IHC orders action against drug use on campuses

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court will take up on May 19 a petition concerning the use of drugs in educational institutions across the federal capital, according to details of the case schedule.

The matter is set to be heard by a bench headed by Justice Raja Inam Amin Minhas. The petition was moved in the IHC by Advocate Kashif Ali Malik on behalf of the Lucky Foundation, seeking the eradication of drug use in educational institutions.

During the previous hearing, the court issued notices to the Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and directed him to appear in person at the next hearing. The court also said that if he is unable to attend, a responsible official fully conversant with the matter must be present before the bench.

In the same proceedings, the court instructed the police and the Anti-Narcotics Force Pakistan to assist in developing a surveillance mechanism for universities. The direction was issued as part of the court’s consideration of steps aimed at addressing the issue raised in the petition.

Next hearing fixed

The case relates specifically to concerns about drug use in educational institutions in Islamabad. The petition asks the court to intervene for the elimination of narcotics use in such institutions.

According to the case details, the next hearing has been fixed for May 19. Justice Raja Inam Amin Minhas will head the bench hearing the matter.

The earlier order requiring the HEC’s executive director to attend in person, or to ensure the presence of a well-informed senior representative, remains one of the key directions issued by the court ahead of the upcoming hearing.

The court has also already involved law enforcement and anti-narcotics authorities in the matter by asking the police and ANF to extend support for a surveillance framework for universities in the federal capital.

The petition before the high court was filed by Advocate Kashif Ali Malik representing the Lucky Foundation. It seeks action for the eradication of drug use in educational institutions, bringing the issue before the court for further proceedings later this month.

Further proceedings are expected when the matter comes before the bench on the scheduled date.