Educational institutions liable if drugs reach campus: IHC

Police report 1,314 drug-related cases registered so far this year in capital

The Islamabad High Court judge, Justice Inam Ameen Minhas, remarked during a hearing that if drugs were found in any 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, resulting in the arrest of 22 drug peddlers.

Police also recovered three kilograms of heroin, three kilograms of ice, and 18 kilograms of hashish from these areas. Justice Inam Ameen Minhas heard the case regarding the spread of drugs in federal educational institutions.

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During the hearing, DSP Legal Sajid Cheema presented the report, informing the court that Islamabad Police had launched the campaign titled “Nasha Ab Nahin” (“No More Drugs”) earlier this year.

The advocate for the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) informed the court that seminars had been held and committees formed in schools to combat drug use.

Justice Minhas questioned the formation of such committees, terming the matter “very sensitive,” and directed that performance reports of these committees must be submitted.

The court also sought clarification on the mechanism of supervision within educational institutions. The judge instructed that, for any event or activity inside schools or colleges, prior permission must be obtained from the principal.

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The petitioner’s counsel, Advocate 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 staff member was found to be involved, strict action should be taken against the principal.

“Fines are not a solution,” the judge remarked, stressing that regulators must ensure strict oversight, as drug smuggling poses serious risks. He further said that arrested suspects should be interrogated to identify which schools were being supplied drugs.

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Advocate Malik reminded the court that, during the dengue outbreak in Rawalpindi, school administrations were booked under similar circumstances.

The court instructed PEIRA to include in its SOPs that, in case of complaints, action would be taken against school principals and owners. The police were directed to visit educational institutions where drug cases had been reported and submit a detailed report.

Justice Minhas remarked that, if drugs were found in any school, college, or university, the administration would be held responsible.

The court will issue a detailed written order in the next hearing and adjourned further proceedings.