Workplace Harassment Complaint at GCU Faisalabad

Staff Report

LAHORE: A female assistant professor of the Government College University, Faisalabad, has filed a workplace harassment complaint against the head of her institute.

Allegations of Mental Agony and Discrimination

In her complaint (copy available with Grand Lines News), submitted to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr. G alleged that she has been subjected to persistent mental agony, verbal abuse, and discrimination by the Institute’s Director, Dr. H.

“I have faced discriminatory treatment in the allocation of courses, supervision of MPhil and PhD research students, workload, and other duties.”

Repeated Requests for Action Ignored

She claimed that despite her repeated requests to address these issues, no action has been taken.

Public Insults and Harassment Allegations

In Feb 2024, she recounted, the accused director convened a meeting where he publicly shouted at and insulted her, without presenting any credible evidence of her alleged shortcomings in work performance or teaching negligence.

“This incident is not an one-off event, as I have been subjected to insults in front of students and non-teaching staff multiple times,” she claimed.

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.

Workplace Harassment Impacting Professional Efficiency

She argued that these actions constitute a clear case of workplace harassment, and the situation is severely impacting her ability to work efficiently.

No Action Taken on Previous Complaint

The alleged victim said that she had previously submitted an application to a former Vice Chancellor, but her complaint has been left gathering dust as no action has been taken to date.

Request for Further Investigation

She has requested the VC to take action against the accused head of the institute for his harassing behavior and insulting attitude, hoping that this time, her concerns will not fall on deaf ears.

University Responds to Harassment Complaint

Ahtshamul Haq, a broadcast journalist, talking to GL News, said that the university spokesperson claimed the VC had got to the bottom of the issue, but the applicant failed to produce evidence against the accused head.

He also quoted the spokesperson as saying that the university was willing to conduct another inquiry if the applicant remained unsatisfied.