ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has issued a landmark directive, instructing all public and private medical and dental colleges to establish anti-harassment committees to address and prevent harassment complaints. This initiative reflects PMDC’s commitment to fostering a secure and respectful environment for students, faculty, and staff across Pakistan.
Harassment in educational institutions remains a pressing issue, affecting individuals from all walks of life. By instituting these committees, the PMDC aims to safeguard academic spaces from toxic behaviors, ensuring inclusivity and professionalism.
According to the directive, these committees will be responsible for promptly investigating harassment complaints, with a mandate to submit detailed reports within 10 days of receiving complaints. The committees will also focus on raising awareness, educating stakeholders about respectful conduct, and implementing preventive measures.
A comprehensive approach to harassment
PMDC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, in an official statement, emphasized that workplace harassment extends beyond sexual harassment and includes a range of discriminatory and abusive behaviors. These include:
Gender-based discrimination: Actions that undermine professional abilities based on gender.
Verbal abuse: Use of offensive language, insults, and rumor-spreading.
Physical intimidation: Any form of unwanted contact or threatening behavior.
Psychological harassment: Bullying, undue criticism, and exclusion.
Discrimination: Targeting individuals based on ethnicity, religion, age, or disabilities.
Abuse of authority: Imposing unrealistic expectations or publicly humiliating others.
Dr. Taj further highlighted the pervasive issue of retaliation against those who report unethical practices or harassment, terming it one of the most detrimental forms of mistreatment.
A call to action
The PMDC urges students, faculty, and staff to actively support these committees and uphold a culture of respect and accountability. “Together, we can create an academic environment where everyone can thrive without fear of harassment,” Dr. Taj stated.
This directive aligns with Pakistan’s broader efforts to strengthen anti-harassment policies and create a future where educational and professional settings are free from discrimination, abuse, and fear.