Senate committee rejects bill proposing compulsory drug testing of students

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior on Monday rejected a bill that sought to mandate drug testing for students in educational institutions, despite strong support from its sponsor, Senator Mohsin Aziz.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem, saw Senator Aziz present legislation calling for compulsory drug testing, with penalties including warnings for a first positive test, 15-day suspensions for a second violation, and further punishments on a third offense.

Officials from the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) noted that children are generally regarded as affected parties rather than offenders in drug cases, and emphasized that dealers and suppliers are the real criminals. They also reported that scanning operations had been completed in 80% of educational institutions but clarified that drug testing of students falls outside ANF’s jurisdiction.

Senator Shahadat Awan objected to the bill, arguing that it infringed upon provincial authority over education and related matters.

Despite the committee’s rejection, Senator Mohsin Aziz vowed to continue pushing for the legislation.