Sexual harassment: Probe opens into Punjab Medical University case

Doctor claims her teacher at university has been harassing her for last two years

LAHORE: The doctors' community has demanded a fair inquiry into a case of a female doctor, Dr Mahwish Ameen, who is facing sexual harassment by her teacher at the Punjab Medical University, Faisalabad for the last three years.

Dr Ameen submitted a written complaint to the university's vice chancellor and the university has set up an inquiry committee to deal with the matter. The committee has asked both the parties to appear before the inquiry committee next week.

According to the head of the inquiry committee, they will decide the case on merit and have directed Dr Ameen and accused Dr Raja Khurram Aurangzaib to record their statement in the committee meeting.

The doctors' community has extended full support on even social networking websites.

"He also warned me of dire consequences if I speak against him in public. But, I am committed to fighting this case until I get justice," Dr Ameen tells The Express Tribune.

"He has been sending me pornographic pictures and wants me to have an extramarital affair with him. When I denied his advances, he threatened to kill me," she shares. She says after completing her studies she moved to Rawalpindi and started working at Civil Hospital but Dr Aurangzaib approached her there as well. "He belongs to an influential family and I fear for my life."

Talking about her confidence in the inquiry committee, she says she doesn't expect anything from the inquiry committee members as they all belong to Dr Aurangzaib’s group, who is also a teacher of forensic medicine.

"I have proof of harassment as I have his messages on my Facebook, WhatsApp and mobile phone. I belong to a middle-class family and live in a rented house and shift houses all the time as I fear my life is in danger.

"We received the complaint and university has formed an inquiry committee which consists of senior members of the varsity. I am not in a position to comment on the case at this stage until I listen to both parties. We will decide the case on merit and without any pressure, said the head of the inquiry committee Dr Ayesha Hina.

Despite repeated attempts, Dr Aurangzaib could not be contacted.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13^th, 2018.