ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench on Monday emphasized the need to establish a surveillance system to prevent drug usage in educational institutions.
A SC five-member constitutional bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard a petition concerning drug trafficking in educational institutions across the country.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar inquired about the measures taken so far to curb drug use, noting that the report on Balochistan stated that the heroin usage there is reportedly zero.
Justice Musarrat Hilali questioned the authenticity of the report, saying, “Has heroin been consumed to extinction? I’m not sure what kind of heroin the report refers to,”.
She expressed both happiness and surprise at the findings but pointed out that drugs are also being sold in colleges. She highlighted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the province most affected by drugs, appears to be silent on the issue.
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail remarked that the primary issues lie in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Justice Musarrat Hilali suggested establishing a surveillance system under the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) to monitor activities in educational institutions.
She further added, “The largest supply of drugs is in prisons, even more than what is trafficked across borders”.
The constitutional bench directed the ANF and all provinces to submit written responses, and provide a detailed mechanism to prevent drug trafficking in educational institutions.
The court adjourned the hearing for indefinite period.
