By Saleem Mubarak
LAHORE: A glimmer of hope for justice remains for an alleged workplace harassment victim of the Government College University Faisalabad, as the vice chancellor has replaced the convener of the inquiry committee.
The alleged victim, an assistant professor, submitted an application on February 11 last against the Director of her institute, Dr. H., requesting action against the accused.
Conflict of Interest in Inquiry Committee Leadership
The accused also holds the reins as the Convener of the Inquiry Committee, constituted under HEC’s Policy on Protection against Sexual Harassment in Higher Education Institutions. Rather than addressing the serious matter of workplace harassment, the university administration chose to remain tight-lipped.
Also Read: Workplace Harassment Complaint at GCU Faisalabad
Delayed Action and Appointment of a New Convener
After three weeks of apparent inaction, the university finally woke up to the issue, and on March 4, the Vice Chancellor appointed Dr. Humayun Abbas as the convener of the inquiry committee. Dr. Abbas was directed to wrap up the investigation and present his recommendations within 30 days.
Victim’s Lack of Confidence in New Convener
However, the situation took another turn when the alleged victim expressed her lack of confidence in Dr. Abbas the very next day after his appointment as convener. She submitted her concerns through a formal application.
Consequently, on Friday, the Vice Chancellor appointed Dr. Hazoor Muhammad Sabir, a Professor from the Department of Economics, as the new head of the inquiry committee.
Allegations by Assistant Professor
In her complaint (copy available with Grand Lines News), submitted to the Vice Chancellor, Dr. G alleged that she has been subjected to persistent mental agony, verbal abuse, and discrimination by the accused. “I have faced discriminatory treatment in the allocation of courses, supervision of MPhil and PhD research students, workload, and other duties.”
Public Humiliation and Persistent Harassment
She categorically mentioned in her application that despite her repeated requests to address these issues, no action had been taken. She added that during a meeting scheduled in February 2024, the accused director publicly shouted at and insulted her without exhibiting any credible evidence of her alleged shortcomings in work performance or teaching. “This incident is not a one-off event, as I have been subjected to insults in front of students and non-teaching staff multiple times,” she claimed.
Accusations of Inappropriate Conduct
Besides, she alleged that Dr. H repeatedly asked and goaded her to visit his office for one-on-one meetings, which she perceives as a form of harassment. She argued that these actions constitute a clear case of workplace harassment and are severely impacting her ability to work efficiently.
Previous Inaction by University Administration
The alleged victim said that she had previously submitted an application to a former Vice Chancellor, who turned a blind eye to the accusations and did not move against the accused.
Call for Overhaul of Harassment Committee Leadership
Talking to Grand Lines News, an office bearer of the Academic Staff Association, seeking anonymity, said the head of the harassment committee is under a cloud due to harassment allegations.
The situation calls for his removal and complete overhaul of the committee. However, it raises eyebrows that the head of the harassment committee remains in his position despite facing allegations.
