Plan to tackle drugs on campuses sought by March

President Alvi calls for implementing stronger drug control measures

ISLAMABAD:

Universities have been directed to implement stronger controls on the proliferation of recreational drugs on campuses.

This was directed by President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday in an online meeting with vice-chancellors from various public and private sector universities.

During the meeting, participants deliberated on the measures that can be taken to curtail drug use amongst students including counselling services, launching a hotline, developing a whistler-blower mechanism, penalising elements involved in the use and supply of drugs, constituting parent-teacher coordination bodies and coordinating with rehabilitation facilities.

Universities must take every step necessary to make their campuses safe from drugs, Dr Alvi said. “This is not only a moral imperative,” he said, adding, “universities have a legal responsibility to implement all relevant laws.”

The president further noted that universities around the world are threatened by the proliferation of drugs. While law enforcement agencies are playing an active role in dealing with the issue, there is a need for direct engagement with the youth as well, he stressed. For this purpose, he said varsities must utilise psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers as well as non-governmental organisations.

Dr Alvi also emphasised the need for the media to highlight the health and social consequences of drug use.

The president directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to develop appropriate policy guidelines in consultation with all stakeholders.

Moreover, he said that the health ministry has been tasked to develop a broader helpline to deal with health-related issues, particularly the use of illicit drugs.

Federal Narcotics Control Minister Azam Swati briefed the meeting about the initiatives taken to control drugs. He also outlined the steps that universities can implement in this regard. It was decided that all relevant stakeholders will be consulted to form a concrete policy on curtailing drug use on campuses by March 2021.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 13^th, 2020.