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Alleged drug cases reported in 58 Pakistani universities in 2025

HEC officials say formal monitoring system introduced to curb drug use and smoking in institutions

Zaigham Naqvi May 08, 2026 1 min read

ISLAMABAD:

A worrying rise 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 The Express Tribune, the 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 (K-P) with seven.

The report showed that 28 female students were involved in alleged drug abuse cases in Punjab universities, 10 in federal institutions and eight in Sindh universities. No cases involving faculty members were reported, while no cases involving female students were recorded in K-P.

Higher Education Commission (HEC) officials said a formal monitoring system has been introduced 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: Substance addiction on the rise on campuses

These committees are actively engaged in enforcing anti-drug laws, conducting awareness campaigns and guiding students. HEC officials added that sub-campuses of universities have also been directed to establish such committees to improve coordination within and outside campuses.

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 taken and existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to drug control in educational institutions.

The committee directed authorities to take more effective steps to prevent drug use in educational institutions to protect the younger generation from the menace.

COMMENTS (1)

uz | 2 weeks ago | Reply One of the biggest failures of successive governments in Pakistan has been the unchecked spread of drugs across the country especially among young adults. This situation could not have reached such alarming levels without at the very least negligence if not active collusion from elements within law enforcement agencies and the ruling elite. Otherwise how can we accept that around 7 of the population is addicted to drugs while tonnes of narcotics move freely across Pakistan The government should declare a national emergency focused on protecting the next generation through massive awareness prevention and rehabilitation efforts and an uncompromising drive to eliminate drugs from society. In an era of advanced technology where a motorcycle with a wrong number plate can be traced through live cameras it is shocking that we see no major sustained crackdown on drug networks or their real beneficiaries.

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