KARACHI: The Sindh Education Department has moved to curb the sale of vapes and narcotics near schools in Karachi amid rising concerns about student access to harmful substances.
An official communication sent to deputy commissioners instructed authorities to monitor shops and cafés operating around educational institutions. The notice comes after bag checks in grades 9 to 12 revealed students in possession of vape devices, which they admitted purchasing from nearby outlets. Officials also highlighted that cafés outside schools were reportedly providing easy access to narcotics.
Deputy commissioners have been tasked with ensuring inspections of retail outlets and cafés surrounding schools, taking corrective action where necessary. The communication further suggested relocating cafés operating too close to educational institutions if needed. The Sindh Education Department stressed that stricter measures and coordinated enforcement across Karachi are essential to protect students from exposure to drugs and related substances.
Separately, a major scandal involving the Karachi Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) police has come to light. Officers allegedly sold a significant portion of 508 kilograms of seized narcotics back to traffickers. Sub-Inspector Ijaz Butt of the CIA is reported to have been directly involved in the sale.
Following the revelation, Sindh Interior Minister Zia Langar held a press conference with the Additional IG Karachi and CIA officials. Senior police officials acted swiftly, suspending the DSP of the CIA and Sub-Inspector Ijaz Butt, and the investigation was handed over to DIG West Irfan Baloch.
“The police had done a very good job in seizing these drugs, but their efforts were spoiled,” said the Additional IG. He confirmed that the inquiry will be completed soon, and those responsible will face strict action, with no leniency for the “black sheep” involved.
This dual focus on school vicinity monitoring and addressing internal corruption within the police highlights Karachi authorities’ efforts to combat drug accessibility and misuse in the city.
