The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday directed the Higher Education Commission to include officials from the Anti-Narcotics Force and police in its monitoring committee to curb the use and sale of drugs in educational institutions across Islamabad.
Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas issued the directives while hearing a petition related to drug eradication in schools, colleges and universities. The court also instructed the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training to secure federal approval for anti-drug rules.
During the hearing, petitioner Advocate Kashif Malik informed the court about allegations that riders and delivery personnel were being used for drug transportation. Justice Minhas remarked that concerns regarding drug supply through delivery riders had been highlighted since the beginning of the case.
HEC officials told the court that educational institutions had designated separate areas for riders and delivery staff and that individuals entering campuses in that capacity were checked beforehand.
The court, however, ordered authorities to ensure regular monitoring at educational institutions and submit compliance reports. It also directed the Islamabad administration and police to intensify anti-drug operations and monitoring efforts.
Advocate Kashif Malik further argued that narcotics use had spread from universities and colleges to schools, claiming that even seventh and eighth-grade students were involved in drug use.
The court was also informed that narcotics were easily available at small grocery stores in Islamabad.
During the proceedings, Justice Minhas questioned the transfer of DSP Legal Sajid Cheema and observed that officers performing efficiently should not be replaced.,
