In response to rising concerns about harassment in educational institutions, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the formation of an 18-member committee, led by the Special Secretary for School Education, to establish a safer environment for students in schools. The decision underscores the court’s commitment to addressing student harassment proactively.

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The newly-formed committee, formally announced by the School Education Department (SED) Punjab, will focus on tackling harassment among students across Punjab’s schools. It will be chaired by the Secretary of the SED and include a diverse team of experts from both government and legal backgrounds. Key members include the Director General of the Child Protection and Welfare Board (CPWB), Assistant Advocate General Punjab Muhammad Usman Khan, and the Managing Director of the Punjab Curriculum Text Book Board. Representatives from the Special Education, Literacy, and Non-Formal Basic Education departments will also contribute their expertise.

Legal experts and child rights advocates have been appointed to the committee as well, including Assistant Attorney General Mohammad Umar Tariq Gul, Senior Law Officer for the School Education Department, and barristers Muhammad Ahmed Pansuta, Ramla Altaf Baig, Miss Sabah Farooq, and Sahar Bandial. Child rights advocate Valerie Khan will lend her expertise to further the committee’s understanding of student welfare needs.

The committee’s convener has been granted the authority to add more members as needed, ensuring flexibility to address evolving challenges related to student safety in educational institutions. This proactive approach seeks to foster a harassment-free environment, allowing students to pursue education in a secure and supportive setting across Punjab.

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