KARACHI: Conforming to the Higher Education Commission-Islamabad directives, the University of Karachi (KU) has reaffirmed its commitment to combat drug and tobacco use on its campus to ensure a healthy environment for its students and staff.
During a meeting held at the KU Secretariat with Engineer Sulaiman Ahmad, Director of Research and Analysis Activities at HEC-Islamabad, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi reiterated the institution's resolve to ensure a drug-free and healthy atmosphere.
During the meeting, the VC was flanked by KU faculty members, including Prof Dr Farah Iqbal, Prof Dr Tanveer Abbas, Dr Salman Zubair, and Dr Nosheen Raza.
Prof Iraqi highlighted KU’s recent achievements, including the successful removal of illegal settlements that had encroached upon the university land, previously associated with illicit drug trade. He also mentioned the varsity’s efforts to convert this reclaimed land into a green area by establishing plant nurseries there to ensure a clean and sustainable campus.
Underlining the ethical need to address the growing menace of drug and tobacco use, Prof Iraqi underscored the university's responsibility in educating its community about the serious repercussions of such habits.
The VC apprised Sulaiman Ahmad of positive findings from recent surveys indicating a minimal prevalence of tobacco use within the university. External reports have commended the university's proactive measures in maintaining a tobacco-free environment, reflecting positively on its initiatives, he added.