ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior on Monday rejected a proposed bill that sought to enforce compulsory drug testing for students in educational institutions. Senator Mohsin Aziz, who tabled the bill, faced strong opposition but refused to withdraw the legislation despite the committee’s decision.
Chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem, the meeting debated the bill’s provisions, which included issuing warnings for first-time offenders, 15-day suspensions for second violations, and stricter penalties for repeat offenses. However, committee members raised concerns over its implementation.
Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) officials informed the panel that while 80% of educational institutions have been scanned for drugs, student testing falls outside their mandate. They emphasized targeting drug suppliers rather than punishing affected students.
Senator Shahadat Awan opposed the bill, arguing it overstepped provincial authority. The committee ultimately rejected the proposal, leaving Senator Aziz determined to pursue it through other parliamentary avenues.
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