New Bill Proposes Voluntary Drug Testing for Students

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior has reviewed a bill focused on addressing drug use in educational institutions. Introduced by PPP MNA Sahar Kamran, the legislation aims to prevent drug use among students while promoting rehabilitation, safeguarding mental health, and shifting the focus from punishment to treatment.

The bill proposes amendments to the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997, adding Sections 53A, 53B, and 53C. Under Section 53A, students seeking admission to higher secondary or higher-level institutions may voluntarily undergo non-invasive drug screening conducted only by accredited medical facilities with informed consent. A positive result cannot be used to deny admission; instead, students would receive confidential medical assessments and, with consent, referrals to rehabilitation or recovery programs. Counseling, rehabilitation, and mental health services would be provided free of cost by the government.

Section 53B requires all public and private educational institutions to appoint at least one trained faculty or staff member as a student counselor. Counselors would raise awareness about the risks of drug use, addiction, and mental health issues. Institutions would also establish confidential support systems for students and coordinate with health organizations to provide on-campus mental health services.