Dr Muhammad Zubair, former Chairman of Department of Political Science, Gomal University, has been fired after harassment allegations against him were proven right. A few weeks ago, an MPhil student of the Department of Political Science accused Prof Zubair of sexual harassment. In an open letter to Vice-Chancellor, she alleged that Prof Zubair compelled her to engage in ‘illicit relations’ with him. Taking the notice of the incident, Gomal University VC Muhammad Iftikhar Ahmed formed an inquiry committee meanwhile he suspended Dr Muhammad Zubair from the chairmanship of the Department of Political Science.
After the Inquiry Committee justified harassment allegations against Mr Zubair, he was permanently sacked by the syndicate decision yesterday.
While talking to TSH Ehtysham Hassan of PSC Dera Ismail Khan commended the syndicate decision saying, “It is a good development, but the Gomal University needs to get rid of plethora of unexposed predators who continue to sexually harass female students out there”. He further told, “It is high time to make women lead anti-harassment committees to ensure female safety at campuses”.
It should be noted that complaints of sexual harassment have been received at Gomal University time and again, yet a permanent anti-harassment committee ceases to exist on the campus.
