The Sindh School Education and Literacy Department has directed all deputy commissioners across the province to take strict action against shops and cafes selling vapes and other prohibited narcotics in the vicinity of school premises.
In a notification issued by the department stated that inspection and monitoring committees, during visits to several privately managed schools, observed that certain shops and cafes located near schools were selling vape products and other illegal substances to underage students.
According to the notification, screening committees formed within schools routinely check students’ bags and personal belongings as part of monitoring measures. During these inspections, vape devices were recovered from some students, who disclosed that they had purchased the products from nearby shops and cafes operating close to their schools.
The department further noted that schoolchildren, particularly those studying in classes 9 to 12, often gather at nearby cafes after school hours where various types of drugs are easily accessible. As these cafes are located outside school premises, school administrations find themselves largely powerless to prevent students from frequenting such places.
Deputy commissioners have been asked to ensure regular monitoring and inspection of these cafes to prevent the sale of drugs to school-going children. The notification also suggested that, where necessary, such cafes may be relocated away from the vicinity of educational institutions.
