The petition, which was filed against dual jobs of an associate professor, irregularities in the appointment of substitute teachers, and allegations of sexual harassment of female students at the university, was heard by a double bench comprising Justices Salahuddin Panhwar and Abdul Mubeen Lakho.

According to a report filed by Dawn, the bench ordered the SSP to set up an anti-harassment cell, headed by a woman inspector, at the entrance of the university.

It was also ordered that the security of women students should be ensured on their way to the university from their homes and hostels.

A woman magistrate should visit the girls’ hostels at the university to investigate if the students were harassed, the court added. The court also ordered that a quarterly report on the matter be submitted to the court.

The court ordered legal action in case the harassment allegations were proven to be true.

Pakistan often ranks among the worst countries for women and demands for gender equality are often criticised by the conservative elements in the country.

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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

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