PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has ordered immediate enforcement of anti-harassment laws in public universities across the province. The Chief Minister`s Secretariat has issued an official letter to higher education department, emphasising the need for strict compliance.

The letter said that there were laws, guidelines and policies aimed at preventing sexual harassment in educational institutions and workplaces, however, those were not implemented effectively in some universities. Due to these shortcomings, recent incidents of alleged harassment in certain universities have been reported in the media, prompting the chief minister to take strict notice.

The letter highlights that such incidents violate both existing laws and societal ethical values.

The provincial government follows a zero-tolerance policy on harassment, particularly in educational institutions, recognising that protecting female students and staff is not only a legal obligation but also essential for ensuring women`s access to education.

To address this, higher education department has been instructed to take necessary steps to ensure implementation of these laws in all universities under its jurisdiction.

`Students must be made aware of existing anti-harassment laws and all institutions must establish inquiry committees as mandated by law. At least one female focal person should be appointed in each university and her contact details must be published on university website,` said the letter.

Furthermore, universities must establish an effective mechanism for reporting and addressing harassment complaints while strictly adhering to the department`s protocols and guidelines.

All universities have been given a deadline of 10 days to implement these directives and submit a compliance report. Failure to meet this deadline will result in legal action against the responsible officials.

`The provincial government wants to create a safe educational environment for women, reinforcing its commitment to eradicating harassment in all forms,` it said.