ISLAMABAD, JAN 30 /DNA/ – A review meeting on the measures being taken to implement the HEC’s prevention of drug usage in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and to deliberate on the way forward, was held at HEC Secretariat under the acting Chairman HEC, Mr. Nadeem Mahbub.

The meeting was attended by the ANF team led by Brigadier Imran, senior officers of the HEC and the Federal Directorate of Education. Vice Chancellor, Beaconhouse National University (BNU), Lahore Dr. Moeed Yusuf and Vice Chancellor, University of Balochistan, Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Bazai joined the meeting via video link to provide essential provincial and private-sector perspectives.

During the session, both the ANF and HEC presented detailed updates on their respective initiatives, progress made and candidly addressing the key challenges that remain in the field. The Vice Chancellor, BNU Lahore shared a detailed overview of the specific mechanisms and student-support systems adopted by his institution, offering a successful blueprint for how a multi-pronged strategy can be effectively implemented through institutional policy. He suggested that the students addicted to drugs and narcotics be treated as victims and thus can truly be counselled and rehabilitated accordingly.

The participants agreed on the urgent need for a more coherent and unified approach. The dialogue highlighted that while enforcement acts as a critical shield, the true strength of the whole effort lies in fostering a supportive culture, where students feel safe and empowered to discuss the underlying mental health or social challenges that often lead to drug addiction.

The Chairman HEC lauded the efforts of the ANF and reaffirmed the commitment of higher education leadership to chart a robust, long-term mechanism. He said that together with ANF and other stakeholders, HEC’s aim is to transform educational institutions into secure places where the focus remains entirely on intellectual growth and the holistic well-being of the next generation.

The Chairman said that follow-up meetings will be convened soon to strategize on the new proposals as discussed during the meeting. “The upcoming phase will aim to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that future efforts are not only more robust but also deeply practical and meaningful,” he said.