The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) have reaffirmed their joint commitment to protecting higher education institutions from the growing threat of drug abuse, calling for a unified, student-centered approach that combines enforcement with prevention, counselling and rehabilitation.
The resolve was expressed during a high-level review meeting held at the HEC Secretariat under Acting Chairman HEC, Mr. Nadeem Mahbub. The meeting reviewed progress on implementing HEC’s drug prevention measures across higher education institutions and deliberated on a comprehensive way forward.
The session was attended by an ANF delegation led by Brigadier Imran, along with senior officials from HEC and the Federal Directorate of Education. Vice Chancellor Beaconhouse National University Lahore, Dr Moeed Yusuf, and Vice Chancellor University of Balochistan, Dr Zahoor Ahmad Bazai, joined via video link to share provincial and private-sector perspectives.
Both HEC and ANF presented detailed briefings on their ongoing initiatives, achievements and the key challenges that continue to impede effective implementation. Dr Moeed Yusuf shared BNU’s institutional framework, highlighting student-support systems and policy mechanisms that adopt a multi-pronged strategy. He emphasized that students struggling with drug addiction should be treated as victims, advocating counselling and rehabilitation rather than punitive responses.
Participants underscored the need for a coherent and coordinated national strategy, noting that while enforcement remains essential, sustainable success depends on fostering a supportive campus culture. Such an environment, they agreed, would encourage students to openly address the mental health and social pressures that often contribute to substance abuse.
Acting Chairman HEC praised ANF’s efforts and reiterated the higher education sector’s commitment to developing a robust, long-term mechanism in collaboration with all stakeholders. He stressed that the shared objective is to transform campuses into secure spaces dedicated to academic excellence and the holistic well-being of students.
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Mr Mahbub announced that follow-up meetings would be convened to advance the proposals discussed. He noted that the next phase would focus on bridging the gap between policy and practice to ensure future interventions are practical, impactful and sustainable.
