Another female teacher harassed at Islamia College

In yet another disturbing incident of harassment at Islamia College Peshawar, a female lecturer has become the latest victim of student misconduct, prompting the Teaching Staff Association to threaten a complete boycott of academic activities.

According to sources, second-semester students in the Botany Department refused to take a test, hurled examination papers at the female lecturer, and subjected her to verbal abuse, physical assault, and harassment. The victim has formally demanded action from the vice-chancellor against both the harassment and the students involved.

The Teaching Staff Association has reacted strongly against the rising incidents of harassment targeting faculty members, particularly women, and the administration’s alleged negligence. Following an emergency general body meeting held at the Khyber Union Hall, the association indicated it would adopt a protest plan.

The meeting, chaired by association president Salahuddin, was attended by a large number of faculty members. Participants expressed solidarity with the female teacher over the incident in the Botany Department.

Sources revealed that five similar incidents have occurred in the last seven months, most involving female teachers. In the latest case, the female educator was allegedly harassed and threatened, raising serious concerns about the academic environment.

The meeting passed unanimous resolutions demanding that the vice-chancellor take action under the Islamia College Peshawar Student Conduct and Discipline Regulation against the students involved within 24 hours. The faculty also called for transparent investigations into all pending incidents, identification of those responsible, and the assurance of a safe, dignified environment for all teaching staff, especially women.

The association warned that if their demands are not met, they will boycott teaching activities and stage a protest sit-in outside the vice-chancellor’s office starting May 18.

On the other hand, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Slajuk Rehman took immediate notice of the incident and formed an inquiry committee to submit a report at the earliest. He stated that action would be taken against those responsible based on the report, reiterating that no compromise would be made on the protection and self-respect of the faculty.