In a significant move to combat drug abuse among youth, Punjab's Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced on February 18, 2026, that the provincial government is intensifying efforts to make Punjab drug-free, aligning with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's mission. Bokhari stated, "Safeguarding students from narcotics is a shared responsibility," highlighting the collaborative approach needed to tackle this pressing issue. The Punjab Anti-Narcotics Force is expected to ramp up operations and awareness campaigns aimed at protecting the youth from the dangers of drug use. This initiative comes at a time when drug-related incidents among students are on the rise, necessitating immediate action from authorities to safeguard the future generation.