Islamabad: A meeting organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan focused on drug prevention, awareness, and control measures within educational institutions. The gathering addressed reported cases of drug use and supply, with discussions aimed at enhancing preventive measures, institutional responses, awareness initiatives, monitoring, and inter-agency coordination.

According to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, the meeting was chaired by Rabia Naseem Farooqi, a Member of the National Assembly and Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training. It included participation from Engr. Saleem Ullah Sohoo, Director General of Research & Analysis Activities at HEC, alongside representatives from the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police.

Director General Sohoo provided a briefing on HEC’s efforts to combat drug and tobacco abuse in higher education institutions. He presented data on reported cases from 2025 and updates for the current year, as well as measures implemented by higher education institutions. The ongoing collaboration between HEC, the ANF, and other authorities was highlighted, focusing on awareness programs and institutional monitoring to curb drug use and supply.

ANF and ICT Police representatives emphasized existing enforcement and prevention strategies. They stressed the significance of institutional mechanisms, coordinated actions, awareness campaigns, and suitable preventive measures by educational institutions.

Ms. Farooqi acknowledged the HEC’s initiatives and the measures taken by educational institutions. She advocated for regular meetings with stakeholders to review progress and strengthen efforts. Additionally, she proposed a roundtable discussion involving heads of public and private higher education institutions and their Anti-Drug and Tobacco Committees to assess implementation, identify challenges, and foster a coordinated strategy for more effective prevention and control.