Karachi police draft anti-drug policy with educational institutions

KARACHI: Karachi police in the city’s South Zone have drawn up an anti-drug policy in coordination with the heads of 22 universities and schools, as authorities step up efforts to address narcotics use in educational institutions.

Speaking to Dawn on Monday, South Deputy Inspector General of Police Syed Asad Raza said the policy had been developed in response to what he described as a growing threat of drug consumption in campuses and schools across the city. He said the framework was intended to provide a coordinated and lasting response to protect students and support a safer educational environment.

In outlining the policy, the officer said it was based on prevention, early intervention, parental involvement, rehabilitation, institutional responsibility and legal enforcement. He said the plan was meant to help educational institutions remain free of drugs, shield students from narcotics and other harmful substances, and raise awareness about the physical, psychological, social and legal effects of substance abuse.

According to the DIG, cooperation among educational institutions, parents, healthcare professionals and law enforcement agencies would be central to meeting the policy’s goals. He said the framework also sought to improve early identification of students needing help, as well as intervention, counselling and rehabilitation, while also stopping drug suppliers, peddlers and other criminal elements from entering educational spaces.

Committees, awareness drives and screening proposal

DIG Asad said anti-drug committees would be established in educational institutions and would include institutional heads, teachers, parents and law enforcement representatives. He added that institutions would be expected to hold regular seminars and awareness campaigns on the risks associated with drug use.

He also said it had been proposed that parents or legal guardians sign a drug prevention consent and responsibility declaration at the time of admission or readmission. According to him, this would authorise educational institutions to carry out reasonable and lawful drug-screening programmes.

The DIG said institutions would also work with law enforcement agencies to identify and report any individuals or groups trying to involve students in drug-related activities. He described the policy as a joint commitment by institutions, parents, students and law enforcement authorities to protect learning spaces and promote healthy and disciplined development among young people.

Surveillance and reporting mechanism

The senior police officer said the South district police had already set up a Campus Security and Substance Abuse Watch that includes female police officers to strengthen monitoring and preventive action around educational institutions.

He said 20 of the 158 private schools in South district were currently under surveillance. He added that eight of the district’s 22 private colleges and four of its nine private universities were also being monitored.

DIG Asad said all senior superintendents of police had been instructed to submit progress reports every two weeks detailing enforcement measures, awareness activities, inspections, cases registered and difficulties faced during the anti-narcotics drive.

Attributing the broader objective of the initiative to public protection, he said:

Recognising the need for a coordinated, proactive and sustainable response, the police have adopted this comprehensive anti-drug policy to safeguard students from substance abuse and foster a safe, healthy and drug-free educational environment.

He added that the purpose of the effort was not limited to legal action alone but also included protecting future generations, preserving public health and reinforcing social values. The Campus Security and Substance Abuse Watch Force, comprising 50 police personnel, had been established in October last year to curb drug activity in educational institutions falling under the South Zone of Karachi police.