HEC officials say that formal monitoring system has been introduced to curb drug use and smoking in institutions
ISLAMABAD:
A worrying increase in alleged drug-related cases was reported in universities across Pakistan, with 365 cases recorded in 58 higher education institutions during 2025, including 10 involving support staff.
According to documents obtained by Express Pakinomistthe highest number of cases was reported from universities in the federal capital at 153, followed by Punjab with 130, Sindh with 75 and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) with seven.
The report showed that 28 female students were involved in alleged cases of drug abuse in Punjab universities, 10 in federal institutions and eight in Sindh universities. No cases involving faculty members were reported while no cases involving women students were registered in KP.
Higher Education Commission (HEC) officials said a formal monitoring system has been put in place to curb drug use and smoking in educational institutions. Under the policy, “Anti-Drug and Tobacco Committees” have been established in 245 public and private universities and higher education institutions across the country.
Read: Drug abuse is on the rise on campuses
These committees are actively engaged in enforcing anti-drug laws, conducting awareness campaigns and mentoring students. HEC officials added that the sub-campuses of the universities have also been asked to set up such committees to improve intra- and extra-campus coordination.
The committees have been empowered to investigate and take action against drug use, sale and distribution.
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education sought detailed reports on reported drug cases, preventive measures and existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to drug control in educational institutions.
The committee directed the authorities to take more effective steps to prevent drug use in educational institutions to protect the younger generation from the menace.
