On November 4, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to broadcast public awareness campaigns against drug use during prime-time television hours. The directive came during a hearing on a petition seeking measures to prevent the sale and use of narcotics in educational institutions in the capital.

Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas presided over the proceedings, during which petitioner Kashif Ali Malik appeared before the court. The judge emphasized that airing awareness messages late at night is ineffective and ordered PEMRA to ensure that such campaigns are televised during prime viewing times to maximize public reach.

According to data presented in court, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) registered 51 drug-related cases in Islamabad’s educational institutions during 2025, while the police recorded 22 similar cases in the same period.

Justice Minhas further directed the Islamabad Inspector General of Police, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, the ANF, the Private School Regulatory Authority (PEIRA), and other stakeholders to jointly develop a comprehensive strategy and an effective mechanism to curb drug use in educational institutions.