IHC asks HEC to add ANF, police to panel on drugs in educational institutions

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday directed the Higher Education Commission to include officials from the Anti-Narcotics Force and police in its monitoring committee as it sought a detailed report on steps taken to check the use and sale of narcotics in educational institutions in the federal capital.

Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas issued the direction while hearing a petition seeking the eradication of drugs in educational institutions. The court also instructed the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training to secure federal government approval for anti-drug rules.

During the hearing, officials from the HEC and the Interior Ministry appeared before the court along with Deputy Attorney General Faisal Irfan, ANF prosecutor Rana Zulfiqar, counsel for the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority and petitioner Advocate Kashif Malik.

Court seeks stronger monitoring

Advocate Kashif Malik referred to the case of Anmol Pinki, who was arrested in a drug-related case in Karachi, and told the court that allegations had also emerged about the involvement of riders and delivery personnel in transporting drugs.

Justice Minhas observed that he had been pointing out from the outset that drugs were being moved through riders and delivery workers. In response, HEC officials told the court that educational institutions had earmarked specific areas for riders and delivery personnel and that anyone entering campuses in that capacity was checked in advance.

The judge, however, ordered the authorities to ensure regular monitoring in educational institutions and to submit compliance reports before the court. He also directed the Islamabad district administration to step up monitoring and take practical measures against drug trafficking.

Concerns raised over spread to schools

During the proceedings, Advocate Malik argued that narcotics were no longer confined to universities and colleges and had now become common in schools as well. He told the court that even students in seventh and eighth grades were using drugs.

Another counsel informed the court that narcotics were also easily available at small grocery stores in Islamabad. Following these submissions, the court directed Islamabad Capital Territory Police to strengthen monitoring and anti-drug operations.

The hearing also included an exchange about DSP Legal Sajid Cheema of the police legal branch. Justice Minhas asked about the officer and remarked that he had been performing well in the case. The newly appointed Inspector Legal informed the court that Sajid Cheema had been transferred as DSP Headquarters.

The judge observed that officers who were performing efficiently should not be replaced.

The case is part of ongoing proceedings before the Islamabad High Court concerning measures to curb drug use and trafficking in educational institutions in the federal capital.