The Higher Education Commission, through its Policy on Drug and Tobacco Abuse in Higher Education Institutions, 2021, requires Higher Education Institutions to take effective preventive, awareness and enforcement measures against drug abuse, smoking and unlawful use, sale or distribution of tobacco products.

The Policy recognises drug abuse and smoking as serious risks to human health and community well-being and places responsibility upon HEIs to contribute actively towards a drug-free and smoke-free educational environment. It further provides that the Policy is binding upon Higher Education Institutions and supplements applicable legislation relating to drugs and tobacco. (HEC Policy, p. 3, Clauses 1.1–1.5)

For the purposes of implementation at the University of the Punjab, and in keeping with the preventive purpose of the HEC Policy, the prohibition shall also extend to electronic cigarettes, vaping devices and the use of such devices in any form. The HEC Policy itself does not expressly use the term “vaping”; this additional measure is being adopted by the University to maintain a uniformly smoke- and vape-free campus environment.

The Policy applies to students, faculty, staff, visitors and persons associated with outsourced services, and extends to University campuses, classrooms, hostels, playgrounds, libraries, laboratories, cafeterias, transport and other University premises. (p. 4, Clause 2.1)

Accordingly, all Deans/Directors/Principals/Heads of Departments, Resident Officer-I, Chief Security Officer and Chairman Hall Council are kindly requested to facilitate implementation of the following measures within their respective jurisdictions:

All academic, administrative and residential premises of the University shall be maintained as drug-, tobacco-, smoke- and vape-free spaces.

Possession, use, sale or distribution of prohibited drugs, illicit smoking and unlawful use or sale of tobacco products shall not be permitted. Smoking and vaping, including the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and electronic vaping devices, shall not be permitted within University premises.

These directions shall apply, as relevant, to students, faculty, staff, visitors, contractors, vendors and persons associated with outsourced services. The underlying HEC Policy extends across academic, residential, recreational and service areas of HEIs. (HEC Policy, pp. 2–4)

The respected Heads of Departments/Institutes/Centres/Colleges are kindly requested to:

sensitise faculty, staff and students regarding the HEC Policy and the health and disciplinary implications of drug abuse, tobacco use, smoking and vaping;

ensure that smoking and vaping are not permitted within departmental premises;

display prescribed warnings and awareness material prominently on departmental notice boards and at suitable entrances/common areas;

facilitate routine monitoring within their respective premises;

appropriately document and report violations; and

initiate action, where applicable, in accordance with University rules and the mechanism provided under the HEC Policy.

The HEC Policy specifically requires appropriate warnings regarding drug and tobacco use and relevant penalties to be displayed on departmental notice boards and provides for continuing awareness activities throughout the academic year. (pp. 5–6, Clauses 4.2–4.3)

Where a fine or other penalty has been duly prescribed/notified by the University or competent authority, the Head concerned is kindly requested to ensure its implementation in accordance with applicable rules.

The Resident Officer-I and Chief Security Officer are kindly requested to ensure appropriate campus-wide monitoring and enforcement through University Security.

Particular attention may be paid to:

cafeterias and canteens;

tuck shops and kiosks;

grounds and open congregation areas;

parking areas;

academic and administrative surroundings; and

other locations susceptible to smoking, vaping or the sale/use of tobacco or prohibited substances.

The HEC Policy specifically requires Campus Security to undertake frequent and random visits to cafeterias, canteens, tuck shops and other susceptible locations and to stop suspicious or unlawful activity occurring in contravention of the Policy or applicable legislation. (p. 7, Clause 6.1)

University Security is kindly requested to treat vaping/e-cigarette use in the same manner as smoking for purposes of the University's campus prohibition, record observed violations and refer cases to the appropriate authority for further action.

All concerned offices are requested to ensure that no canteen, cafeteria, tuck shop, kiosk, vendor or other commercial outlet operating on University premises stocks, displays, advertises, sells or distributes:

cigarettes or other tobacco products;

e-cigarettes, vaping devices, vape cartridges or vaping liquids; or

any prohibited drug or substance.

Any such stock presently available may kindly be removed immediately.

The HEC Policy provides that unlawful sale or distribution of tobacco on HEI premises may attract a fine of Rs. 5,000, besides reporting the matter to appropriate authorities. (p. 9, Clause 7.3(v))

Since the HEC Policy does not separately prescribe a monetary penalty for the sale of vaping devices, any action concerning such products shall be taken under applicable University rules, contractual conditions and other applicable law.

Canteen and cafeteria operators may kindly be advised that they are expected to assist the University in maintaining their allotted areas as smoke- and vape-free premises. Where smoking or vaping is observed, the individual concerned should courteously be informed of the prohibition and University Security may be contacted where necessary.

Repeated failure by an operator to observe these requirements may be referred to the concerned controlling authority for appropriate action, including any contractual penalty permissible under the relevant agreement and University rules.

All academic departments, administrative units, hostels, canteens, cafeterias and tuck shops are requested to prominently display Drug-, Tobacco-, Smoking- and Vaping-Free Campus notices.

The HEC Policy requires HEIs to display smoking-prohibition labels and relevant warnings and penalties. (pp. 5–6, Clauses 4.2(ii) and 4.3(iv))

For uniformity, the following wording is recommended:

Smoking, vaping and the possession, use, sale or distribution of prohibited drugs and unlawful tobacco products are prohibited on University premises.

A standardized design may be circulated separately by the Directorate of Students Affairs to ensure uniform display throughout the University.

The HEC Policy provides a graduated mechanism for smoking-related violations. For students, faculty and staff, repeated violations may lead to progressively more serious disciplinary action under the Policy and University regulations. A visitor found smoking on HEI premises may be fined Rs. 1,000. (p. 9, Clause 7.3(i)–(iv))

For campus implementation, vaping shall likewise constitute a violation of the University's smoke- and vape-free campus directions and may be dealt with under applicable University rules.

Cases requiring formal action under the HEC Policy may kindly be referred through the prescribed University mechanism/Anti-Drug & Tobacco Committee.

The Chairman Hall Council is kindly requested to coordinate implementation of these directions in University hostels in consultation with the concerned Wardens and Superintendents.

All directions, communications and compliance requirements pertaining to hostels may accordingly be routed to Wardens/Superintendents through the Chairman Hall Council, so that implementation remains coordinated and uniform throughout the residential system.

The HEC Policy specifically envisages close liaison with hostel wardens for implementation. (p. 5, Clause 3.3(vii))

The Chairman Hall Council may kindly ensure that:

appropriate drug-, smoking- and vaping-prohibition notices are displayed prominently in hostels;

residents are sensitised regarding the prohibition;

smoking and vaping are not permitted in hostel rooms, corridors, common areas or other hostel premises, subject to University regulations governing residential areas;

Wardens and Superintendents remain vigilant regarding reported violations; and

matters requiring security or disciplinary intervention are promptly referred to the concerned authority.

The HEC Policy places considerable emphasis not merely on enforcement, but also on education, prevention and awareness.

Departments and concerned offices are therefore encouraged to support suitable activities including lectures, seminars, workshops, awareness campaigns and student-led initiatives addressing:

drug abuse;

cigarette and tobacco consumption;

passive smoking;

vaping and e-cigarette use; and

the importance of maintaining a healthy campus environment.

The Policy expressly provides for awareness campaigns and for engagement of student clubs and societies in preventive activities. (p. 6, Clauses 4.3–4.5)

Implementation should remain consistent with the HEC Policy's emphasis on support and rehabilitation.

Students, faculty or staff experiencing drug or tobacco dependence may be facilitated in seeking counselling, psychological assistance, medical support or rehabilitation. Confidentiality and dignity should be maintained in cases where individuals voluntarily seek assistance. (p. 7, Clauses 5.1–5.5)

All concerned are kindly requested to disseminate these instructions among relevant faculty, staff, students, security personnel, hostel administration, contractors and vendors under their respective administrative control.

For purposes of coordinated implementation, the following may kindly be confirmed to the Directorate of Students Affairs within seven days:

1.

display of prescribed drug-, smoking- and vaping-prohibition notices;

2.

communication of the Policy and these directions to students and staff;

3.

inspection of canteens/tuck shops and confirmation that cigarettes, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaping devices and related products are not being stocked or sold;

4.

arrangements for appropriate monitoring within the concerned premises; and

5.

in the case of University hostels, consolidated compliance forwarded through the Chairman Hall Council.

The cooperation of all concerned in maintaining a healthy, safe, drug-, tobacco-, smoke- and vape-free University environment will be highly appreciated.