The Karachi administration has decided to strengthen enforcement against the sale of vapes, tobacco products and drugs near government colleges ahead of the new academic year. The move is aimed at creating a safer learning environment for students and preventing easy access to nicotine and other harmful substances around educational institutions.
The Directorate of College Education Karachi has issued directives to deputy commissioners across all districts, instructing them to ensure strict monitoring of shops, cafes and other commercial outlets located within a 50-metre radius of government colleges. Authorities have been asked to take immediate action against businesses found selling prohibited products near campuses.
According to the official instructions, the crackdown will target the sale of vapes, nicotine products, tobacco items and other banned substances around educational institutions. Officials believe stricter enforcement will help discourage students from using these products and reduce their availability near colleges.
Assistant commissioners and other field officers have also been directed to carry out regular inspections of shops and commercial establishments to ensure compliance with the new orders. The inspections are expected to continue throughout the academic year, with authorities closely monitoring businesses operating near government colleges.
The initiative comes just before the new academic session begins on August 3, when thousands of first-year and second-year students are expected to return to colleges across Karachi. Officials say increased monitoring during this period is essential to protect students from exposure to harmful products as campuses become fully active again.
In addition to the measures outside educational institutions, college principals have been instructed to strictly enforce existing bans on smoking, vaping and drug use within college premises. They have also been directed to immediately report any suspicious or illegal activities to the relevant law enforcement agencies for prompt action.
Education officials said the campaign is intended to provide students with a healthier and safer educational environment. By limiting access to nicotine products and drugs near campuses, the administration hopes to reduce the risk of addiction among young people and encourage healthier lifestyles.
The latest action reflects growing concerns over the increasing use of vaping products among students. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting Grade 11 and Grade 12 students from drug abuse and nicotine addiction through stricter enforcement, regular inspections and close coordination between educational institutions and district administrations.
Also read: Sale of E-Cigarettes and Vapes Prohibited
