ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training has expressed concern over the growing menace of narcotics in educational institutions, observing that increasing reports of drug use and supply among students require immediate, coordinated and result-oriented action.
The committee held its meeting under the acting chairmanship of Anjum Aqeel Khan, MNA, here on Monday. It stressed the need for an effective coordination mechanism among Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), police, Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) to identify sources of drug supply and prevent the involvement of criminal elements in and around educational institutions. It emphasized that ensuring a safe, secure and drug-free learning environment required a coordinated response involving educational institutions, law-enforcement agencies and regulatory authorities, with clear responsibilities, effective monitoring and strict enforcement.
The committee sought comprehensive and verified data on reported cases of drug use and supply in educational institutions, including the number and nature of cases, action taken by the authorities, mechanisms adopted for inter-agency coordination, and details of penalties and punishments awarded to those found involved. It observed that merely establishing committees and formulating policies would not be sufficient unless accompanied by effective implementation, regular monitoring and visible action against those responsible for supplying narcotics to students.
The committee was informed that Anti-Drug and Tobacco Committees had been established in higher educational institutions to monitor and address issues relating to drug and tobacco use among students. However, it stressed that these institutional mechanisms must be strengthened and linked with law-enforcement and regulatory authorities to ensure timely reporting, investigation and action in cases involving narcotics.
Regarding the reported leakage of Cambridge examination papers, the committee was informed that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), after examining the matter, found no evidence establishing that the leakage had originated from Pakistan. The committee was informed that the NCCIA did not have direct access to servers located abroad, limiting its ability to independently trace the source, location and mechanism of any alleged leakage occurring through overseas servers.
The committee deferred the government bill titled the Hyderabad Institute for Technology and Management Sciences (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to its next meeting. It was also presented with beneficiaries who had successfully qualified for the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme. The beneficiaries shared their experiences with the committee and said they would proceed with the remaining requirements, including visa screening and other formalities, to pursue employment opportunities abroad.
The committee stressed the need to make the training programmes of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission more outcome-oriented and aligned with international labour market requirements. It observed that the global employment landscape was changing rapidly, particularly in the Middle East, and emphasized the importance of continuously assessing emerging demand for skilled manpower in international markets. It stressed that NAVTTC should regularly update its training programmes in line with evolving global demand, particularly in sectors offering employment opportunities abroad so that Pakistani youths are equipped with market-relevant skills, internationally-recognized qualifications and better prospects for decent employment in foreign labour markets.
The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) informed the committee that, pursuant to the recommendations of the Sub-Committee on Dyslexia, a number of measures had been introduced to facilitate students with dyslexia during examinations. These include additional time and assistance in reading question papers for students requiring such support. The committee stressed the need for regular psychological support and trained remedial teachers in educational institutions to identify learning difficulties at an early stage and provide appropriate assistance to affected students in classrooms. A committee member informed the meeting that legislation relating to dyslexia had also been enacted by the Punjab Assembly, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and uniform approach to addressing the educational needs of children with dyslexia.
The Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) informed the committee that, as a coordinating forum for educational boards across the country, it would take up the matter with all boards to promote uniform measures and ensure that appropriate facilities and support mechanisms for students with dyslexia are adopted nationwide.
The committee was informed that approximately 200-250 cases involving Grade-14 teachers were currently pending and under process. It emphasized the need for their expeditious disposal and timely completion. The ministry assured the committee that necessary steps would be taken to address and resolve all pending cases at the earliest.
