A visiting lecturer at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) has been dismissed and arrested following serious allegations of harassment made by a female BS-Honours student. The incident has raised significant concern on campus, leading to immediate action by both the university administration and law enforcement.
According to reports, the lecturer, affiliated with the Department of Information Technology, allegedly offered the student nine additional marks in exchange for inappropriate favours. The student, a resident of Lodhran, formally lodged a complaint with the university, prompting swift action. In response, the university terminated the lecturer’s services, banned him from entering the campus, and launched a formal inquiry through its Centre for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination.
The case has been taken up by the university’s Anti-Harassment Committee, chaired by Dr Rubina Bhatti, which is conducting a detailed investigation. University officials confirmed that no previous complaints were on record against the lecturer, and assured that the matter is being handled with seriousness and transparency. The administration has also pledged full cooperation with police authorities and emphasized that strict disciplinary measures will follow if the allegations are substantiated.
In parallel, the Baghdad-ul-Jadid Police Station registered a First Information Report (FIR) and arrested the lecturer on Monday night. He has been booked under several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including Section 384 (extortion), Section 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), Section 506 (criminal intimidation), and Section 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman). The accused is expected to be presented in court for physical remand on June 24.
Vice-Chancellor Dr Naveed Akhtar reiterated the university’s zero-tolerance policy on harassment and assured the public that the university will take strict action in light of the inquiry’s findings. He stressed the institution’s commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students.
As investigations by both the university and police continue, further details are expected to emerge. The case is being closely followed as a test of institutional accountability and student protection measures in higher education.
It is perhaps noteworthy that a university has publicly acknowledged that it will conduct an investigation of this very serious allegation. We hope the Anti-Harassment Committee is able to conduct its investigation independent of any influences. Only then can the findings and conclusions set a precedence for all other institutions who might face similar situations, to follow suit.
This is a developing story.
Sources: Express Tribune, DAWN News, and Samaa TV.
