Investigation into IUB scandal bears no fruit

No progress has been made in the investigation of the drug and sexual harassment scandal at Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB). Despite the passage of two and a half months and the formation of 7 different high-level investigation teams, no facts or findings were determined.

The Bahawalpur Police’s claim of countless explicit videos of university students and female employees also turned out to be false. No video could be produced before the court, nor the judicial commission set up to investigate the scandal. Reportedly, the facts cannot be determined without investigating the role of CIA Police Bahawalpur and a private individual identified as Abdullah.

Meanwhile, the public demand for action against elements jeopardizing the future of thousands of female students is gaining momentum. Deputy Chief Jamaat-e-Islami South Punjab Syed Zeeshan Akhtar said that they will not sit quietly until people responsible are determined.

Advocate and Head of Central Association of Trade Unions Sardar Najibullah Khan said that it is impossible to restore the confidence of students and parents without bringing the elements involved in the scandal to justice.

The people of Bahawalpur are deeply saddened by the delay in the investigation process. Advocate Saqib Riaz Bhatta said that if the facts are not brought out soon and strict disciplinary action is not taken against those responsible, then they will approach the Supreme Court to seek justice.

According to details, 7 different high-level investigation teams were formed to investigate the scandal. However, despite the passage of 76 days, reports from the inquiry teams have yet to be released to the public.

Abu Bakar, former treasurer of the university, was arrested by Bahawalpur police on July 28th and 6 grams of drugs were recovered from his possession.

A case was registered against him with Baghdad-Al-Jadeed police station. Additionally, former IUB Chief Security Officer Major Ijaz Shah was arrested by Bahawalpur Police on July 20th and 10 grams of drugs were recovered from him.

Bahawalpur Police claimed that innumerable explicit videos of female students and staff were recovered from Shah’s mobile phone.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9^th, 2023.