The issue of drug addiction in Pakistan’s educational institutions has been a growing concern for policymakers and parents alike. Recently, a legislative committee of the National Assembly (NA) has agreed to develop laws that would mandate drug testing for admissions, which is hoped to reduce drug prevalence in the country’s educational institutions.
The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) addressed the NA Standing Committee on Narcotics Control regarding their efforts to restrict drug supply near schools, colleges, and universities. The ANF officers reported that they had seized a large quantity of illegal drugs during raids surrounding educational institutions in 2022. Specifically, they confiscated 7.5 kg of ice, 9 kg of heroin, 18 kg of opium, and 116 kg of hashish. In addition, they revealed that 63 people were detained in association with these activities.
During the committee meeting, Aliya Kamran, a committee member, expressed concern about the issue of drug addiction in educational institutions and questioned the source of the narcotics and how they get into the institutions. Committee Chairman Salahuddin Ayubi proposed obligatory drug testing of incoming students as part of the admissions process as a response. However, Aliya pointed out that such a move would require legislation.
According to Sabio Sikandar Jalal, the Deputy Secretary for the Anti-Narcotics ministry, the Senate Standing Committee on Narcotics adopted a bill for the creation of vigilance committees to combat drug use and sale in educational institutions. This measure would be introduced in the Senate before being forwarded to the relevant NA committee for approval.
The committee members decided to amend the measure to include a clause for drug testing at the admission stage and to repeat such tests after two months, or to introduce a new bill if required. The prevalence of drug addiction at educational institutions is a major concern, and policymakers are adopting appropriate strategies to reduce it.
By mandating drug testing for admissions, policymakers hope to discourage drug use among students and create a drug-free learning environment in educational institutions. This move is part of a broader effort to address the issue of drug addiction in Pakistan and protect the well-being of its citizens.