LAHORE: Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has taken notice of the allegations of sexual harassment levelled by some students of a private school against their male teachers, and has sought a report on the matter from the departments concerned.

The District Education Authority (DEA) has already formed a three-member committee to probe into the issue at Lahore Grammar School Ghalib Market branch. The committee will present its recommendations to the DEA Lahore chief executive officer within three days.

Meanwhile, the Peoples’ Commission for Minorities Rights, Centre for Social Justice, Pakistan Minorities Teachers Association, Cecil and Iris Chaudhry Foundation, Catholic (National) Commission for Justice and Peace, and Idara-i-Taleem-o-Aagahi released a joint statement, expressing grave concerns over the recent developments within the education system in Punjab.

All Pakistan Private Schools Federation President Kashif Mirza also condemned the reports of harassment of students.

“I have taken notice of the harassment allegations,” he said. “All Pakistan Private Schools Federation will support the victims and our helpline is available for complaints of such cases. Our regional offices also have been alerted on this issue.”

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2020