A student studying in the International Relations (IR) department of the University of Peshawar has accused a professor of her department of alleged sexual harassment during exams.
According to sources, the incident took place when the student objected to the alleged bias and behaviour of the department coordinator during the exams. The complainant student says that when she went to the office of the concerned professor to complain, he used words that, according to the student, fall into the category of harassment.
The affected student told her parents about the incident, after which her family met the university administration and the Vice Chancellor and filed a formal written complaint. The complaint demands strict disciplinary action against the said professor.
Confirming the incident, university spokesperson Noman Khan said that the administration has immediately formed an inquiry committee on the complaint of the second-semester student, which will record the statements of all parties. He said that if the allegations are proven, action will be taken against the teacher concerned as per the law.
This is not the first time that female students have complained about harassment in a university in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Many such incidents have come to light in the past, too; however, due to a lack of effective investigation, complaints are often suppressed.
Social activists working for women’s rights have expressed concern over the incident and said that it is necessary to take such incidents seriously in educational institutions. According to them, most of the affected female students are forced to remain silent due to social pressure, fear of stigmatisation and slowness of the institutions.
Read also: Peshawar Agriculture University employees protest over unpaid salaries
