Balochistan: Students Protest After Female Student Allegedly Harassed at Bolan Medical College
Victim threatened by administration to withdraw complaint; students warn of intensified protests if demands are not met.
SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: Students at Bolan Medical College (BMC), the largest medical institution in Balochistan, staged a sit-in on campus after a female student was allegedly sexually harassed by the head of the Pathology Department during supplementary examinations.
According to students, a student from Lasbela, identified as “A”, was subjected to sexual harassment during her viva by Ishaq, the in-charge of the BMC Pathology Department. They said the department head attempted inappropriate behaviour after finding the student alone, but she managed to escape due to the timely intervention of a security guard.
The student later informed her peers and student organisations, prompting widespread outrage and calls for immediate action against the accused professor.
Students further alleged that the university administration and the principal phoned the victim and threatened her to withdraw her complaint, warning that she could face difficulties in continuing her education if she refused.
During today’s protest, students condemned both the harassment incident and the ongoing injustices on campus. They stated that the administration and senior officials were putting immense pressure on the victim, leaving her hesitant to pursue the case. Students called this situation “deeply regrettable and unacceptable.”
“This is not a minor matter,” protesters said. “A professor has sexually harassed a student during examinations, and instead of supporting her, the administration is threatening her into silence.”
Following the protest, the Balochistan Health Department took notice of the incident and ordered an immediate inquiry by the BMC administration. Students have since postponed their demonstration for three days but warned they would resume stronger protests if their demands are not met.
The incident has revived concerns about harassment in Balochistan’s educational institutions.
Multiple cases have surfaced in recent years, including the major 2019 scandal at the University of Balochistan, where hidden cameras were found installed in women’s washrooms.
Despite public outrage and government promises, no action has been taken against the scandal’s central accused, the then–Vice Chancellor, who was later appointed to institutions in Panjgur and now at the University of Uthal.
