PHC tells professor to file reply in harassment case

PESHAWAR:

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has directed a professor at Islamia College University to provide his response to allegations of sexual harassment within 14 days. If he fails to do so, the case will be decided based on the existing record.

A two-member bench of PHC comprising Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Khan and Justice Ijaz Anwar heard the case.

Petitioner Esa Khan Khalil Advocate informed the court that the chairman political science department of Islamia College University was accused of harassment and the provincial ombudsperson against harassment at workplace had recommended sacking the professor after the charges were proved against him.

However, instead of being removed from service, the professor has been appointed as chairman of the political science department. He said that the academic has also been appointed a member of several committees.

Justice Muhammad Ibrahim said that it seemed that the professor was being rewarded instead of being punished. The advocate added that the frightened female student who was the victim of harassment had even stopped coming to the campus.