ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) organised a meeting on Drug Prevention, Awareness and Control Measures in Educational Institutions at the HEC Secretariat, Islamabad, to review reported cases of drug use and supply and strengthen preventive steps across campuses.
The meeting was chaired by Ms. Rabia Naseem Farooqi, MNA, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training. The discussion focused on institutional monitoring, awareness initiatives, preventive measures and improved coordination among relevant agencies.
Chairman HEC Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar (S.I) stressed the importance of ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment in higher education institutions. He underlined the need for institutional responsibility, preventive awareness and coordinated efforts to deal with drug and tobacco abuse.
Engr. Saleem Ullah Sohoo, Director General, Research and Analysis Activities (R&AA), HEC, briefed the chair on reported cases during 2025 and January–September 2026. He also shared details of initiatives taken by HEC and higher education institutions to address drug and tobacco abuse.
Representatives of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police shared updates on enforcement and prevention measures. They emphasised coordinated action, institutional accountability and awareness campaigns.
The meeting also proposed holding a roundtable with heads of public and private higher education institutions in Islamabad, along with members of their Anti-Drug and Tobacco Committees, to review implementation and develop a coordinated way forward.
