Allegations of harassment against VC echo in LHC

Teacher and dozens of female students and lawyers protested outside LHC and blocked The Mall for traffic.

LAHORE:

Dozens of supporters of the Punjab University vice chancellor reached the Lahore High Court this week to show solidarity with him, rejecting allegations of sexual harassment by a female teacher.

The teacher and dozens of female students and lawyers protested outside the Lahore High Court and blocked The Mall for traffic.

Both sides gave interviews to the media reiterating their positions.

The allegations of sexual harassment against the PU vice chancellor are a matter of concern for parents and students alike. Ombudsman Mira Phailbus had ordered an inquiry under the PEEDA Act and the PPC against the vice chancellor. Vice Chancellor Mujahid Kamran then filed a contempt of court petition against her for not abiding by a stay order by the court. The complainant, Khajista Rehan has filed a petition in the LHC seeking an inquiry against the VC. She has also sought his suspension from service for the duration of the inquiry.

Danyal Aziz and the election tribunal

Last week, the LHC dismissed a petition moved by National Assembly member Danyal Aziz against an election tribunal for not hearing his objections in a plea against him.

The petitioner had submitted that a political rival had moved an application against his dual nationality before the election tribunal.

The lawmaker said the tribunal had admitted the application and sent court notices to him to the wrong address. He said he had learnt about the notices through press reports. When he appeared before the tribunal and filed his objections, the tribunal refused to hear him.

He asked the court to take notice of the tribunal’s conduct. He said he should be allowed to present his objections on the application of his political opponent. After hearing initial arguments, the court dismissed the petition.

Pakistan Hockey Federation

Last week, the LHC adjourned hearing on a petition seeking a stay order against election of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). Former Olympian Naveed Alam had filed the petition, alleging that the election of the PHF would not be transparent as both contenders and members of the election commission occupied senior posts in the federation. The court adjourned further hearing till November 27 with directions to the counsel to come up with more arguments.

Former COAS seeks  retirement benefits

The LHC admitted for hearing a petition of former chief of army staff Ziaud Din and adjourned its hearing for two week. Din said his removal from the job was illegal and sought retirement benefits.

He said he was appointed chief of army staff on October 12, 1999 by then president Rafique Tarar on recommendation of the prime minister Nawaz Sharif but was removed by Musharraf when he took over.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2013.