LAHORE: Beaconhouse National University (BNU) has unveiled two manuals designed to address substance abuse and mental health challenges among university students, becoming the country's first educational institution to formally document and share an institutional framework aimed at building a drug-free and psychologically supportive campus.
Launch Ceremony and Attendees
The manuals titled “From Risk to Resilience: BNU Substance Use Control Program” and “Campus Care: A Guide to Psychological First Aid,” were launched at a ceremony attended by Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Minister for School and Higher Education Rana Sikandar Hayat, vice chancellors of public and private universities, senior officials of the Anti Narcotics Force, Punjab Counter Narcotics Force, provincial secretaries, and leading mental health professionals.
Leadership and Vision
The initiative was developed under the leadership of BNU Vice Chancellor and former national security adviser Dr Moeed Yusuf, who described the project as a university-wide mission rooted in public service and student wellbeing. Dr Yusuf said that once an institution commits itself wholeheartedly to addressing the issue at hand, the challenge of creating a drug-free campus no longer appears insurmountable.
Innovative Approach
Unlike traditional anti-drug campaigns that rely largely on disciplinary action, BNU's model seeks to tackle the root causes of substance use while prioritising empathy, early intervention and psychological support. According to university officials, the framework was developed after an in-depth assessment identified three major factors that increase students' vulnerability to drug use and emotional distress: unresolved childhood and family trauma, peer pressure, and the communication gap that often exists between Gen-Z students and university faculty members.
Manual Details
The "From Risk to Resilience" manual provides a detailed roadmap for prevention, intervention and support mechanisms, outlining procedures for identifying at-risk students, creating support networks, and promoting healthy alternatives through constructive engagement and extracurricular activities. The framework also encourages universities to move away from purely punitive responses and instead focus on rehabilitation and resilience building.
Meanwhile, the "Campus Care" manual introduces a structured approach to Psychological First Aid (PFA), enabling teachers, administrative staff and student leaders to recognise signs of psychological distress, provide immediate emotional support, and refer students to professional counselling services when necessary.
Practical Implementation
University sources said the initiative would translate into practical changes across the BNU campus. Faculty and staff members are expected to undergo training sessions on recognising behavioural warning signs linked to substance use and mental health concerns. Student leaders and societies will also engage in awareness campaigns, peer support initiatives, and outreach programmes designed to create a supportive campus environment.
BNU plans to strengthen counselling services and establish more robust reporting and referral mechanisms so that students facing emotional difficulties or addiction-related issues may seek help confidentially and without fear of stigma. Additional emphasis will be placed on sports, arts and extracurricular activities as positive outlets for student engagement.
Government and HEC Support
The initiative has attracted official backing at the national level. Recognising its potential, the Government of Punjab pledged support for expanding the framework to other educational institutions across the province. Furthermore, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has initiated the process of establishing a dedicated committee, to be led by Dr Yusuf, to explore the replication of the model across the country's higher education system.
Addressing the gathering, Senior Minister Marriyum praised BNU for challenging long-standing social taboos surrounding drug addiction and mental health issues. She described the manuals as an empathy-driven blueprint that moves beyond punishment and instead focuses on building resilience among young people. Marriyum also reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at protecting students from substance abuse and psychological challenges.
Expert Opinions
Education experts and mental health professionals termed the initiative a potentially transformative step for Pakistan's universities. They noted that the model not only addresses the growing threat of substance abuse but also establishes a comprehensive support system that recognises the close connection between mental health and addiction.
With government support and interest from higher education institutions across the country, BNU's initiative may become the foundation of a broader national strategy to create safer, healthier and drug-free campuses while placing student wellbeing and mental health at the centre of university policies.
