LAHORE: The Punjab government on Wednesday decided to start health profiling of teachers and students to control use of narcotics in educational institutions.

The decision was taken at a meeting presided over by Chief Secretary Yousaf Naseem Khokhar.

In the light of the Lahore High Court’s directions, detailed deliberations were made during the meeting to stop drug abuse, especially in education institutions and jails.

Mr Khokhar ordered steps for cutting the supply of narcotics and rehabilitation of addicts. He asked the authorities concerned to ensure implementation of the action plan prepared for controlling drug abuse in the province.

He stressed the need to enhance public awareness about harms of drug abuse. Ulema and civil society could contribute significantly in the government’s efforts to rid the society of this menace, he added, ordering collection of accurate data on drug addicts in the province.

In another meeting, the chief secretary discussed reasons for the delay in issuance of pension to government employees and considered various suggestions to improve the process with the officials concerned.

He ordered early disposal of the pending pension cases, besides rapid completion of the process for payment of financial assistance in case of the death of a government servant.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2019