Islamabad High Court Bans Food, Courier Deliveries to Educational Institutions to Curb Drug Smuggling
ISLAMABAD (May 13, 2025) – In a landmark ruling, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) imposed an immediate ban on all food and courier deliveries to students in federal educational institutions, citing concerns over drug smuggling disguised as routine orders.
Key Court Directives:
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Complete Ban on Direct Deliveries: No pizzas, parcels, or courier packages to be delivered directly to students on campus.
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Institutions Allowing Deliveries to Face Scrutiny: Schools and colleges violating the order will be investigated.
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Compliance Report Demanded: Authorities must submit an action-taken report by the next hearing on May 28.
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National Anti-Narcotics Council Summoned: The court questioned why the high-powered council (headed by the PM and CMs) had not yet been formed.
Alarming Statistics on Student Drug Use:
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43–53% of students in elite schools reportedly use drugs (heroin, hashish, methamphetamine).
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577 drug-related cases registered since 2019 in collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF).
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Police Admit VIP Security Takes Priority: Court issued a show-cause notice to Islamabad police for downplaying the crisis.
Justice Minhas’ Stern Remarks:
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“Children are ordering pizza—and also drugs. This must stop.”
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“This is not just a law-and-order issue; it’s about the future of our youth.”
Long-Term Solutions Proposed:
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Curriculum Reforms:
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Drug awareness content already included, with plans to expand.
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Stricter Campus Monitoring:
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Over 1,000 institutions under increased surveillance.
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Multi-Agency Coordination:
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Ministries of Education, Human Rights, and Anti-Narcotics directed to collaborate.
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NA Committee’s Earlier Warnings
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On January 2, 2025, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights flagged rising drug use, child abuse, and begging in schools.
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Urged awareness campaigns and social media monitoring to protect students.
Next Steps:
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May 28 Hearing: Compliance reports on delivery bans and anti-drug measures due.
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Policy Shift Expected: Focus on prevention over policing, with educational interventions taking center stage.
“We cannot let delivery riders become drug peddlers. Our children’s safety is non-negotiable.”
— Islamabad High Court
