SUKKUR: The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (Fapuasa) condemned a deplorable incident in which a female teacher was harassed by a student during a classroom session at a Peshawar college.
It has expressed its complete solidarity with the Teachers’ Staff Association (TSA), Islamia College Peshawar, and the entire faculty of the institution in strongly condemning the deplorable incident in which a female teacher was harassed by a student during a classroom session.
This incident is not only deeply disturbing but also represents a serious violation of the dignity, respect, and security that every teacher deserves in the academic environment, the association said in a statement on Friday, adding that educational institutions are centers of learning and character building, and any act of harassment or intimidation against faculty members is entirely unacceptable.
Fapuasa says it is gravely concerned that similar incidents of harassment, disrespect, and misconduct toward faculty members have been reported on multiple occasions in the past. “Unfortunately, despite repeated complaints and concerns raised by teachers, the university administration failed to take effective and timely disciplinary action against those responsible. This lack of accountability has contributed to an atmosphere in which such unacceptable behavior has continued and has now culminated in another serious incident involving a female faculty member.”
The association has demanded that the administration of Islamia College Peshawar to conduct an immediate and transparent inquiry into the incident. “Take strict disciplinary action against the student involved in accordance with university rules and regulations.
Ensure the safety, dignity, and professional respect of all faculty members, particularly female teachers. Develop and enforce a zero-tolerance policy against harassment, intimidation, and misconduct on campus. Establish effective mechanisms to address faculty complaints promptly and impartially.”
It reiterates that teachers are the backbone of the higher education system and must be provided with a safe, respectful, and conducive academic environment. Any attack on the dignity and authority of teachers is an attack on the very foundation of education.
Fapuasa has said it stands shoulder to shoulder with TSA Islamia College Peshawar and the entire teaching community in demanding justice and institutional accountability. We urge the administration to act decisively so that such incidents are not repeated in the future.
