Islamia College University bans ’faculty-student romantic relationships’

PESHAWAR: Following the dismissal of an assistant professor in a student harassment case, the administration at Islamia College University Peshawar has imposed a ban on personal or romantic relationships between staff, faculty and students.

According to a notification issued by the university’s acting vice chancellor on Monday, the administration has prohibited any close or romantic relationships between teachers, staff, and students at Islamia College University and its affiliated institutions.

The measure aims to promote a safe and respectful academic environment.

The notification said that the ban has been imposed in accordance with the policies of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and directives from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, to prevent serious ethical issues within the university.

It said that romantic involvement between staff and students can lead to conflicts of interest and compromise professional decision-making. Therefore, such relationships are strictly prohibited.

According to the vice chancellor’s notification, violations of the ban could result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or withholding of academic degrees.

Faculty, staff, and students have been advised to familiarise themselves with the HEC policy in its entirety.

The notification emphasised that fostering a respectful academic environment is a shared responsibility of all members of the university and its affiliated institutions.

Also read: Islamia College Peshawar extension projects remain incomplete after five years

The action follows the recent termination of an assistant professor at Islamia College University in connection with a student harassment case — a development also highlighted by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Higher Education Minister Meena Khan Afridi in a post on X.

Previously, similar harassment cases have been reported at the University of Malakand and Women University Mardan, with some cases resulting in disciplinary action and others still under investigation.

Islamia College University spokesperson Ali Hoti told HUM News English that the ban on romantic relationships was enforced by the vice chancellor after receiving multiple complaints.

He said that the university has also formed a committee to address harassment-related incidents, and all staff and students have been instructed to strictly adhere to the policies implemented by the Higher Education Commission.