ISLAMABAD, SEP 16 /DNA/ – The second meeting of the Vice Chancellors’ Review Committee constituted for revision of the HEC Policy on Drug & Tobacco Abuse in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), 2021, was held at HEC, Secretariat on Tuesday.
The meeting was attended by Vice Chancellors representing various regions and sectors of Pakistan’s higher education system, along with representatives of relevant law enforcement agencies.
Engr. Saleem Ullah Sohoo, Director General, Research & Analysis Activities (R&AA), HEC, briefed the Committee on the key provisions of the existing policy, progress made in its implementation, and areas requiring further strengthening. He highlighted HEC’s continued collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), particularly in conducting awareness initiatives and monitoring activities across higher education institutions.
Dr. Moeed Waseem Yusuf, Vice Chancellor, Beaconhouse National University (BNU) and Convener of the Committee, presented the revised draft policy, incorporating feedback received during the Committee’s first meeting. The members held a detailed discussion on the draft and mutually agreed on key recommendations and inputs to further strengthen the policy framework, with particular emphasis on prevention, awareness, counselling, rehabilitation, and appropriate disciplinary measures.
The Committee members deliberated in detail on the proposed revisions and expressed their agreement with the recommendations presented by the Convener. It was agreed that the additional points and observations raised during the meeting would be incorporated into the proposed revisions and shared with the Committee members for further consideration and finalization.
The Committee emphasized the need for a unified and practical national policy framework that recognizes regional and institutional diversity while strengthening prevention, awareness, monitoring, counselling and rehabilitation, inter-agency coordination, and effective enforcement mechanisms.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan remains committed to strengthening preventive measures and promoting safe, healthy, and drug-free learning environments across higher education institutions in Pakistan.
