KARACHI: Human Rights minister Shireen Mazari has taken note of accusations of sexual harassment at “two premier private institutions in Lahore”.
The minister took to Twitter to say, “Have taken note of serious allegations of young girls and women at educational institutions.”
Her statement came a day after Lahore Grammar School fired a teacher citing violation of its code of conduct. The dismissal came on the heels of claims by several women that an LGS faculty member allegedly sent them pornographic pictures and messages. BBC Urdu reported that the faculty member, Aitzaz Sheikh, taught debate and politics at the school.
Read: Lahore Grammar School fires teacher after sexual harassment accusations come to light
Dawn reported the dismissal of three other teachers at a Lahore school but did not name the institution or faculty members.
Over the past week, current and former students of Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) have come forward with accusations of sexual harassment by male students. Accounts of their experiences were posted on a private group on Facebook. Many have come forward on Twitter to express solidarity with them.
The Ministry of Human Rights also tweeted about the claims, saying “We take abuse of children seriously & ensure action against abusers.”
Singer Meesha Shafi has tweeted in support of the girls and women coming forward with their #MeToo stories.
“Today, I feel like the pain and trauma I have suffered is worth so much! Your bravery is my reward,” she said.
In 2018, Meesha accused her colleague singer and actor Ali Zafar of sexually harassing her, in what is considered the first high-profile #MeToo case in Pakistan involving two celebrities. Zafar denied all accusations.
Read: Pakistan’s #MeToo movement is here
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