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MULTAN: An investigation has been started against the former vice-chancellor of Islamia University Bahawalpur Dr Athar Mehboob after the drugs and sexual harassment scandal was revealed.
Higher Education Commission South Punjab has issued an official notification to investigate the allegations against Dr Athar Mehboob.
The committee will be chaired by the vice-chancellor of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Dr Muhammad Ali. The committee also comprises members Rector of the National University of Technology retired Lt-Gen Moazzam Ejaz, Pro VC of Nur International University Prof Dr Najma Najam, Rector of Imperial College of Business Studies Prof Dr Tahira Aziz Mughal and HEC adviser Dr M Mazhar Saeed.
The committee will investigate financial corruption and administrative irregularities against Dr Athar Mehboob. The investigative committee will investigate all aspects of the drugs and sexual harassment scandals which revealed rampant trade of drugs on campus and the use of indecent photographs of female students and teachers.
The committee is to conduct a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into the reported allegations, examining evidence from print, electronic, and social media sources. The committee will assess the implementation of HEC’s policies on protection against sexual harassment in higher education institutions and identify any administrative gaps or lapses.
The committee will propose corrective and disciplinary actions (if applicable) against the faculty members and administration of the IUB, ensuring compliance with the university’s rules and regulations.
Moreover, it will suggest recommendations and preventive measures to serve as guidelines for all higher education institutions, both public and private, across the country.
The committee is to submit a report to the HEC within 21 working days, starting from July 28, and may co-opt additional members if deemed necessary for the inquiry. The HEC has directed the IUB administration to extend necessary support and cooperation to facilitate the committee’s investigation.
The administration of Islamia University demanded an investigation into the incident, calling the allegations baseless and a conspiracy against the university. The chief security officer of the university is still in police custody.
Earlier, an application has been filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan seeking suo moto action and setting up a judicial commission against the Islamia University Bahawalpur scandal.
This application has been filed by Mudassar Chaudhry Advocate in the Lahore Registry of the apex court after a scandal of drug trade and sexual harassment on campus grew out of proportion.
The petition said the role of the Islamia University scandal is a disgrace to society and the network involved in negative activities in destroying the future of the young generation.
The petitioner urged the court to take notice of the incident and order the formation of a judicial commission to probe the incident at the university and give a harsh punishment to the accused and make recommendations to secure the future of the students.
Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi has taken notice of the incidents of the possession and sale of drugs at the university. The chief minister has formed a 3-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter. The committee includes Secretary Minerals Babar Aman, DIG Amin Bukhari,.and DIG Raja Faisal
The committee will investigate the incident from all aspects and determine the persons involved in the scandal. The committee will submit its report to the chief minister at the earliest.
