Wake-Up PAKISTAN: Call for STUDENTS’ SEXUAL HARASSMENT Rights

While working on my grad-thesis, centered on comparing sexual harassment policies of the universities in the United States and Pakistan, interestingly I came across many alarming facts. While, Title IX by the US is well-known to provide much needed protection to the students, by at least requiring all educational institutions to have a well-disclosed sexual harassment policy, contact information of the designated expert, procedure to deal with such scenarios, penalties for the proven accused, protection for the victim, and the right to pursue this issue if not satisfied from the institution's decision. In contrast to the aforementioned students' rights, there is no such initiative or any policy enacted by the government of Pakistan. 

After meeting the administrators from two large public sector universities, it became evident that most institutions have only a Disciplinary Committee (DC), which is brought together on as-needed to deal with these crucial issues. The structure and functioning of this aforementioned DC is solely designed by the respective institute, as there are no rules and regulations presented or imposed by the Pak government.

Being alarmed from the universities' current need-based procedure, I went to the Ombudsman Office for Women Harassment to inquire on any in-place or prospective public policies. But unfortunately my shocked position further elevated, as I was very confidently told by their representative that (my only hope) the Act for Women Protection at Workplace-2010 is applicable only to the employer and employee relationships…not the students. The universities are not considered the workplace for students because they are not making any earnings from there, instead are paying to receive intended services. Furthermore, I was told that their office has at least made three attempts to contact the higher officials to expand the 2010 Act to include students, but in vain. Which clearly implies that Pak government is either reluctant to deal with this issue, or is considering it to be simply not that important!

Having said that, it should be apt and clear that the government’s silence cannot make its citizens stop! Instead, students and the society should make collaborative efforts, and be vocal and loud on this very intimate issue, as it directly correlates to our comfort, progress, and survival. 

Last but not the least, enough has been said on personal and official grounds to prove and support the sensitivity of this immediate-attention-requiring stoical stigma. Now it’s the high time for the Pak government administrators to galvanize all necessary reforms to guarantee the much-needed protection for their students, who undoubtedly are our future. 

I really wish that my this article can add the final spark to this already flaming issue and can motivate the authorities to break-free of any apparent resistance and guarantee safe campus life!