Harassment Scandal Rocks Pakistan’s Universities

Nadeem Tanoli 

Islamabad: Pakistan’s education sector is facing intensifying scrutiny after the federal government confirmed 191 harassment cases in universities, exposing alarming gaps in policy enforcement and institutional accountability despite multiple protection frameworks being in place.

The Ministry for Federal Education and Professional Training informed Parliament that these cases were reported from just 44 universities, with 11 still pending investigation. 

While officials claim that most cases have been concluded, rights advocates say the high caseload—and the unresolved inquiries—reflect a system struggling to protect victims and ensure transparent justice.

Policies in Place, But Enforcement Remains Weak

According to the ministry, every public and private university is bound by the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) harassment protection policy, which outlines the process for filing complaints, forming inquiry committees, and issuing disciplinary actions. The policy was recently updated to address long-standing loopholes.

However, the rising number of complaints and persistent delays in inquiries indicate that institutions are failing to enforce the framework effectively. Critics argue that internal committees often lack independence, and concluded cases do not necessarily mean fair outcomes.

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In stark contrast, private schools overseen by the Islamabad Capital Territory Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (ICT-PEIRA) reported zero harassment cases—a statistic that experts warn is more likely a sign of underreporting than the absence of incidents.

Complaint Mechanisms Exist, But Victims Face Barriers

Government documents list multiple avenues for students to lodge complaints, including informal and formal methods through institutional committees. These committees are required to acknowledge formal complaints within 24 hours and complete investigations within 30 days.

Victims can also approach trusted faculty or administrators, who are legally obligated to escalate complaints, or file cases directly with the Ombudsperson under federal harassment law—often used when institutions fail to act.

Despite these mechanisms, many victims report serious obstacles, including:

• Fear of retaliation
• Lack of confidentiality
• Weak institutional support
• Doubts about the impartiality of inquiry committees

Parallel complaint systems—such as those run by ICT PEIRA through email, PMDU portals, and walk-in channels—have added to the confusion, with victims saying overlapping systems allow institutions to delay accountability.

Schools and Colleges Also Struggle With Implementation

In institutions run by the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), Counter Harassment and Anti-Bullying Committees have been established. These include heads of institutions, area education officers, and deputy heads, and are backed by formal inquiry committees constituted under federal harassment law.

These bodies are authorized to provide interim relief, such as:

• Timetable adjustments
• Alternate exam arrangements
• Counseling and medical support
• Changes in classroom or work assignments

No-contact orders

But victims continue to report that these protections are inconsistently applied—often delayed or denied altogether.

Awareness Drives Underway, But Critics Say Not Enough

Authorities say awareness initiatives have been launched across 432 federal institutions, including posters with the Zainab Alert Helpline, complaint boxes, designated focal persons, and training on gender sensitivity. Life Skills Based Education programs have also been introduced to help children identify unsafe behavior.

However, rights groups argue that awareness campaigns are not enough when internal accountability remains compromised.

Growing Calls for Independent Oversight

As nearly 200 harassment cases have surfaced in universities alone—with many more believed to be unreported—lawmakers, parents, and activists are calling for:

• Independent inquiry bodies
• Stronger oversight mechanisms
• Mandatory transparency in institutional investigations
• Robust protections for whistleblowers and victims

The revelations have intensified demands for urgent, systemic reforms to ensure safe learning environments across Pakistan.

Despite official assurances that policies are being implemented, the rising number of incidents—and the persistent gaps between policy and practice—underscore a crisis that requires immediate and credible intervention.