ISLAMABAD: A serious debate erupted in the National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training after lawmakers questioned whether educational institutions were doing enough to stop the spread of drugs among students, warning that awareness campaigns alone cannot defeat organised supply networks operating around campuses. The committee, chaired by Ms. Mahtab Akbar Rashdi, examined the growing problem of narcotics in educational institutions and demanded practical results instead of only reports, seminars and awareness programmes. The committee stressed that the issue was not limited to students using drugs but also involved people supplying these substances to young people. During the meeting, officials of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) informed the committee that no drug use incident had been officially reported inside its public sector institutions. They said multiple measures were being taken, including drug awareness education, life skills programmes, tobacco free zones, monitoring committees and coordination with law enforcement agencies. However, Member of the Committee Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro expressed dissatisfaction with the briefing and questioned whether awareness campaigns were producing real results. She said simply giving presentations about awareness was not enough and asked authorities how many suppliers had been caught, how many institutions had reported cases and what action had been taken against those involved in supplying drugs. “This is not a joke,” Chairperson Ms. Mahtab Akbar Rashdi said while stressing that the problem required serious action. She questioned why authorities were focusing mainly on awareness while failing to show clear results against those involved in supplying drugs. The committee also raised concerns that drug suppliers were using new methods to reach students. Members pointed towards reports suggesting that drugs were being supplied through online channels and other hidden methods, including delivery systems that make it difficult for institutions to detect the problem. Dr Shazia Sobia informed the meeting that Islamabad Police had reported seizing 370 kilograms of drugs over three years, with 214 cases reported in educational institutions and 263 people arrested. The member questioned why education authorities were mostly discussing awareness instead of providing details about cooperation with police, the Anti Narcotics Force and rehabilitation centres. The committee raised another major concern that disciplinary action was often taken against students, while the people supplying drugs were not being targeted enough. Members questioned why students faced penalties while suppliers operating around educational institutions continued to escape. They demanded stronger action against those bringing drugs into campuses rather than focusing only on students who may already be victims of addiction. Chairperson Ms. Mahtab Akbar Rashdi said educational institutions must take responsibility because they control campuses, hostels and facilities where students spend their time. She said institutions cannot reach inside homes, but they must ensure strict monitoring within their own premises. She further directed that universities and colleges should provide regular reports about drug related cases, actions taken and rehabilitation efforts. She emphasised that the goal should not only be punishment but also helping affected students recover. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) informed the committee that it had implemented a drug and tobacco control policy across around 249 universities. According to HEC officials, committees had been formed in universities, monitoring mechanisms were introduced and coordination was established with the Anti Narcotics Force and other agencies. HEC officials told the committee that around 1,418 drug related cases were reported in 250 institutions. They said penalties, warnings, counselling and other disciplinary actions were taken in different cases. The committee, however, questioned whether these numbers reflected a real improvement or only showed administrative action after incidents had already occurred. Members also raised concerns about suppliers operating near universities, including allegations that some people connected with campus facilities could be involved in supplying drugs. They demanded that authorities investigate suppliers instead of limiting action to students. HEC officials responded that action had been taken against suppliers where evidence was available. They said surveillance systems, including CCTV monitoring, were being used and that students involved in supplying drugs could face suspension or termination. The committee decided that future discussions should include the Anti Narcotics Force, police authorities and relevant rehabilitation experts to develop a stronger strategy against drug supply networks. Officials were asked to return with practical results, including information about suppliers caught, students rehabilitated and improvements achieved.
