South Punjab is witnessing an alarming rise in gambling activities among youth in urban neighborhoods as well as villages.

What was once considered an occasional pastime has now transformed into a dangerous obsession, taking multiple forms and drawing youth into a cycle of financial loss, frustration, and false hopes of overnight wealth.

In cities and towns across the region, young men are found betting money on snooker games, where illegal wagers are placed under the guise of entertainment.

At the same time, various mobile phone applications offering online gambling and betting services have made the practice accessible.

Youths are risking their pocket money and, in many cases, borrowed cash, chasing dreams of quick success.

In rural areas, traditional forms of gambling remain deeply rooted.