Islamabad High Court Orders Crackdown on Drugs in Educational Institutions

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has launched a strict crackdown on the growing drug menace in the federal capital, issuing sweeping directives aimed at safeguarding students and educational environments. During the hearing, Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas ordered the Higher Education Commission to immediately restructure its anti-drug monitoring committee by including representatives from the Anti-Narcotics Force and police departments. The court further demanded a comprehensive compliance report detailing preventive and enforcement measures taken against drug use and trafficking within universities and colleges. Officials from the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training were also instructed to expedite approval of updated anti-drug regulations. Advocate Kashif Malik highlighted alarming trends, including drug-related cases involving students and alleged misuse of delivery riders for narcotics supply into campuses, prompting judicial concern over campus security protocols. HEC officials assured the court that designated delivery zones and strict entry checks are already in place. However, the court emphasized that the crisis is not limited to higher education, noting reports of drug exposure even among middle school students and small retail outlets. Authorities were directed to strengthen surveillance, enhance coordination, and submit regular progress reports. Justice Minhas also expressed concern over the transfer of a high-performing DSP, stressing continuity in effective enforcement leadership.