PESHAWAR (Irfan Khan): The committee investigating harassment allegations against the Deputy Director of IT at Benazir Women University has yet to submit its findings, a month after its formation.
The three-member committee was established on 29 July following a complaint by a female lab assistant accusing the Deputy Director of misconduct, including harassment, email hacking, and misuse of personal belongings.
Allegations detailed
According to the complaint, the Deputy Director not only behaved inappropriately but also allowed unauthorised individuals into the laboratory. The lab assistant further alleged that her email account was hacked and personal items were used without her consent.
The accused officer has refuted all allegations, labeling them as baseless and illogical. He stated that the complainant had worked under his supervision for over a decade and suggested that the complaint was a reaction to recent criticisms of her professional performance.
“The committee formed by the university administration does not comply with legal protocols,” the Deputy Director said. “A fact-finding committee should have been established first. The allegations against me, including being called mentally unstable and accused of stealing a mirror, are unfounded.”
Committee formation & controversy
Typically, harassment inquiries at the university are led by the senior-most dean appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, alongside a senior officer and a member from the syndicate. However, due to the absence of a senior dean at Benazir Women University, the Vice-Chancellor appointed the Deputy Registrar (Academics) as the acting registrar and convener of the committee. The Controller of Examinations and a syndicate member were also included in the panel.
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This unconventional committee formation has raised concerns about adherence to standard procedures. Critics argue that the lack of a senior dean’s involvement may affect the credibility and effectiveness of the investigation.
University administration responds
Vice-Chancellor Benazir Women University defended the committee’s composition, stating that the appointments were made out of necessity due to staffing limitations.
“We currently do not have a senior professor to appoint as dean; therefore, I am overseeing those responsibilities myself,” she explained. “The committee is diligently following proper procedures, has recorded statements from both parties, and will present its report soon.”
Addressing broader concerns about harassment on campus, the Vice-Chancellor added, “We have a formal committee dedicated to investigating legitimate complaints. Actions are taken based on thorough investigations, and so far, no allegations have been substantiated.”
Awaiting outcome
The complainant declined to comment extensively on the matter, stating that she would wait for the committee’s report to be made public before speaking further.
The delay in the committee’s findings has prompted calls from university staff and students for a swift and transparent resolution to ensure a safe and respectful working environment on campus.
Background
Harassment in educational institutions remains a pressing issue in Pakistan, with numerous cases surfacing in recent years. Advocates stress the importance of timely and impartial investigations to address complaints and implement systemic changes that promote equality and safety in academic settings.
The university administration has not provided a specific timeline for the report’s release, but assurances have been made that the process is ongoing and conclusions will be shared in due course.