The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, led by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, scrutinized the escalating issue of drug use among students and evaluated the measures executed by pertinent departments to address this concern. During the meeting on October 24, 2023, officials from the Anti Narcotics Force shared that a nationwide drug awareness campaign, initiated in February 2024, targeted 237 universities, resulting in the apprehension of 31 drug traffickers and the seizure of 140 kg of drugs.
The committee underscored the absence of scientific data to explain the surge in drug use among students, suggesting that such evidence could be crucial in tackling the issue. Senator Zehri criticized the lack of visible advertisement campaigns by the ministry to publicize the harmful effects of drugs and pointed out the unchecked sale of vapes in Islamabad, urging the ministry to provide a comparative analysis of the campaign outcomes in the next meeting.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of Child, advocated for school-level campaigns involving teachers and parents to combat drug use, and highlighted the link between reduced playtime and increased drug inclination among students. The Federal Directorate of Education officials elaborated on their preventive strategies, including random drug checks in schools and a curriculum emphasizing the dangers of drug use. They also mentioned a collaboration with Taskeen APP and Umre Rawan to offer psychological support to students with mental health issues.
DIG ICT reported 78 registered drug-related cases since 2023, with 735 arrests and 131 kg of drugs seized. The ICT Police has launched the ‘Friends of Police’ campaign with civil society and Chambers of Commerce to raise awareness among youth.
UNICEF’s Deputy Representative, Sharmeela Rassool, detailed initiatives to enhance children’s welfare, noting improvements in children’s nutrition through joint efforts with the Punjab Government and highlighting Pakistan’s 41% ranking on the Human Development Index. She called for collective efforts to support children’s welfare.
The meeting also addressed the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, with officials noting the establishment of a National Commission on Rights of Child and the introduction of support mechanisms like helpline ‘1099’ and Zainab Alert. The session was attended by several senators and key stakeholders.