ISLAMABAD: The capital police in collaboration with teachers will conduct drug tests on students suspected of using narcotics so that their future could be secured.

This was stated by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Sultan Azam Temuri at a seminar held at the Postgraduate College for Commerce H-8/4 on Thursday. He said some students used narcotics and their parents knew it only after they had become addicts.

A timely drug test on students will be ensured to help them get rid of the bad habit, he said.

The objective of the seminar was to check the use of narcotics and child abuse, especially in educational institutes.

Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) Director Ambar Sultana, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Mushtaq Ahmed, principals and professors of various colleges and officials from the CDA and local administration besides a large number of students were present.

The IGP said the capital police had launched an awareness campaign in educational institutions against child abuse and the use of narcotics. Police teams are delivering lectures in the institutions, he added.

He said a campaign had also been launched against social crime and “those involved in drug supplying activities would be dealt with an iron hand.”

A protection centre has been established to check child abuse and sexual harassment and is linked with all helplines. A separate helpline (8090) has been set up for assistance that can be reached through a phone call or SMS, he added.

The IGP asked female teachers to visit the centre and give their suggestions to improve it.

The deputy commissioner appreciated the awareness campaign launched by the police and assured the department of assistance.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2018