ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday sought a report from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) on measures taken against drug abuse in universities in the federal capital.
He directed the Federal Ministry of Education to get the federal government to pass regulations related to the eradication of narcotics.
The court also ordered the HEC to include the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and police officials in the monitoring committee formed to supervise anti-drug measures in educational institutions.
He also directed the media to carry out anti-narcotics awareness campaigns during prime time and sought a report from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) in this regard.
Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas heard a petition seeking measures to eliminate drug use in educational institutions in the federal capital.
During the hearing, lawyer Kashif Ali Malik, representing the petitioner organization Lucky Foundation, informed the court that a drug-related case was being tried in Karachi in which passengers and delivery boys were also allegedly involved.
Judge Minhas observed that he had been saying from day one that narcotics were transported through riders and deliverymen.
HEC officials informed the court that designated areas in educational institutions had been allotted for passengers and delivery staff. They said every passenger or delivery person entering the facility was screened before being allowed access.
Attorney Malik argued that after universities and colleges, narcotics had become common in schools as well, and even seventh and eighth grade students were using drugs.
The court ordered that regular monitoring be carried out in the educational institutions and a report submitted. He also directed the Islamabad district administration to take action against narcotics and ensure surveillance.
The IHC further ordered the Islamabad Police to take anti-drug measures and conduct surveillance in this regard. The court later adjourned the hearing until the last week of June.
