HEC Moves to Curb Drug Abuse in Islamabad Universities
APP
Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is stepping up efforts to strengthen measures against drug and tobacco abuse at universities and other higher education institutions in Islamabad, with a renewed emphasis on coordination between academic institutions and law-enforcement agencies.
A meeting held at the HEC on Friday reviewed the implementation and monitoring of the HEC Policy on Drug and Tobacco Abuse in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), 2021, particularly across institutions located in the Islamabad Capital Territory and federal area.
HEC Executive Director Dr Zia Ul Haq chaired the meeting, which was attended by Director General (Research & Analysis Activities) Engr. Saleemullah Sahoo, relevant HEC officials and representatives of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police.
Participants discussed ways to ensure that the policy is effectively enforced at campuses rather than remaining limited to institutional guidelines. The meeting also considered measures for strengthening regular monitoring and identifying areas where implementation needs improvement.
Dr Zia Ul Haq highlighted the need for continued collaboration between the HEC, universities and law-enforcement agencies to address substance abuse among students. He emphasised that coordinated and sustained action was necessary to provide students with a healthy, secure and supportive learning environment.
During the meeting, the DG (R&AA) briefed participants on the major provisions of the 2021 policy and outlined the HEC’s efforts to improve compliance and monitoring at higher education institutions in the ICT and federal area.
Officials also discussed existing implementation gaps, regular monitoring mechanisms and coordinated follow-up measures. Greater communication between the HEC and ICT Police was identified as an important component of efforts to strengthen campus safety.
The involvement of the ICT Police is expected to improve coordination with educational institutions and support preventive measures aimed at addressing drug and tobacco-related concerns among students.
The meeting ended with a commitment to strengthen awareness programmes, preventive initiatives, monitoring mechanisms and cooperation among relevant stakeholders.
The HEC’s latest efforts reflect a growing emphasis on creating safer campuses where students can pursue their education in a healthy environment free from the risks associated with drug and tobacco abuse.
