Sexual harassment scandal rocks university's Bahawalnagar campus

Arrest of lecturer reveals pattern of neglect, abuse

BAHAWALNAGAR:

An incident of sexual harassment has surfaced at Islamia University Bahawalnagar Campus, where a female student defied attempts by the administration to cover up the matter, leading to the arrest of a lecturer.

The student lodged a complaint against a lecturer from the Department of Physical Education, Nadeem Ahmed, accusing him of sending inappropriate videos and subjecting her to repeated harassment.

As per the First Information Report (FIR) filed at Bahawalnagar's City B Division police station, Ahmed would summon the student to his office, hold her hand and make unwanted advances.

He also allegedly threatened her with failing grades and potential expulsion if she did not comply with his demands.

The student initially filed a complaint with the university's Anti-Harassment Cell, but according to the FIR, the administration attempted to suppress the matter, failing to take timely or effective action.

It was only after she took her case to the police that a formal investigation began, resulting in Ahmed's arrest. Following the registration of the FIR, the Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) administration, under whose jurisdiction the Bahawalnagar Campus falls, issued a press release.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Kamran suspended Nadeem Ahmed from his position and launched an inquiry.

The statement emphasised that an Anti-Harassment Committee is in place, in line with Higher Education Commission (HEC) policies, and reassured that the inquiry would be conducted transparently.

The university committed to taking swift action if Ahmed is found guilty, with a report expected within 30 days.

This is not the first time the Bahawalnagar Campus has been embroiled in controversy. University sources revealed that the suspect had been involved in other incidents of sexual harassment against female students.

One student from the same department, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared that she had also been harassed by Ahmed over several months. Despite her parents providing evidence to the campus director in March 2024, no action was taken against the lecturer.

The student's account confirmed that the university's Anti-Harassment Cell had previously found Ahmed guilty, resulting in a three-month suspension without pay. However, the university's failure to address the matter effectively allowed him to resume his duties.

Recently, a major scandal at Islamia University Bahawalpur involved drug dealing and the harassment of female students, leading to arrests of influential university employees.

In response to the harassment case, Vice Chancellor Dr Kamran assured the public that the university is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all students.

He reiterated that harassment in any form would not be tolerated, and any employee found guilty would face severe consequences.

The VC emphasised that the university's Anti-Harassment Committee operates in line with HEC guidelines and would ensure a thorough and impartial investigation.