Malakand varsity teacher imprisoned, suspended over sexual harassment charges

PESHAWAR: The reported sexual harassment case at the University of Malakand on Sunday led to the suspension of the accused teacher, who has already been imprisoned on the same charges. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed concern over the incident, which has sparked outrage across the province.

The incident occurred a couple of weeks ago when a Pakistan Studies teacher, along with his wife, allegedly visited the home of a sixth-semester Urdu Department student to “harass and abduct” her.

According to sources, the teacher was armed with a gun and knife and attempted to pressure the family, prompting them to approach law enforcement authorities to file a case against him and have him arrested.

Several videos of the teacher being manhandled—reportedly by the student’s family—went viral on social media.

The family approached the university administration, prompting a delegation, with the vice chancellor’s approval, to visit the scene. Upon arrival, they found the family in anger, with the teacher confined in a separate room.

A member of the delegation told The News that when he asked the accused teacher for his version of events, the teacher admitted he had no justification for his action. Later, the family contacted the district administration, which arrested both the teacher and his wife from the student’s house. The wife was released the next day, according to sources.

Governor Kundi, who no longer serves as the university’s chancellor following recent legislation by the KP Assembly, expressed his dismay over the incident.

“It is extremely distressing to hear about such inappropriate behavior from a teacher,” he said in a statement.

He emphasized that such acts hindered women’s educational progress and social empowerment. Calling on the police, district administration, and university authorities to conduct a transparent investigation, he urged them to ensure justice is served.

The governor stated that the traditions and values of the Pakhtun-inhabited province do not condone such disgraceful behavior. He called for strict action against those attempting to tarnish the reputation of educational institutions and disrupt students’ futures.

Criticizing the provincial government’s limited involvement in university affairs beyond recruitment, he stressed the need for stronger oversight and protective measures in academic settings.

The teacher was arrested by Malakand Levies after a female student filed a complaint accusing him of harassment and an alleged abduction attempt from her home.

According to Additional Deputy Commissioner Malakand, Muheebullah Yousafzai, the accused was arrested from the student’s house and booked under sections 365B, 511, 452, 354, and 506 of the law. He confirmed that an investigation was underway.

Following the arrest, the university administration suspended the teacher and referred the case to the anti-harassment committee, which has already conducted a hearing with the complainant and issued a statement of charges against the accused.

The committee is expected to finalize its report soon and present it to the university syndicate for further disciplinary action, sources in the university administration told The News.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Rasheed Ahmad said the university acted promptly upon learning of the incident.

He stated that an FIR had been lodged and that the accused was currently in jail. He assured that the anti-harassment committee was conducting a fair and transparent inquiry, with its findings to be submitted to the university syndicate to ensure justice.

Some reports suggested that on the day of the incident, the accused teacher had visited the student’s home with his wife to propose marriage. Such actions are considered highly inappropriate in strict Pakhtun society, leading to the expected backlash. The student’s family allegedly seized the teacher’s mobile phone, which reportedly contained objectionable messages, videos, and photographs.

It was learnt that the female student was recently engaged. She had verbally complained to the university provost on the day of the incident. When the provost called the teacher, he reportedly gave a rude response, stating that it was his personal matter and that the university administration had no authority to intervene, sources said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who serves as the chancellor of public sector universities, constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the issue.

According to an official notification, the committee includes: Asif Rahim – Additional Secretary Administration Department, Sonia Shamroz – Additional Inspector General, Establishment & Central Police Office, KP.

“It may call for assistance from any person department or organization. Deputy Commissioner and District Police Officer Lower Dir will provide administrative support to the committee, which will submit its report within 15 days and may, based on evidence received, if required, ask the relevant authorities to register a formal case and propose proceedings as per any other law,” the notification stated.