The Lahore High Court on Monday directed the government to get the ban on smoking implemented in public offices as well as educational institutions in its letter and spirit. The court summoned DG Social Welfare in person and also directed the Chief Secretary Punjab to issue notices to the institutions for implementation of the ban.
Petitioner's counsel Azhar Siddique contended that the tradition of smoking in educational institutions is not only creating bad impact but also affecting the youth who are becoming addicts in educational institutions.
He also quoted the report prepared by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) claiming more than 800,000 people between the age of 15 and 64 are addicted to use heroin on regular basis in Pakistan.
The counsel implored that the government should take strict steps against drug dealers and universities, private, government schools and colleges. He contended that institutions are required to educate students about the adverse effects of these drugs.
Shedding light over the policy, the counsel contended that the Higher Education Commission should formulate proper policy to identify and eliminate such problems from educational institutions.
He therefore prayed the court to direct the respondents to make striking move against the illicit medications and to provide free of cost rehabilitation facilities to drug addicts. It was further prayed that directions be issued to respondents to counter the increasing drug use and abuse, particularly in educational institutions.
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