Prevalent in most educational institutions across Pakistan
KARACHI: The tradition of ragging is prevalent in most educational institutions across Pakistan, and freshmen starting university are often worried by the thought of being ragged. It seems that the tradition started without any bad intentions, but it has now degenerated to the extent of physical torture. Every year, senior students devise new methods to harass and assault newcomers, in the name of fun. However, this practice has ruined the lives of many students and continues to do so, because most institutions lack a system of accountability. Despite the universities having banned ragging as it often results in untoward incidents including sexual violence and death, the practice continues.
Ragging cannot be justified in the name of fun because taking pleasure in another’s suffering is wrong. The victims often become mentally and physically traumatised, and carry out ragging when they become seniors.
Institutions should end this practice by holding the perpetrators accountable and punishing them. Teachers can organise a team of students to tackle incidents of ragging within the college premises. Ragging occurs when the culprit knows they can get away with it, but if the punishment is stringent it would deter others. Ragging is a bad practice and we all should joint hands to put this to an end. There are lots of healthy extra-curricular activities to do while getting higher education.
Abira Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, April 25th, 2019.
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