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