The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday sought a report from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) regarding measures taken against drug use in the federal capital’s universities.

It directed the Federal Ministry of Education to get rules related to the eradication of narcotics approved by the federal government.

The court also directed the HEC to include the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and police officials in the monitoring committee formed to oversee anti-drug measures in educational institutions.

It also instructed the media to run awareness campaigns against narcotics during prime time and sought a report from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) in this regard.

Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas heard a petition seeking measures to eliminate drug use in educational institutions of the federal capital.

During the hearing, Advocate Kashif Ali Malik, representing the petitioner organisation Lucky Foundation, informed the court that a drug-related case was under trial in Karachi in which riders and delivery boys were also alleged to be involved.

Justice Minhas observed that he had been saying from the first day that narcotics were being transported through riders and delivery boys.

HEC officials informed the court that designated areas had been allocated in educational institutions for riders and delivery personnel. They said every rider or delivery boy entering the premises was checked before being allowed access.

Advocate Malik argued that after universities and colleges, narcotics had now become common in schools as well, and even students of grades seven and eight were using drugs.

The court directed that regular monitoring be carried out in educational institutions and a report be submitted. It also instructed the Islamabad district administration to take measures against narcotics and ensure monitoring.

The IHC further directed Islamabad Police to take action against drugs and conduct monitoring in this regard. Later the court adjourned further hearing till the last week of June.