Islamabad High Court Seeks Concrete Action in Case on Eradicating Drugs from Educational Institutions

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday heard a case regarding the eradication of drugs from educational institutions, during which compliance reports were submitted by Islamabad Police, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), and the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA).

During the proceedings, Director Legal at the IG Office, Tahir Kazim, informed the court that, in compliance with earlier court orders, two key meetings of stakeholders had already been held under the leadership of the Inspector General of Islamabad. He said the meetings focused on devising a joint strategy to eliminate drugs from educational institutions.

Justice Raja Inam Amin Minhas, however, remarked that merely holding meetings was not sufficient and that their implementation must also be visible. He observed that the government itself should establish a joint task force to effectively address the issue. The judge said the court’s intention was for all relevant institutions to sit together and work practically on this campaign, rather than limiting efforts to discussions.

ANF Prosecutor Rana Zulfiqar told the court that a focal person had been appointed in every private educational institution to oversee anti-drug measures and that regular monthly meetings would be held in this regard.

Officials from PEIRA informed the court that awareness campaigns against drug use were being carried out in educational institutions. They added that on December 9, a special awareness session was held with representatives from 100 schools. PEIRA further stated that committees comprising focal persons had been formed in every school.

Justice Minhas also referred to advertisements aired by PEMRA as part of the anti-drug awareness campaign but remarked that he had not yet seen any such reports being broadcast. The court subsequently summoned the relevant PEMRA officer to appear at the next hearing to address the issue.

The hearing was attended by Director Legal IG Office Tahir Kazim, ANF Prosecutor Rana Zulfiqar, and DSP Legal Sajid Cheema. The Islamabad High Court adjourned the case, with further directions, until January 27.