KARACHI: The education department has decided to conduct surprise inspection of schools and other educational institutions by the vigilance committee to check the installation of any hidden cameras in their washrooms, it emerged on Saturday.

Talking to Dawn, Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah said that a decision to this effect was taken following the discovery of hidden cameras installed in the washrooms of a private school in Scheme 33.

“This is a very serious issue and the provincial government will ensure at any cost the sanctity of students and teachers in schools and other educational institution,” he said.

He said that the matter was reported by a female teacher of the school in Safora Goth on Nov 3. He said that the school was sealed and its registration was suspended.

Education minister says vigilance committee to pay surprise visits

Mr Shah said that strict action would be taken against those responsible for installing hidden cameras in the washrooms in the school.

He said that the matter basically pertained to cybercrime and the matter would be probed by the Federal Investigation Agency that had requisite expertise.

As for the criminal proceedings against the school management by police, Minister Shah said that it mainly depended on female students, teachers and staff who would have to lodge a complaint with the police.

The education minister said that he had ordered surprise inspection of schools and other educational institutions by the vigilance committee to check the illegal installation of any cameras in their washrooms.

He said the education department had taken initial action against the school and further action would be taken after further findings in the matter.

Earlier, Rehana Feroz, the teacher of the private school, had complained that there were hidden CCTV cameras installed behind a switchboard with holes in the area of the washbasins situated near the toilets of both girls and boys’ washrooms to spy upon their movements.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2021