LOWER DIR: A think-tank of intellectuals and professionals on Monday suggested that the University of Malakand`s anti-harassment committee, which was formed under the Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2010, should be made more practical and vigilant.

The Dir Think-Tank (DTT) made the demand during a Zoom discussion.

Taking part in the discussion, Ibrash Pasha, a social activist, said the anti-harassment committee could suggest punishments like dismissal from service or fine the person involved in harassing pe ople at workplace or in educational institutions.He said the aggrieved party, under the law, could challenge the committee`s decision with the ombudsperson.

He said it was necessary to educate and make aware the students, faculty and other staff of universities, colleges, schools and hospitals about the antiharassment law and its implications.Prof Tajdar Yousafzai blasted the UoM over delayed action in the harassment case.

He said it was difficult for an organisation in this world of social media to keep things hidden for a long time. He said the universities` management should learn a lesson from this incident and realise their role and responsibility in coping with such situations.

A former student of the UoM, who is now staying in Europe, alleged the varsity`s antiharassment committee was a dead horse as `it existed only on paper`. He said the culprits of harassment should be made an example for others. He was of the view that mere suspension of an employee was not the solution to the whole mess. He said it was very unfortunate that varsity teachers had become `wolves` for their own students. The former student said such incidents could be prevented if each complaint was properly addressed.

DTT founder Rahim Shah Akhunkhel, who is also an American citizen, said in this era of technology, sexual harassment was a reality and it happened in many ways. He was of the view that harassment incidents happened in churches, mandirs, mosques, seminaries and everywhere, but in the latest case the university could have been more proactive in communication.

Mr Akhunkhel suggested the DTT write a letter to the UoM vice-chancellor, suggesting how things could be improved following this specific incident. He said the DTT members should fight for the UoM on social media as such incidents shall not damage the reputation of a `world-class` varsity in Pakistan.

Prof Humayun, who is serving at a university in Islamabad, told the forum that UoM should have discussed the matter with local journalists to clarify its position before the victim party made it viral on social media.

Dr Shahid Khan, also a member of DTT, said each university had a robust system in,place to prevent and address harassment cases. He said the UoM incident should not be generalised. Hesaid some people were quick to blame coeducation and semester systems, but both these were beneficial for students.

Meanwhile, the Adenzai Qaumi Islahi Jirga and Jamiat Ulema-iIslam-Fazl on Monday demanded of the government and the UoM administration to conduct a transparent and impartial inquiry into the harassment case and bring the culprits to book.

Speaking at a news conference at the Chakdara Press Club, the jirga members and JUI-F activists, including Mufti Ashfaqur Rehman, Bakht Naseem Mohmand, Arshad Khan, Ayaz Islam, Qari Haroonur Rashid, Maulana Yasin Khan and others said they would not let anyone disturb the peaceful educational environment in the university.

They condemned the varsity administration for its failure to strictly countercheck harassment cases.

In a related development, Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT), a student wing of Jamaat-iIslami, organised a walk at the UoM against the harassment case.

IJT nazim and president of Students` Jirga Maaz Khan led the walk.

Addressing the participants, Maaz said there was a wave of anger among students across the province aftertheincident.

He demanded a transparent inquiry into the incident. He said incidents of harassment were increasing in universities across the country.

The IJT nazim demanded of the government to abolish the co-education system.

Maaz also demanded reforms in the semester system.

Pakhtun Students Federation president Haider Khan, Insaf Students Federation president Amin Saeed, People Students Federation president Wajahat Khan and Malakand University Students Association president Pir Shiraz also addressed the participants.

Later, an IJT delegation led by Maaz Khan met with the provost Dr Yousuf, and requested him to expedite action over the harassment incident.