Gomal University in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has directed women students to “be careful and limit themselves just in their classrooms”, drawing ire from social media users.
According to a notification issued by the university, “Gatherings/ Coupling (Male and Female) is totally Banned in any ground, roads, etc, beyond the premises of departments.”
The notification also advised women students to be “careful and limit themselves just in their classrooms and department Common rooms”.
Gomal University warns female students “to be careful and limit themselves to classrooms” or strict action will be taken against those violating the rules. pic.twitter.com/meECaPZLC3
— Nazrana G Yousufzai 🦋 (@Nazranausufzai) February 17, 2023
It also wanted students of strict action in case of non-compliance.
Condemnation:
Many social media users condemned the notification, with author Yousuf Nazar saying: “Universities must be stopped by law to impose any dress code on females and any restrictions on their fundamental human rights including freedom of movement and freedom of speech. Political judges at the SC please note as well.”
Universities must be stopped by law to impose any dress code on females and any restrictions on their fundamental human rights including freedom of movement and freedom of speech. Political judges at the SC please note as well. https://t.co/TK634hZf2g
— Yousuf Nazar (@YousufNazar) February 17, 2023
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) urged the university to withdraw the notification “immediately”.
The HRCP said: “HRCP takes strong exception to a notification issued by Gomal University, banning male & female students from mingling & restricting female students from public spaces. Segregation will reinforce a culture of ignorance & inequality. The notification must be withdrawn immediately.”
HRCP takes strong exception to a notification issued by Gomal University, banning male & female students from mingling & restricting female students from public spaces. Segregation will reinforce a culture of ignorance & inequality. The notification must be withdrawn immediately.
— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) February 17, 2023
