The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has taken a firm stand against the rising menace of drug use in educational institutions, declaring that principals will be held directly responsible for preventing the supply of narcotics on their campuses. The directive was issued by Justice Inam Amin Minhas during a hearing on complaints regarding drug use in federal educational institutions.
According to a report submitted by Islamabad Police, 1,314 drug-related cases have been registered this year, leading to the arrest of 1,408 suspects. The report further revealed that intensified operations near schools and colleges have resulted in the arrest of 22 drug peddlers and the recovery of three kilograms of heroin, three kilograms of ice, and 18 kilograms of hashish.
Police officials also briefed the court on their awareness campaign, “Nasha Ab Nahi,” which focuses on prevention through seminars and public engagement. However, Justice Minhas expressed doubts about the effectiveness of such measures and demanded detailed performance reports from the authorities.
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In a decisive ruling, the court ordered that no event or activity be conducted in educational institutions without the principal’s prior approval. Justice Minhas made it clear that if drug supply is found within any institution, the principal will face direct accountability. He further directed that administrations of schools and colleges situated near drug-affected areas should be thoroughly investigated to curb the spread of narcotics.