The 2020 Anti-Narcotics bill (amendment) was tabled on Tuesday at the National Assembly in order to slow down drug use in educational establishments through preventive legislation and stricter application measures, Express News reported.
The bill, tabled by MNA Sehar Kamran, proposes to make drug use among students a punishable offense and to link university admission to compulsory drug testing tests.
He also recommends that drug awareness campaigns be carried out in schools, colleges and universities, the institutions necessary to inform parents of any suspected drug use.
Under the proposed law, medical tests for alleged students would only be authorized with their parental consent, and educational and judicial action could follow in confirmed cases.
The bill also suggests revising the study program to include drug awareness content and calls for specialized training to educate students on the harmful effects of drug addiction.
The legislation describes the responsibilities of parents, teachers and students in the fight against drug use and includes provisions for advice and rehabilitation services for affected people.
It also requires strict action against drug suppliers operating near educational campuses.
According to the bill, the main objective is to protect students from dependence and guarantee a healthier and safer academic environment which supports their future development.
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The transition to stricter legislation is based on efforts was launched a few years ago to combat drug abuse in academic areas.
In 2022, those responsible for the anti-narcotic force (ANF) informed the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on the control of narcotics concerning operations around educational establishments.
The committee, chaired by MNA Salahuddin Ayubi, was informed that 160 kilograms of narcotics had been recovered near schools, colleges and universities that year.
The crises included 116 kg of haschisch, 18 kg of opium, nine kg of heroin and 7.5 kg of crystal methamphetamine, with 63 suspects arrested during targeted operations.
Anf’s conclusions have strengthened the concerns of the legislators and helped shape the consensus on the introduction of a compulsory screening test as a condition for university admissions, as well as wider preventive measures.
