NA Panel Sounds Alarm Over Drug Networks Targeting Students, Demands Crackdown

Education committee calls for coordinated action by ANF, police, HEC and FDE, warns policies without enforcement cannot protect students

Hamid Khan Wazir

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training has sounded the alarm over growing reports of drug use and narcotics supply in educational institutions, demanding a coordinated crackdown on the criminal networks targeting students and warning that committees and policies alone would not protect young people without effective enforcement and continuous monitoring.

The committee, which met under the acting chairmanship of MNA Anjum Aqeel Khan, stressed that educational institutions must become safe and drug-free spaces and directed relevant authorities to strengthen coordination between the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), police, Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) to identify sources of drug supply and take action against those involved.

The members emphasised that the growing threat required visible enforcement, clear institutional responsibility and regular monitoring, rather than merely establishing committees or formulating policies.

The committee directed the concerned authorities to submit comprehensive, verified and institution-wise data on reported cases of drug use and supply. The information is to include the number and nature of cases, action taken by relevant authorities, mechanisms for inter-agency coordination and details of penalties or punishments imposed on those found involved.

The committee maintained that ensuring a safe, secure and drug-free learning environment required clearly defined responsibilities for educational institutions, law-enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies. It also called for strengthening the Anti-Drug and Tobacco Committees already established in higher education institutions and linking them with law-enforcement agencies to ensure prompt reporting, investigation and action.

Skills training must match global job market

The committee also reviewed the skills-development programmes of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and called for a stronger focus on outcomes and international labour-market demand.

Members observed that the global employment landscape, particularly in the Middle East, was changing rapidly and cautioned that Pakistan could not continue relying on outdated training models if it wanted its young workforce to compete successfully in international markets.

The committee directed NAVTTC to regularly review and update its courses in line with international market requirements, particularly in sectors offering employment opportunities abroad.

It stressed that Pakistani youth must be equipped with market-relevant skills, internationally recognised qualifications and practical training capable of translating into decent employment opportunities in foreign labour markets.

NCLEX trainees prepare for overseas careers

The committee was also briefed by beneficiaries of the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme who had successfully completed their training.

The beneficiaries shared their experiences with the committee and said they would proceed with visa screening and other formal requirements before pursuing employment opportunities overseas.

Committee seeks stronger support for students with dyslexia

The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) informed the committee that several measures had been introduced to facilitate students with dyslexia during examinations, including additional time and assistance in reading question papers where required.

The committee, however, stressed that examination concessions alone were insufficient and called for regular psychological support, trained remedial teachers and early identification of learning difficulties in educational institutions.

Members emphasised that timely identification and intervention were essential to ensuring that children with learning difficulties received appropriate educational support.

A committee member noted that the Punjab Assembly had also enacted legislation concerning dyslexia, highlighting the need for a uniform national approach to address the educational needs of children with learning difficulties.

The Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) assured the committee that it would take up the matter with educational boards across the country and work towards developing uniform facilities and support mechanisms for students with dyslexia.

No evidence Cambridge paper leak originated from Pakistan: NCCIA

The committee also examined reports concerning the alleged leakage of Cambridge examination papers.

Officials informed members that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), after examining the matter, had found no evidence establishing that the alleged leakage originated from Pakistan.

The committee was further informed that the NCCIA did not have direct access to servers located abroad, limiting its ability to independently trace the source, location and mechanism of any alleged leakage involving overseas servers.

Committee seeks early disposal of teachers’ cases

The committee also reviewed pending cases involving Grade-14 teachers and was informed that approximately 200 to 250 cases were currently under process.

Members called for the early disposal of the cases and directed the concerned authorities to complete the required procedures without unnecessary delay.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Anjum Aqeel Khan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Syed Sami-ul-Hasan Gilani, Zeb Jaffar, Farah Naz Akbar, Abdul Hakeem Baloch, Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Mahtab Akbar Rashdi, Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Abdul Aleem Khan, Sabheen Ghoury and Aliya Kamran, along with Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training Rabia Naseem Farooqi.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, HEC and other concerned departments also attended the meeting.