Gomal University dismisses employee over harassment complaint

DI Khan: Gomal University has dismissed an employee after completing an inquiry into a harassment complaint, with the administration saying it is enforcing a strict zero tolerance policy against such incidents on campus.

According to the university administration, the action was taken after a complaint was received a few days ago. It said the inquiry was launched on the directions of Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal and was completed on an emergency basis.

The administration said the employee concerned was removed from service within three days of the complaint being received.

In a statement, the university said ensuring a safe and peaceful educational environment for students remained its foremost priority and that parents should not be concerned.

University cites zero tolerance policy

The administration said the current university management was fully active against harassment in order to protect the respect, safety and dignity of all students enrolled at Gomal University.

According to the university spokesperson, every harassment complaint is treated with utmost seriousness and no person would be regarded as above the law or university rules.

No leniency will be shown to anyone involved in harassment, and immediate action will be taken.

The administration said it had adopted a clear position on the issue and would respond promptly in such cases.

Administration criticises negative propaganda

The university administration also expressed regret over what it described as attempts by certain elements to carry out negative propaganda against Gomal University without justification.

It said educational institutions were a trust of society and that all stakeholders should act responsibly while keeping in view the institution’s dignity and the future of its students.

The statement reiterated that the university considered student safety a top concern and said action against harassment would continue under the administration’s stated policy.

The development comes as the university administration publicly underscored its position that complaints of harassment would be dealt with swiftly and under the applicable rules. The administration maintained that its response in the latest case reflected that policy and said the matter had been handled on an urgent basis following the complaint.