The Higher Education Commission has renewed its focus on campus safety, holding high-level discussions to reinforce the HEC anti drug policy and curb substance abuse across institutions of higher learning.
The review took place during a meeting on Drug Prevention, Awareness and Control Measures in Educational Institutions organized at the HEC Secretariat in Islamabad, according to a report by the Associated Press of Pakistan. Officials gathered to assess reported cases of narcotics supply and usage on campuses while exploring ways to improve institutional monitoring, preventive campaigns, and inter-agency collaboration.
Reviewing Reported Campus Incidents
During the session, Engr. Saleem Ullah Sohoo, Director General of Research and Analysis Activities at HEC, presented data on reported drug-related incidents covering the period of 2025 alongside January through September 2026. The briefing detailed existing measures undertaken by universities and the commission to identify and address substance abuse.
HEC Chairman Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar underlined the necessity of maintaining secure and healthy academic surroundings. He stressed that universities hold institutional responsibility to conduct preventive awareness campaigns and build coordinated responses to counter drug and tobacco consumption among students.
Law Enforcement and Next Steps
Officials from the Anti-Narcotics Force and Islamabad Capital Territory Police joined the discussions, sharing updates regarding local enforcement and prevention strategies. Both law enforcement bodies pointed to institutional accountability, public awareness, and joint operations as necessary elements for keeping campuses secure.
To carry these steps forward, participants proposed organizing a dedicated roundtable conference. The upcoming session will include the heads of public and private higher education institutions located in Islamabad, alongside members of their respective Anti-Drug and Tobacco Committees. The objective will be to evaluate existing institutional mechanisms and establish a unified approach to ensure drug-free campus environments.