By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
KHYBER: Drug addiction, particularly the use of crystal methamphetamine (ice), has reportedly ruined the life of a well-known first-class footballer from Landikotal, raising serious concerns about the growing spread of drugs among young people in the region.
Ameenullah Shinwari, alias Mino Khugakhel, once a prominent football player who represented Shams Football Club and Arsenal Football Club at regional and national levels, is now reportedly struggling with ice addiction. He was once counted among the top three football players in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The growing drug menace has also raised concerns that drug dealers were allegedly using sports grounds to sell narcotics, putting the future of young athletes at risk. Critics have expressed disappointment over what they describe as the failure of police and relevant authorities and organizations to take effective action against drug traffickers.
According to local sources, Ameenullah was not only addicted to ice but was also allegedly involved in its sale and purchase.
The sports directorate of the merged tribal districts, provincial sports directorate, Khyber sports club and organizations working against drug abuse have been urged to arrange immediate treatment and rehabilitation for the former footballer.
Local sports enthusiasts hope that with proper treatment, counselling and support, Ameenullah could overcome his addiction, rebuild his life and return to the football ground.
His case highlights the devastating impact of drug addiction and the urgent need for collective action to protect the younger generation from this growing menace.
Khyber Sports Club General Secretary, Kalimullah Shinwari, said they want the recovery of the sports legend. He urged authorities to immediately take the drug addicted sports man to a rehabilitation centre where he could recover.
They had worked with his family to take him to the hospital.
