The National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior has discussed a new bill aimed at tackling drug use in educational institutions, with a strong focus on rehabilitation, mental health support, and prevention rather than punishment.
The bill, introduced by PPP MNA Sahar Kamran, seeks to amend the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997, by adding three new sections — 53A, 53B and 53C. The proposed changes are designed to protect students, promote early intervention, and shift the state’s response to drug use from a criminal to a health-based approach.
Under proposed Section 53A, students applying for admission to higher secondary or higher education institutions may voluntarily undergo non-invasive drug screening. Any testing would only be carried out by accredited medical institutions and strictly with the candidate’s written and informed consent.
Importantly, the bill states that a positive drug test cannot be used as grounds to deny admission. Instead, the student would receive a confidential medical evaluation and, with their consent, could be referred to counselling, rehabilitation, or recovery programmes. The government would be responsible for providing these services, including mental health support, free of cost.
Proposed Section 53B requires all public and private educational institutions to appoint at least one trained faculty or staff member as a student counsellor. This counsellor would be tasked with raising awareness about drug abuse, addiction, and mental health issues, as well as guiding students toward available support services.
Institutions would also be required to establish confidential support systems and, in coordination with health authorities, ensure access to on-campus mental health services.
Committee members noted that the bill reflects a growing recognition that substance use among students should be addressed through care, awareness, and rehabilitation rather than stigma or exclusion.
