Islamabad:Former National Security Adviser Dr. Moeed Yusuf has said once an educational institution begins the anti-drugs journey with absolute determination, the process ceases to be insurmountable.
“Universities owe it to their students, parents and the next generation to protect countless lives from being derailed. The enforcement must go hand-in-hand with constructive engagement, robust extracurricular outlets and psychological support, but institutions must always lead with empathy," VC Beaconhouse National University Dr. Yusuf told a ceremony held to launch two transformative manuals aimed at addressing critical student welfare issues: "From Risk to Resilience: BNU Substance Use Control Programme" and "Campus Care: A Guide to Psychological First Aid".
The event was attended by ministers and vice chancellors from multiple public and private universities along with provincial secretaries, leadership of the Anti-Narcotics Force, the Counter Narcotics Force and psychological experts to endorse an initiative that confronts challenges long shrouded in social stigma.
Dr. Yusuf said the university had become the first university in Pakistan to develop a comprehensive best-practice manual dedicated to establishing a drug-free campus. He added that it took one bold and visionary decision to break the mould and prove that meaningful progress is possible,
The VC, the driving force behind this effort, described the endeavour as a deeply personal passion project that evolved into a university-wide mission, bringing together students, faculty, staff and leadership in pursuit of a common goal.
He emphasised that as a university committed to public service and social responsibility, it was making these resources available not merely as institutional achievements but as contributions to the broader educational community.
"We hope that the experience, lessons learned and best practices can serve as a model for schools, colleges and universities across Pakistan, encouraging open dialogue, evidence-based interventions and a culture of care that safeguards the future of young people," he said.
Other vice chancellors and senior government officials emphasised the need to move swiftly from policy formulation to implementation, ensuring the holistic safeguarding of students across the country.
