A new bill in Pakistan proposes voluntary drug screening, free rehabilitation and mandatory on-campus counselling to address student drug use through treatment instead of punishment.
Parliament Panel Reviews Student-Focused Drug Reform Bill
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior has begun examining a new bill that aims to change how drug use among students is handled in Pakistan’s educational institutions. Instead of focusing on punishment, the proposal emphasises prevention, mental health support and rehabilitation, especially for young people in higher secondary schools, colleges and universities.
Introduced by PPP MNA Sahar Kamran, the bill seeks to amend the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 by adding three new sections: 53A, 53B and 53C. The stated goal is to prevent drug use on campuses while protecting students’ rights, privacy and mental health. The draft shifts the narrative from crime and stigma towards early intervention and recovery, which many experts say is crucial for young people facing addiction risk.
Voluntary, Non-Invasive Drug Screening with Informed Consent
A central feature of the proposed legislation is voluntary drug testing for students seeking admission to higher secondary or higher-level educational institutions. Under the new Section 53A, candidates “may” choose to undergo non-invasive drug screening, meaning testing would not be forced or used as a blanket condition for entry.
Crucially, the bill makes clear that drug testing can only be carried out by accredited medical institutions and strictly with the written and informed consent of the candidate. This is meant to protect students from misuse, coercion or breaches of privacy. The draft also explicitly states that a positive test result on its own cannot be used to deny admission. In other words, the screening is designed as a health check and not as a filter to remove students from the system.
If a student does test positive, the result would trigger a confidential medical assessment rather than disciplinary action. With the student’s consent, they may then be referred to rehabilitation or recovery programmes, with the focus on support instead of exclusion.
Free Counselling, Rehab and Mental Health Services for Students
Another key element of the bill is the government’s responsibility to provide free services for affected students. The draft states that counselling, rehabilitation and mental health support must be offered at no cost to those who need it. This is intended to remove financial barriers that often stop young people and their families from seeking help.
By building treatment and mental health care into the law, the bill aims to recognise substance use as a health and social challenge rather than only a criminal offence. Supporters argue that this approach gives students a real chance to recover and continue their education, instead of being pushed out of the system and deeper into risk.
The proposal also reflects a broader global trend where schools and universities are encouraged to invest in prevention and early intervention, instead of waiting until problems escalate into legal cases or serious health emergencies.
Mandatory Student Counselors and Campus Support Systems
Beyond testing and rehabilitation, the bill introduces institutional responsibilities for schools and colleges under the proposed Section 53B. All public and private educational institutions would be required to appoint at least one trained faculty or staff member as a student counsellor.
This counsellor’s role would be to raise awareness about the harms of drug use, addiction and related mental health issues, as well as to serve as a first point of contact for students seeking help. Educational institutions would also have to establish confidential support systems, ensuring that students can discuss their problems without fear of exposure or punishment.
In coordination with health institutions, schools and colleges would be expected to provide on-campus mental health services. This could include regular awareness sessions, access to psychologists or psychiatrists and clear referral pathways for more serious cases. The bill also mentions special safety arrangements and support for students with disabilities, recognising that they may face additional barriers when seeking help.
From Punishment to Prevention: What Happens Next?
Taken together, the proposed Sections 53A, 53B and 53C represent a shift in how Pakistan’s laws could treat student drug use, moving from a purely punitive model towards prevention, treatment and mental health care. Advocates say this is especially important in educational settings, where young people are still forming habits and can benefit most from early support.
However, the bill is still at the committee discussion stage and has not yet become law. Lawmakers will need to debate details such as how consent will be protected, how confidentiality will be guaranteed and how funding will be secured for free counselling, rehab and on-campus services. Implementation will also depend on training staff and building partnerships with accredited medical and mental health institutions.
For now, the debate signals a growing recognition that protecting students from drugs cannot rely on fear and punishment alone. If passed and properly implemented, the bill could help universities and colleges respond to drug use with more compassion, better information and a stronger focus on saving young lives and careers.
