Karachi colleges told to keep vapes, drugs at bay

KARACHI:

With the new academic session set to begin on August 3, the Directorate of Colleges Karachi has ordered a crackdown on the sale and use of vapes, tobacco products, nicotine pouches and drugs in and around government colleges to ensure a safe and healthy environment for students.

Director Colleges Karachi Region Gulab Rai, in two separate letters addressed to all deputy commissioners and principals of government colleges, recommended strict measures to curb the sale and availability of vapes, tobacco and nicotine products, and drugs around educational institutions.

The letters, sent to deputy commissioners of East, West, South, Korangi, Malir, Keamari and Central districts, state that the Provincial Tobacco Control Cell, Sindh, has expressed concern over the easy availability and sale of vapes, tobacco and nicotine products. Deputy commission-ers have been asked to ensure that cafés and other outlets located near educational institutions do not sell such products.

The director noted that students of classes XI and XII will begin attending government colleges from August 3, making it essential to maintain a safe and healthy environment within college premises and surrounding areas.