The Supreme Court of Pakistan’s constitutional bench judge Justice Musarrat Hilali on Monday suggested introducing a system of intelligence in the educational institutions akin to that of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) in order to keep an eye on the people selling drugs to students.
During the hearing of the petition filed against the sale of narcotics in the country’s educational institutions, she remarked that a large quantity of drugs were supplied to prisoners. “Even in border areas, they are not supplied in such large quantities as they are supplied in prisons.”
A five-member bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin, heard the plea.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar asked what steps the government had taken so far to deal with the scourge. “I have read in a report that people in Balochistan have stopped consuming heroin,” the judge added.
Justice Mussarat remarked jokingly, “Is it because the people have consumed the drug so much that it is now no longer available?” “I don’t know which heroin has been mentioned in the report.”—NNI
The judge went on to say she was pleased as well as amazed at the same time to learn about the findings of the report. “However, KP is the most affected province,” she said, adding, “I am at a loss to understand why the government of the province is not taking steps in this regard.”
The bench ordered the ANF as well as the provincial government to submit their replies in writing in which a complete mechanism should be given to eliminate the practice of drugs supply at educational institutions. The bench later adjourned the case’s hearing for an indefinite time period.
Also on Monday, the bench disposed of the petition related to making rules about the Exit Control List (ECL).
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Amir Rehman said that it was the federal government’s prerogative to frame rules for the purpose. “If somebody’s name is on the ECL, it will be deleted after the passage of 180 days,” he added.
The bench also sought a detailed report from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in the journalists harassment case.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar ordered that the report should give details of the notices issued to journalists and should also bear the agency officials’ signatures.
Justice Jamal Mandokhel was of the view that journalists, too, would have to devise a code of conduct for themselves. “You should do vlogs. But the language should be decent. It is inappropriate for journalists to get personal.”
Later, the bench adjourned the case’s hearing for 10 days.—NNI
