The Chairman of the Forestry Department at Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Professor Dr Ehsan Qadir in Multan, has been removed from his post and suspended following a sexual harassment and rape complaint filed by a woman Assistant Professor.
The university spokesman confirmed the action on September 30, 2025, emphasising BZU’s commitment to addressing such serious allegations promptly.
According to the spokesman, BZU received the complaint on September 30, 2025. The Assistant Professor alleged sexual abuse and rape by the department chairman. The university acted swiftly by convening a meeting of its harassment committee to investigate the matter.
بہاؤ الدین زکریا یونیورسٹی ملتان کی خاتون پروفیسر کے ساتھ مبینہ جنسی زیادتی کا معاملہ، ملتان پولیس نے مقدمہ درج کر لیا، یونیورسٹی انتظامیہ نے مبینہ زیادتی کے مرتکب ہیڈ آف ڈیپارٹمنٹ پروفیسر ڈاکٹر احسان قادر کو عہدے سے ہٹا دیا pic.twitter.com/wuTplcy7YG
— Saddia Mazhar|سعدیہ مظہر (@SaddiaMazhar) September 30, 2025The accused chairman refused to attend the inquiry, citing that he was out of the city. Due to his absence, the committee immediately removed him from his position as Chairman of the Forestry Department and placed him under suspension.
The spokesman highlighted BZU’s dedication to ensuring a safe environment for all staff and students. The inquiry will proceed in accordance with established procedures under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, with updates to be provided as the investigation progresses.
The swift suspension reflects BZU’s zero-tolerance policy for harassment, aligning with the 70% of Pakistani universities that have adopted anti-harassment committees. Such actions protect victims and uphold institutional integrity, which is critical amid reports from 55% of female academics regarding workplace concerns.
