Islamabad High Court judge Justice Inam Ameen Minhas observed during a hearing that if drugs were found in a school, college or university, the administration would be held responsible.
The court was informed through a police report that 1,314 drug-related cases have been registered so far this year in the federal capital, leading to the arrest of 1,408 suspects. According to the report, 22 cases were registered around educational institutions, which resulted in the arrest of 22 drug dealers.
The police also found three kilos of heroin, three kilos of ice and 18 kilos of hashish from these areas. Justice Inam Ameen Minhas was hearing the case of proliferation of narcotics in federal educational institutions.
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During the hearing, DSP Legal Sajid Cheema presented the report and informed the court that Islamabad Police had launched the campaign titled “Nasha Ab Nahin” (“No More Drugs”) earlier this year.
The counsel for the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) informed the court that seminars had been held and committees formed in the schools to combat drug use.
Justice Minhas questioned the formation of such committees, calling the matter “very sensitive” and directed that performance reports of these committees be submitted.
The court also sought clarification on the mechanism of supervision within the educational institutions. The judge directed that for any event or activity in schools or colleges, prior permission must be obtained from the principal.
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The petitioner’s counsel, Barrister Kashif Malik, said the police report comprised only two pages and recommended that if any institution or staff member was found involved in drug distribution, they should be blacklisted and reported to the police immediately.
Justice Minhas directed that if any employee was found involved, strict action should be taken against the principal.
“Fines are not a solution,” the judge noted, stressing that regulators must ensure strict oversight as drug trafficking poses serious risks. He further said that arrested suspects should be interrogated to identify which schools were drugged.
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Advocate Malik reminded the court that during the dengue outbreak in Rawalpindi, the school administrations were booked under similar circumstances.
The court directed PEIRA to include in its SOPs that in case of complaints, action would be taken against school principals and owners. The police were ordered to visit educational institutions where drug cases had been reported and submit a detailed report.
Justice Minhas observed that if drugs were found in a school, college or university, the administration would be held responsible.
The court will issue a detailed written order at the next hearing and adjourn further proceedings.
