KABUL - President Hamid Karzai on Friday denounced drug addiction among children as contravention of Islamic teachings and basic human rights, calling for an end to the scourge. 

In his radio address, the president said children’s addiction to drugs was not only detrimental to their families, but was also a factor behind destabilization of the country in terms of future prosperity.

“Some media outlets report that begging on the street has spawned a vicious practice: beggar mafia is renting out children in Kabul, and drugging them with opium to ply their trade,” he added.

The people allowing their children to be drugged and used as beggars in return for money were doing their offspring and society at large a disservice, the president added.

Karzai asked parents to stop offering their kids for begging or addiction and instead do whatever they could to better educate them. He warned the individuals forcing children into drug addiction would face severe legal action. (Pajhwok)