Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tando Jam has launched an inquiry following serious harassment complaints against Associate Professor Shoukat Abro. The complaints were filed by 49 students from the Crop Protection Faculty’s 2024 batch, including both male and female students.
The university’s Harassment Committee has summoned three female students to record their statements on Tuesday. Professor Abro has also been called to respond to the allegations. Committee chairman Ijaz Khoonharo described the claims as serious and confirmed that the inquiry will follow university regulations.
“The committee will reach a final decision after hearing statements from both the students and the professor,” Khoonharo said. The process is aimed at maintaining fairness while ensuring the privacy of those involved.
In parallel, the Punjab government has directed all public schools to form “Anti-Harassment Committees” within 30 days. The move seeks to create safe and respectful environments for students and address harassment complaints promptly. The notification was issued by the School Education Department (SED) under the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on the occasion of the “International Day of the Girl Child.”
These school committees are designed to act as a “confidential and effective mechanism” to handle sexual harassment complaints. They will operate under the “Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010” and relevant departmental policies.
Each primary, elementary, secondary, and higher secondary school must set up a committee promptly. The committees must include the head of the institute, at least three teachers, and mandatory female representation.
Experts say addressing harassment in both universities and schools highlights a growing commitment to student safety in Pakistan. Both initiatives aim to provide effective mechanisms for complaints, ensure accountability, and create safe learning environments for all students, especially girls.
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