly used substances, accounting for 46 percent and 19 percent of drug consumption, respectively. However, it highlights a growing use of synthetic drugs, with so-called “K” tablets making up 11 percent and methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth, accounting for 7 percent.
The survey was conducted by UNODC with financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It also points to the heavy economic burden drug use places on Afghan households, noting that the cost of substances such as methamphetamine can consume a substantial share of a daily wage earner’s income.
Respondents identified poverty, unemployment, physical pain, psychological stress and family problems as the main factors driving drug use. UN officials emphasized that addressing the issue requires integrated responses, including treatment and harm-reduction services alongside primary healthcare, psychosocial support and social protection measures.
The report also highlights significant gaps in access to drug treatment services, particularly for women, whose access remains considerably lower than that of men.
Sajjad Haider Khan, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says there is no government decision to return all Afghan students from Pakistan.
Khan said Afghan students who are enrolled in valid degree programmes and hold valid visas can remain in Pakistan and complete their education.
He added that students who are not registered at a university or do not hold valid visas have been instructed to return to Afghanistan.
The Pakistani official said students studying in foreign countries are expected to have both valid enrollment and valid visas for the purpose of their stay, stressing that both are necessary.
This comes after the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council recently decided to expel Afghan medical students from the country and instructed universities not to enroll new students.
Naqibullah Ahmadi, Acting Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Malaysia, met on Thursday with Tan Sri Dato Johari bin Abdul, Speaker of Malaysia’s House of Representatives, to discuss bilateral relations.
According to a statement from the Afghan Embassy in Malaysia, the two sides discussed the Islamic Emirate’s foreign policy, Afghanistan’s engagement with regional countries and the international community, as well as the country’s security situation, economic developments and investment opportunities.
The two sides also discussed further expanding bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Malaysia, joint cooperation in various sectors, and facilitating the movement of government officials, businesspeople and tourists between the two countries.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, met on Thursday with Sadin Ayyıldız, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, to discuss expanding economic, trade and transit relations between the two countries, as well as resolving problems faced by Afghan migrants in Türkiye.
According to a statement from the deputy PM’s office, Baradar expressed appreciation for the activities of Turkish companies that have invested in various sectors in Afghanistan and called on other Turkish investors to invest in the country as well.
The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs said the Islamic Emirate would provide the necessary facilities for Turkish investors.
Baradar also stressed the need to resolve the problems of Afghan migrants in Türkiye and provide them with greater assistance and facilities.
Meanwhile, Ayyıldız welcomed the increase in trade between Afghanistan and Türkiye and said his country was ready to further expand its relations with Afghanistan in transport, transit, health, education and other economic sectors.
The Turkish ambassador added that Türkiye would continue its cooperation in strengthening relations between Afghanistan and the international community and in presenting a realistic image of Afghanistan to the world.
He also said Türkiye had introduced facilities for issuing visas to Afghans and would seek to provide further facilitation in this area.
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