Students suspended after lecturer harassment incident at Islamia College Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Three students accused of harassing and misbehaving with a female lecturer at Islamia College Peshawar have been suspended for two weeks pending a final disciplinary decision, university officials said Tuesday.

According to a notification issued by the administration, an initial report by the disciplinary committee found three students involved in the incident. The students have been barred from entering the university until the committee issues its final verdict.

The Teaching Staff Association said it had postponed its planned strike until the disciplinary committee reaches a final decision, adding that academic activities would continue until June 8.

The controversy emerged after lecturer Gul Rukh submitted a complaint to the university’s vice chancellor, alleging that students misbehaved with and harassed her during a class test.

In her letter, the lecturer alleged that several students refused to take the test, intimidated classmates and tore test papers before throwing them at her.

She further claimed that some students locked her and female students inside the classroom and later returned with additional individuals, surrounded her and pressured her to award passing marks while allegedly using political influence as a threat.

The Teaching Staff Association had earlier demanded immediate action against those involved, warning of a boycott of academic activities if authorities failed to respond.