Islamabad: In a significant development aimed at curbing drug use in educational institutions, the National Assembly has tabled the Anti-Narcotics (Amendment) Bill 2020. This proposed legislation mandates mandatory drug testing for students in schools, colleges, and universities, with parental consent required for medical testing. The bill also outlines potential educational and legal consequences for students found to be using drugs.
On Tuesday, the National Assembly passed two private members’ bills with a majority vote and referred 13 others to relevant committees for further consideration. The bills passed include the International Examination Board Bill, 2024, and The Ghurki Institute of Science and Technology Bill, 2024. These bills had already been reviewed and approved by their respective committees before being presented to the House.
Meanwhile, the newly tabled Anti-Narcotics Bill aims to address the growing concern of drug abuse among students. The legislation includes provisions for drug awareness campaigns in educational institutions and requires schools to notify parents if any students are suspected of drug use. If drug use is confirmed, the bill proposes educational and legal actions.
Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of revising the curriculum to include drug awareness content, as well as specialized training to educate students on the dangers of substance abuse. It also stresses the need for counselling and rehabilitation services for affected students and calls for strict action against drug suppliers operating near educational campuses.
The proposed law is designed to protect students from addiction, ensuring a safer and healthier academic environment that fosters their future growth and development. The move follows ongoing efforts to tackle drug abuse within academic institutions, which have gained momentum over the past few years.
In the same session, 13 private members’ bills were referred to relevant standing committees, including bills related to elections, budget offices, narcotic control, and education. These bills will undergo detailed consideration and consultation before further action is taken.