Punjab Governor Vows Zero Tolerance for Campus Harassment, Drugs

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Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan reaffirmed a strict zero-tolerance policy against harassment and drug use in universities, prioritizing a safe academic environment.

On August 2, 2025, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, who also serves as Chancellor of public and private universities in the province, reiterated his firm stance against harassment and drug use on university campuses during a visit to Government Sadiq College Women University in Bahawalpur. Speaking at the inauguration of the Arfa Karim Academic Block, he emphasized that any incident of harassment, particularly in women’s institutions, would result in severe consequences, including dismissal and legal action, as reported by the Associated Press of Pakistan. He stressed that ensuring a secure and merit-based academic environment is a top priority for his administration.

Governor Khan’s remarks build on his earlier statements at Punjab University’s 134th Convocation on February 24, 2025, where he declared that all female students are like his daughters, deserving the same safe environment he would want for his own family. He highlighted plans to address shortcomings in the semester system to curb harassment and announced a vice-chancellors’ conference to tackle university challenges, according to Dawn. The governor’s office has been actively working to promote transparency and reform in higher education, with a focus on eliminating favoritism and upholding meritocracy, as noted in a Radio Pakistan report.

He also addressed the issue of drug use, reinforcing that campuses must remain free of such vices to protect students’ futures. During his Bahawalpur visit, he praised the role of South Punjab’s educational institutions in driving social and economic progress, urging continued efforts to maintain high standards.

This renewed push reflects the government’s broader goal of fostering safe, disciplined academic spaces. By prioritizing accountability and merit, Governor Khan aims to restore trust in Punjab’s universities, ensuring they serve as beacons of learning and integrity for all students.