SC seeks national action plan against drug abuse

Top court unsatisfied by federal, provincial govts' efforts in curbing drug abuse

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Friday sought a national action plan from the federal and provincial governments to curb the menace of drugs in the country.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar was hearing a suo motu case pertaining to selling of drugs in educational institutes.

The apex court directed the information ministry to start a public service campaign against use of drugs, particularly in educational institutes. The top judge said he was informed about young girls using drugs. "The issue affects millions."

Justice Ijazul Ahsan observed that drug abuse was "easting away the youth."



"Let all all chief secreties, head of narcotics division and federal minister concerned to hold meeting and suggest a National Action Plan within week to curb the menace of drug," said Justice Nisar.

Meanwhile, Additional Advocate General Punjab Chaudhry Faisal Hussain submitted a report about actions taken bythe  provincial government to curb the menance. According to the report, at least 466 arrests were made in the matter.

The bench, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of federal and provincial governments in this matter.