Islamabad: The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, convened at the Parliament House to address the increasing trend of drug usage among students and the measures being taken to combat this issue. The meeting highlighted the need for scientific evidence to better understand the root causes and develop effective strategies.
Officials from the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) reported that a drug awareness initiative, launched in February 2024 under the Prime Minister’s directive, has been implemented across 237 universities in Pakistan. The campaign has resulted in the identification of 31 drug traffickers and the seizure of 140 kg of drugs in 235 universities. Despite these efforts, the Committee noted a lack of scientific data explaining the rise in drug use among students.
Senator Zehri raised concerns over the availability of vapes in Islamabad and urged the ministry to provide a comparative analysis of the outcomes of various anti-drug campaigns. She emphasized the need for more visible awareness campaigns from the ministry.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), advocated for drug prevention campaigns involving teachers and parents at the school level. She also pointed out the declining ‘play time’ for students, which could contribute to drug usage.
Representatives from the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) outlined their strategies for preventing drug use in Islamabad’s 432 public institutions. These include random drug checks and a revised curriculum focusing on drug awareness. The FDE is also working with Taskeen APP and Umre Rawan to provide psychological support to students.
The Islamabad Capital Territory Police reported 78 drug-related cases, resulting in 735 arrests and the confiscation of 131 kg of drugs. Their ‘Friends of Police’ campaign aims to involve civil society in raising drug awareness.
Sharmeela Rassool from UNICEF highlighted efforts to improve children’s welfare in Pakistan, with a focus on nutrition and potential development. She called for collaborative efforts to enhance child welfare and offered UNICEF’s support.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, with the ministry providing financial support to the National Commission on Rights of Child and establishing a helpline for related issues.
The session was attended by several senators, human rights officials, and representatives from UNICEF, all contributing to the discussion on addressing drug usage and child welfare in Pakistan.