By Khalid Khan
The recent scandal at the University of Malakand has once again exposed the alarming prevalence of harassment in Pakistan’s educational institutions. The arrest of Pakistan Studies professor Abdul Haseeb on charges of blackmailing and coercing female students has sent shockwaves through academic circles.
Reports indicate that the professor had been targeting students through WhatsApp, sending inappropriate messages, and demanding explicit images in exchange for academic favors. Complaints had been made to the university administration, but instead of taking action, officials chose to remain silent. The case only surfaced when a sixth-semester student, identified as (H), filed a formal complaint stating that the professor had attempted to abduct her from her home.
Recently, during an address to students, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir strongly condemned extremist elements attempting to impose their distorted version of Islam
Upon his arrest, Malakand Levies recovered nearly four thousand explicit videos and images from his mobile phone, strongly suggesting that this was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of exploitation. A First Information Report (FIR) was registered under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including Section 365-B (kidnapping with intent to compel for marriage or illicit relations), Section 511 (attempt to commit an offense), Section 452 (house trespass after preparation for hurt, assault, or wrongful restraint), Section 354 (assault or use of criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), and Section 506 (criminal intimidation). These charges highlight the severity of the case, yet sources claim that university officials and members of the local administration are attempting to suppress the matter—a tactic often employed to protect institutional reputations.
Harassment in Pakistan’s Universities, Malakand Scandal, Educational Institutions in Pakistan
This is not the first time such allegations have emerged in Pakistani universities. The Malakand case is reminiscent of past incidents that have underscored the systemic nature of the problem. The scandal at Gomal University in Dera Ismail Khan revealed a disturbing network of faculty members secretly recording female students and using the footage for blackmail. Instead of taking immediate legal action, the administration attempted to handle the matter internally, leaving victims vulnerable and afraid. Punjab University and Quaid-e-Azam University have also witnessed cases where professors exploited students under the pretense of academic mentorship, with complaints often ignored or downplayed. The University of Balochistan faced one of the most horrifying revelations when hidden surveillance cameras were allegedly used to film female students in hostels and on campus. The footage was reportedly used for blackmail, but despite widespread protests, many victims were too afraid to come forward.
The sheer scale of harassment cases in educational institutions has raised concerns at the highest levels. Recently, during an address to students, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir strongly condemned extremist elements attempting to impose their distorted version of Islam. He emphasized that Islam grants the highest respect to women in all roles—mother, daughter, sister, and wife—stating that no group has the authority to strip women of their dignity.
His remarks resonated deeply, particularly with female students who continue to face systemic harassment and discrimination. One student, while appreciating his speech, urged him to take concrete steps to ensure a governance system where girls can pursue education and careers without fear of harassment, subjugation, or harm. She highlighted that Pakistan’s legal framework often favors oppressors and criminals, leaving female victims with little hope for justice. She appealed to the Army Chief to advocate for systemic reforms that protect women’s rights, ensuring their safety in schools, colleges, universities, and workplaces.
For female students, harassment is not just an academic issue but a deeply personal trauma that affects their mental well-being and future. Many victims suffer from anxiety, depression, and declining academic performance. Some are forced to change universities or abandon their education altogether. Fear of retaliation discourages victims from speaking out, as they risk social stigma, professional setbacks, and even threats from perpetrators. A 2021 study by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute found that over seventy percent of female students in Pakistan had experienced some form of harassment on university campuses. Yet, only a fraction of them reported the incidents due to fear of victim-blaming, lack of institutional support, or concerns about social consequences.
Pakistan has laws designed to protect students from harassment, but enforcement remains weak. The Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act applies to educational institutions, making it mandatory for universities to establish anti-harassment committees. However, these committees often exist only on paper, with students reporting that their complaints are ignored. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act criminalizes digital harassment, but inconsistent enforcement allows perpetrators to escape consequences. Legal proceedings are often delayed, evidence is overlooked, and victims face pressure to withdraw complaints. Women’s rights activists argue that while Pakistan’s legal framework provides protection, universities function as closed systems where faculty members protect each other, making it difficult for victims to get justice.
Social media has played a crucial role in exposing harassment cases that institutions try to suppress. Students have used platforms like Twitter and Facebook to share their experiences, leading to public outrage and pressuring universities to take action. However, online exposure also brings risks. Victims face cyberbullying, while institutions sometimes retaliate by threatening legal action against those who speak out. Some whistleblowers have reported receiving threats from faculty members or being unfairly expelled.
Other countries have taken stronger measures to combat harassment in educational institutions. In the United States, the Title IX law mandates immediate action on sexual harassment cases, and universities that fail to comply risk legal action and loss of funding. The United Kingdom requires independent oversight bodies to investigate harassment cases separately from university administrations, ensuring fair trials. European universities have introduced mandatory consent training for faculty and students, creating awareness and promoting prevention. In contrast, Pakistan lacks external accountability mechanisms, allowing institutions to prioritize reputation over student safety.
The Malakand scandal highlights the urgent need for reform. Universities must take immediate steps to ensure that harassment cases are investigated transparently and without administrative interference. The establishment of independent investigative bodies that operate outside university control could help ensure impartiality. Strict legal accountability for institutions that fail to act on complaints is necessary to deter future cases. Student awareness programs should be introduced to educate students on their rights and encourage them to report misconduct. Whistleblower protections must be strengthened to safeguard students who come forward with complaints.
Without meaningful action, institutions will remain unsafe, and cases like this will continue to emerge. The coming days will reveal whether authorities are serious about protecting students or if this will become yet another forgotten scandal, buried under bureaucratic silence.
