ISLAMABAD: The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights on Tuesday raised alarm over the increasing use of drugs among students and reviewed the preventive measures taken by various departments.

Briefing the committee, chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, officials from the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) shared that, following the prime minister’s directives, a nationwide awareness campaign was launched across 237 universities in February 2024.

The initiative aimed to tackle drug abuse among the country’s youth, particularly the vulnerable population of approximately 170 million students aged 18 to 31.

During the campaign, ANF uncovered 31 drug traffickers and seized 140 kilograms of narcotics from 235 universities.

Despite these efforts, the committee expressed concern over the absence of scientific research and statistical data to explain the rising trend of drug use.

Members emphasised the importance of evidence-based strategies in addressing the issue effectively.

Senator Samina Zehri also criticised the lack of visible public awareness campaigns by the ministry, particularly those warning of the harmful effects of drugs.

She further highlighted the unchecked sale of vaping products in Islamabad, despite their known health hazards and directed the ministry to present a comparative analysis of past and ongoing anti-drug campaigns at the next committee meeting.

Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), Ayesha Raza Farooq, stressed the need for awareness campaigns in schools featuring parents and teachers.

She also pointed to reduced recreational time among students as a contributing factor to substance abuse.

Officials from the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) outlined the preventive steps taken across 432 public institutions in Islamabad.

These included random inspections, curriculum integration of drug awareness content and a campaign launched in collaboration with Taskeen App and Umre Rawan to provide psychological support to students facing mental health challenges.

The committee requested that all relevant educational material be submitted in the next session.

Meanwhile, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police reported the registration of 78 drug-related cases and the arrest of 735 individuals since 2023, with 131 kilograms of narcotics seized.

ICT Police had also initiated the “Friends of Police” campaign involving civil society and business chambers to engage youth in anti-drug initiatives.

Unicef’s Deputy Representative for Programmes in Pakistan, Sharmeela Rassool, briefed the committee on efforts to enhance child welfare, particularly in collaboration with the Punjab government.

She noted a significant improvement in child nutrition indicators and pointed out that Pakistan currently ranks at 41 per cent on the Human Development Index, indicating that children are reaching less than half of their full potential.

She called on all stakeholders to work together to secure a better future for children, reaffirming Unicef’s full support.

The committee also discussed the implementation of key articles (19, 24, and 34) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Officials stated that the Ministry of Human Rights had established the National Commission on the Rights of Child as part of its obligations under the convention.

Additionally, mechanisms such as the ‘1099’ helpline and the Zainab Alert system have been launched to support child protection.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2025