By Riaz Hussain
A security officer at Women University Mardan has been suspended over allegations of harassing a student after students have boycotted classes and staged a protest rally against the incident.
According to details, an alleged harassment incident involving a student occurred at the Bakhshali Campus of Women University Mardan. Following reports of the incident, the university’s vice-chancellor formed an inquiry committee, and the security officer allegedly involved has been suspended. Women university told .
On Monday, the police visited the Bakhshali Campus to collect information regarding the case and took the security officer into custody for further investigation.
University officials stated that three days prior, on Friday, the alleged victim arrived at the university by bus from home.
During the journey, she showed a picture of a noose in her purse to her fellow students and said she was about to do something drastic. When the bus reached the campus, all the students disembarked except the affected student, who refused to get off.
The university staff intervened and informed her parents. When her parents arrived, she argued with them. According to sources, during this time, the student accused the university’s security officer of harassment.
Meanwhile, university officials confirmed that the security officer has been suspended until the investigation is completed and has been barred from entering the university.
The inquiry committee has attempted to contact the affected student for a statement, but she has not yet appeared before the committee, it was learnt.
Following the incident, students at the Bakhshali Campus boycotted classes and staged a protest, chanting slogans demanding justice and protection.
On Monday evening, Women University Mardan’s spokesperson, Hazrat Bilal, issued a press release regarding the incident at Bakhshali Campus. The statement emphasized that the university administration is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent investigation and maintaining a safe environment for all students and staff.
The press release further stated that, in light of the incident on Friday at Bakhshali Campus, the university administration immediately suspended the security officer and formed a five-member inquiry committee to conduct a thorough investigation. On Monday, the vice-chancellor ordered the immediate suspension of the security officer to ensure a transparent inquiry and instructed the harassment committee to complete the investigation promptly and submit a report.
According to the press release, Women University Mardan remains committed to providing a safe environment for all students and staff. The administration is ensuring a fair and transparent inquiry, and appropriate action will be taken based on the committee’s findings. The university upholds its policies against misconduct and will take all necessary steps to protect the rights and safety of its students.
The children’s rights organization Sahil reported that in the first six months of 2024, 862 cases of child sexual abuse were Documented in Pakistan.
the K-P Ombudsperson revealed that a total of 163 harassment cases were reported from January to December 2024 in khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) reported a remarkable 375% increase in complaints compared to the previous year, indicating growing public trust and awareness of its role in delivering justice and safeguarding workplace.
