ISLAMIA UNIVERSITY BAHAWALPUR SCANDAL

In the hallowed halls of Islamia University Bhawalpur (IUB), a scandal of unimaginable magnitude of blackmail, drug peddling and sexual harassment has come to light, shaking the very foundations of trust within academia.

 

A staggering 5500 allegedly unearthed videos have exposed a nightmare of exploitation, with female students falling victim to the most heinous forms of abuse. Shockingly, even the Chief Security Officer is allegedly embroiled in this scandal, demanding a thorough investigation into the web of corruption and depravity.

The caretaker chief minister’s order for a judicial commission and anti-harassment cells in every university headed by female professors are commendable. As we grapple with the gravity of this situation, it is crucial to respond both swiftly and thoughtfully. We must learn from past examples across the globe to ensure justice, transparency, and a safe educational environment.

Pakistan must act on it’s comprehensive legislation to protect students from sexual harassment and exploitation. The amendment to the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) Section 354 in 2013, which criminalizes recording sexual videos, should be applied stringently. Moreover, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) must actively investigate under Section 21(d) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. Perpetrators who induce others to engage in sexually explicit acts through information systems to harm, blackmail, or create hatred should face the full force of the law.

In the pursuit of justice in the IUB scandal, it is imperative that we ensure the dignity and safety of the students who have faced this harrowing ordeal. The government must make sure that our typical culture of further harassing victims during investigations mustn’t follow suit.

Let the words of Justice Shahnawaz Tariq in Fahad Faruqui vs. SZABIST (2019 PCrLJ 806) be our guide where he held ‘any complaint for sexual harassment filed by a student, the burden should lie upon the teacher to clarify his position to refute and nullify the allegations levelled against him, as he was in a dominating, commanding and authoritative position.’

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