The Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) Islamabad has sacked a professor after an inquiry found him guilty of harassing a woman student.
The head of the Physics Department at FUUAST had threatened a female student that he would fail her if she did not fulfil his “demand”. The professor failed her after she refused to comply with his demands.
According to a report by Express Tribune, an inquiry against Professor Zahid Sarfraz was initiated over a month ago and the committee found him guilty of sending inappropriate messages to the student.
The student initially sought help from three other senior professors who advised her to keep mum over the matter. The three professors also threatened that a complaint might have an impact on the student’s academic affairs, while asking the student for a written statement that she would not pursue the case.
The harassment committee investigated the case and recommended the removal of the head of the Physics department and the three other professors involved in threatening the student.
The university sacked the professor found guilty by the committee of harassing the student.
Pakistan often ranks among the worst countries for women’s security and demands for gender equality are often criticised by the conservative elements in the country.
