Genocide… Do you know a genocide has two evil things? The first one is genocide itself and the second is its denial. I still remember that I screamed when I read about the Miryang Gang Rape for the first time. It was so terrifying to see students being Gang Raped at the hands of their school and innocents could not even get justice since the school’s reputation was more important than that. I thought I would not see anything more terrible than this. Unfortunately, I have not just witnessed that but am seeing the incident fading away in front of my eyes.
Islamia University Scandal:
On the 20th of July, the news broke about the arrest of Islamia University’s Chief Security Officer, Major Ijaz Shah. It was revealed that Shah, under the influence of alcohol, was caught driving a car with a female student. Shockingly, a significant amount of drugs and over 5500 absence videos, including explicit content involving IUB students, professors, and staff members, were discovered. Subsequently, an FIR was registered against the university at Baghdad-al-Jadeed Police Station.
This incident triggered a wave of controversies on social media, with numerous individuals criticizing the institution and urging authorities to take strong action against those implicated. However, amidst the outcry, a group of people emerged, determined to protect the reputation of Islamia University and the city of Bahawalpur. The concerning aspect was the perceived inaction from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), allowing internal politics to flourish while the university continued its operations.
As a final-semester student during this tumultuous incident, the prevalent awareness of a drug mafia within the university was undeniable. The collective fear among students and faculty was not merely about the existence of illicit activities but the potential damage to the university’s esteemed reputation. Astonishingly, a straightforward drug test could have resulted in the incarceration of 80% of the university staff. Notably, more than 6 kg of various drugs were recovered, exposing the severity of the issue.
The revelation of obscene videos involving female students being coerced into inappropriate relationships for academic favors, money, and other benefits added a disturbing layer to the scandal. A shocking claim by a clerk suggested that “Almost every girl in IUB over the past seven years had been involved in illicit activities.” While this assertion remains unverified, it circulated among individuals in high positions on campus.
Internal Politics:
The situation became even more complex as the involvement of a Minister’s son, enrolled in Islamia University, surfaced. Tariq Bashir Cheema‘s son was identified in some of the explicit videos, complicating the investigation. Cheema’s political influence ultimately thwarted the investigations, resulting in the fading of evidence, silenced witnesses, and the disappearance of those who raised their voices.
Famous TV host Iqrar ul Hassan presented evidence against the mafia, challenging Cheema and expressing readiness to face the perpetrators in court. However, he faced on-media threats and was silenced over time. The official court clearance of the university from all charges led to campus celebrations, and perpetrators were reinstated in their positions.
The turmoil continued as Voice Chancellor Athar Mehboob faced corruption charges, including misuse of power, inappropriate seat assignments, unjustifiable fee increases, and embezzlement. He was apprehended while attempting to flee the country.
Final remarks:
The story doesn’t conclude here; numerous characters and aspects remain unexplored. This entire episode paints a distressing picture of the campus experience, revealing a disheartening attitude toward education, where the defense of honor and pride takes precedence over the dignity of 5500 victims. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for systemic reforms and a commitment to the principles of integrity and accountability within educational institutions.
You should be ashamed of the level of misinformation your article has put forward. There is no allegations of financial corruption against Dr. Athar Mahboob. There was not even a single video of abuse of any female student, there was not a shred of evidence of any drugs being found on the university premises. Please read the report of Justice Dogar who was assigned to impartially review the whole fiasco. Also “evidence” presented by Iqrar ul Hassan that you mentioned, please also share that “evidence” in your article. Overall an extremely pathetic use of media, websites like yours should be shut down for misinformation lies and sometimes just plain stupidity. Also the writer who wrote that article looks like he never stepped into a university so I understand. Please spend a little more money and get writers that have been to a university and can apply some critical thinking.
While defending some assaulters, you have gone too far away. You should better have a leg to stand on instead of provoking a writer to reveal victim’s identity. There’s something called “confidentiality,” which becomes a sensitive matter in such scenarios. MNA Cheema’s pressurization of the caretaker government and Bahawalpuri Governor’s appointment of his favorites in LHC tribunal have disfigured the case. Evidence, Victims, and witnesses are here. It’s either not the right time for justice or probably not the right way. Sometimes justice prevails in books, history, and theaters rather than the courtroom.