CM orders anti-harassment panels in universities

PESHAWAR:

In a decisive move to ensure a safe and inclusive educational environment for female students in public sector universities, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has ordered the immediate enforcement of anti-harassment laws across all public universities in the province.

A formal letter from the Chief Minister's Secretariat has been issued to the Higher Education Department in this regard. The letter states that while a framework of laws, guidelines, and policies exists to prevent harassment in educational institutions and workplaces, gaps in their implementation have been observed in some universities. It further notes that the lack of effective enforcement has led to recent reports of alleged harassment incidents, which have been highlighted in the media.

Taking strict notice of these incidents, the Chief Minister has termed such occurrences a serious violation of not only existing laws but also ethical values. He reiterated that the provincial government maintains a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment, particularly in educational institutions.

The directive instructs the Higher Education Department to implement necessary measures to prevent harassment in all institutions under its jurisdiction. It also mandates that female students and staff be made aware of existing anti-harassment laws.

Universities are required to establish harassment inquiry committees as per the legal framework and appoint focal persons, including at least one female member. Their contact details must be published on university websites to ensure accessibility.

Additionally, universities must develop an effective mechanism for reporting and addressing harassment complaints while strictly adhering to the protocols and guidelines set by the Higher Education Department.

All institutions have been given ten days to comply with these directives and submit compliance reports. Failure to do so within the stipulated timeframe will result in action against responsible officials under relevant laws.