The Punjab government has directed all public schools across the province to establish anti-harassment committees to ensure a safe and respectful environment for students.
The directive was issued by the School Education Department (SED) on Thursday, following Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s instructions on the International Day of the Girl Child.
According to the notification, these committees will provide a “confidential and effective mechanism” to handle sexual harassment complaints under the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010.
Each primary, elementary, secondary, and higher secondary school must set up a committee chaired by the head of the institution, including at least three teachers with mandatory representation of women.
The committees will receive and investigate complaints privately, protect complainants during proceedings, ensure fair inquiries, maintain records, and submit regular reports to the respective District Education Authorities (DEAs).
