Beaconhouse National University (BNU) has launched two new manuals aimed at improving student well-being and creating safer educational environments in universities across Pakistan.
The manuals, titled “From Risk to Resilience: BNU Substance Use Control Program” and “Campus Care: A Guide to Psychological First Aid”, were unveiled during a special ceremony attended by education leaders, government officials, and university representatives.
Punjab Ministers Attend Launch Event
The event was attended by:
- Marriyum Aurangzeb, Senior Minister of Punjab
- Rana Sikandar Hayat, Provincial Minister for School and Higher Education
Vice chancellors from public and private universities, officials from anti-narcotics agencies, and mental health experts also participated in the ceremony.
BNU Introduces Drug-Free Campus Framework
According to BNU, the Substance Use Control Program manual provides educational institutions with practical guidelines for:
- Substance use prevention
- Student support systems
- Early intervention strategies
- Campus awareness programs
University officials stated that the framework is based on BNU’s own experience and is designed to help institutions create safer and healthier campus environments.
Focus on Support and Early Intervention
The university emphasized that the initiative prioritizes:
- Student support
- Empathy-based interventions
- Mental health assistance
- Awareness and prevention
rather than relying solely on disciplinary action.
BNU officials noted that substance use should be viewed as a broader social issue that requires education, engagement, and support mechanisms.
Psychological First Aid Manual Introduced
The second publication, Campus Care: A Guide to Psychological First Aid, focuses on helping educators and student leaders identify and respond to mental health concerns.
The manual includes guidance on:
- Recognizing signs of distress
- Providing immediate support
- Referring students to professional help
- Building supportive campus environments
HEC Committee to Review Model
BNU Vice Chancellor Moeed Yusuf said the initiative was developed as part of a broader effort to address student welfare challenges through practical solutions.
According to the university, the Higher Education Commission Pakistan (HEC) has moved to establish a committee under Dr. Moeed Yusuf’s leadership to examine ways of adapting the model for other educational institutions.
Punjab Govt Supports Student Welfare Initiatives
During the event, Punjab officials praised the initiative and highlighted the importance of strengthening student support systems in educational institutions.
Officials noted that issues related to mental health, student well-being, and substance use prevention require coordinated efforts from universities, policymakers, and communities.
BNU Aims to Share Best Practices Nationwide
University representatives said the manuals have been developed as practical resources that can be used by schools, colleges, and universities across Pakistan.
The initiative aims to encourage:
- Open discussion of student welfare issues
- Evidence-based interventions
- Mental health awareness
- Safer learning environments
as educational institutions continue to address emerging challenges affecting students.
