LAHORE: The tribunal headed by Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar at the Lahore High Court (LHC) has exonerated the staff and students of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) from allegations of sexual harassment and drug abuse.
The tribunal found no evidence of such activities on the university premises and dismissed claims of any organized racketeer group involved.
Furthermore, the tribunal pointed out police negligence and identified YouTubers as responsible for the scandal that tarnished the university’s reputation, along with its teachers and students. The LHC tribunal recommended initiating a case against police officials, vloggers, and a journalist for defaming the university.
The Punjab caretaker government had requested the LHC chief justice to form a one-member tribunal to investigate allegations of drug abuse and sexual harassment of female students at IUB. Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar was appointed to lead the tribunal.
In its report, the tribunal criticized the police for mishandling the situation without concrete evidence or conclusive proof of sexual harassment or drug abuse on the university premises. The mishandling was identified as a major factor in defaming and maligning the university.
The report also condemned social media personnel for broadcasting unconfirmed and unauthentic involvement of female students or faculty members in sexual harassment or drug abuse, leading to defamation and harm to the dignity and honor of the university’s female students and faculty members.
The tribunal held several individuals, including Bahawalpur District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Muhammad Abbas, Bahawalpur Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) DSP Jamshed, Derawar Station House Officer (Sub Inspector) Ramzan, and a private person Abdullah, responsible for the defamation. It recommended filing a criminal case against the implicated police officials.
Moreover, the tribunal held TV presenter and YouTuber Iqrarul Hassan Syed and Lodhran YouTuber Saqib Mushtaq accountable for broadcasting vlogs without verification, contributing to the scandal. This tribunal report marks a significant development in the case that had created upheaval at the university.
