A Senate standing committee was briefed about the growing prevalence of synthetic drugs in educational institutions across the country. These drugs, known for their harmful health effects and potential to cause sudden death, have become a concerning trend among students.
The Senate Standing Committee on Narcotics Control convened on Friday at the old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges, under the chairmanship of Senator Hidayatullah Khan. The meeting reviewed compliance with recommendations from the previous session and discussed “The Control of Narcotic Substances (Amendment) Bill 2024,” introduced by Senator Mohsin Aziz.
“This bill focuses on our youth, particularly students,” Senator Aziz emphasized during the meeting.
According to a press release from the Senate Secretariat, the Ministry of Narcotics Control presented data on drug traffickers apprehended over the past five years, along with updates on the punishments handed down by sessions and high courts nationwide. Ministry officials also conducted a comparative analysis of conviction rates in Balochistan and other provinces, alongside an assessment of the types of drugs being used. Efforts are ongoing to refer all cases to higher courts.
Senator Aziz highlighted the alarming trend of synthetic drug use in educational institutions, explaining the rationale behind the proposed bill. He noted, “This is a reintroduction of a bill previously approved by this committee and the Senate. The penalties have been made less severe: first-time offenders will receive a warning, and their parents will be informed. A second offense will involve counseling and treatment, while a third will result in a fine of Rs. 50,000. For the sake of our future, this bill must be passed.”
The committee chairman stressed the need to follow due process, including consulting the Ministry of Law and coordinating with all provinces. He questioned why the bill was limited to educational institutions in Islamabad and recommended 20 days for consultations to ensure nationwide applicability. He called for the Ministry of Law and provincial representatives to attend the next session prepared to address the matter comprehensively.
The committee also reviewed the ministry’s role in combating narcotics. During the briefing, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) director reported the creation of 505 new positions within the force and urged an increase in personnel salaries. The chairman assured the committee’s support in forwarding the salary recommendation to the ministry.
The meeting was attended by Senators Naseema Ehsan, Poonjo Bheel, Abdul Shakoor Khan, Dost Mohammad Khan, Falak Naz, the Secretary of the Ministry of Narcotics Control, and other relevant officials.
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