RAWALPINDI: A play called Pakistan Zindabad was performed at the Rawalpindi Arts Council, in order to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use.

The play was written and directed by Ismael Basheer, and featured Yar Mohammad, Lubna Shahzadi, Hameed Babar, Saeed Anwar, Imran Rushdi, Shahzad Pappu, Dildar Khan, Shahid Bhola, Vicky and Mr Basheer as cast members.

MNA Tahira Aurangzeb was invited as the chief guest, and students and residents from Rawalpindi and Islamabad attended the performance.

The play told the story of a pair of siblings.Shama, one of the lead characters, was trying to save her brother from drug addiction but failed, and her brother later committed suicide.

The story began with Yar Mohammad playing a rich drug dealer, who was trying to expand his business by selling drugs to the town`s youth.

His son, however, was disgusted with his father`s business practices and began supplying security forces with information.

Speaking at the performance, Ms Aurangzeb said the government is striving to end drug abuse in the country and engage the youth in healthy activities, in order to protect the future of the country.

She said there is a dire need to raise awareness among people to avoid playing into the hands of drug suppliers in order to earn money, and said that the culture of `showing off` within privi-leged sections of society made life harder for lower income groups.

Ms Aurangzeb also said that every Pakistani loves their country, and there are only a few segments who play into the hands of the enemy, but the security forces foiled bids to harm the country.

RAC Resident Director Waqar Ahmed said it was one`s national obligation to expose characters who spoil the social fabric of society.

He said the play was performed to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use and money earned from such illegal trades.

He congratulated Mr Basheer and his team for performing the thematic play, and said teamwork made the performace a success.

He also announced the performance of a play called Umeed, on May 26. A Reporter