PESHAWAR: In a move to ensure a conducive environment and gender equality, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur has ordered the immediate enforcement of anti-harassment laws in all public universities in the province.
A formal letter has been issued by the Chief Minister\’s Secretariat to the Higher Education Department in this regard. The letter stated that while a framework of laws, guidelines, and policies existed to prevent harassment in educational institutions and workplaces, gaps and shortcomings in their practical implementation had been observed in some universities. It said the lack of effective enforcement had led to recent reports of alleged harassment incidents in certain universities, which had been highlighted in the media.
The chief minister has termed such occurrences a serious violation not only of existing laws but also of ethical values, and reiterated that the government follows a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment, particularly in educational institutions.
He directed the Higher Education Department to ensure necessary measures to prevent harassment in all institutions under its jurisdiction. It said female students and staff must be made aware and educated of existing anti-harassment laws. Universities are also required to establish harassment inquiry committees as per the existing legal framework and appoint focal persons, including at least one female member. Their contact details must be published on university websites for accessibility.
Furthermore, universities must develop an effective mechanism for reporting and addressing harassment complaints while strictly adhering to the protocols and guidelines issued by the Higher Education Department.
All institutions have been given 10 days to implement these directives and submit compliance reports. Failure to comply within the stipulated time frame will result in action against responsible officials under relevant laws.