The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday suggested that students’ lunchboxes may need to be checked as part of measures to curb the rising use of drugs in educational institutions.
The case was heard by Justice Raja Inam Ameen Minhas on a petition filed by a private organization, Lucky Foundation. The court directed the Ministry of Interior, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), and Islamabad Police to submit a detailed progress report covering January to September 2025 within two weeks.
Police officials presented data for January to April 22, 2025, stating that 255 kilograms of heroin and 126 kilograms of hashish were recovered from different areas of Islamabad. A total of 689 cases were registered, and 709 suspects were arrested. Ministry officials added that an awareness campaign had also been launched in schools following earlier court orders.
Justice Minhas, however, stressed that awareness alone was not enough, and effective monitoring was necessary. He said children’s lunchboxes must be checked to prevent drugs or harmful items from being smuggled into schools.
The judge further noted that mere slogans against drugs by the police were not sufficient and that practical steps were required. He emphasized that it was the responsibility of station house officers (SHOs) to monitor their areas proactively rather than acting only when petitions are filed.
A lawyer representing the Private Schools Association (PEIRA) informed the court that the authority had already issued instructions to schools for curbing drug use.
The court adjourned the hearing for two weeks, giving authorities time to submit their reports.
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