The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government has launched a comprehensive initiative to protect the younger generation and students of educational institutions from the menace of drugs.
Alongside adopting a zero-tolerance policy against drug mafias, dealers, smugglers and sellers, the government has also begun organizing special awareness sessions and seminars in universities and other educational institutions to sensitize society about this dangerous social evil.
In this regard, Provincial Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control, Syed Fakhar Jehan, paid a special visit to the University of Peshawar today, formally initiating a series of visits to educational institutions across the province.
The Provincial Minister chaired a joint meeting at the Vice Chancellor’s Office of the University of Peshawar, which was attended by officers of the Excise Department, Vice Chancellors of the four major universities located on the campus and other senior administrators.
Participants of the meeting included Secretary Excise Taxation and Narcotics Control Khalid Ilyas, Vice Chancellor University of Peshawar Professor Dr. Johar Ali, Vice Chancellor Islamia College University Professor Dr. Ahmad u Rehman Saljuqi, as well as senior officials from the University of Agriculture and the University of Engineering and Technology (UET).
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on organizing awareness programs to educate university students about the dangers of drug abuse and on steps to be taken by university administrations against elements involved in drug-related activities that pose a threat to students.
It was unanimously decided that all Vice Chancellors will take strict measures against drugs within their respective institutions. If any student is found involved in drug abuse or related activities, the university will take firm action, including expulsion.
The provincial government assured full support to universities and their administrations in this regard. It was also decided that a dedicated awareness program will be organized at the University of Peshawar.
Alongside strict enforcement measures, these awareness programs will inform students about the hazards of drug addiction and preventive strategies to safeguard themselves from this social curse.
The meeting further decided that a joint committee, headed by the Secretary Excise and comprising relevant university officials, will be constituted to strengthen coordination and cooperation between universities and the Excise Department on anti-narcotics efforts.
Addressing the meeting, the Provincial Minister stated that under a 15-day campaign, the entire city of Peshawar—including urban and rural areas—will be cleared through small and large-scale operations. He urged Vice Chancellors and senior university officials to play their due role in protecting students from this menace.
“We have to save our nation, our younger generation and humanity, as this ruthless curse is destroying families,” he said, adding that the way the youth is being ruined by crystal meth (ice) is part of a deliberate attempt to weaken the nation, and those involved will not be spared.
On the occasion, the Vice Chancellors appreciated the Provincial Minister’s initiatives and efforts, assuring that internal monitoring mechanisms in universities will be further strengthened.
They reiterated that smoking is already banned on campuses and that no leniency will be shown to anyone involved in drug-related activities.