ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has instructed all public and private medical and dental colleges to establish anti-harassment committees within their institutions to prevent and address harassment complaints.

The directive aims to create a safer and more respectful environment for students, faculty and staff in medical and dental institutions.

Workplace harassment is a significant issue in Pakistan, affecting both men and women. These anti-harassment committees will likely focus on handling complaints related to harassment, raising awareness about respectful conduct, and implementing measures to prevent harassment. This move aligns with broader efforts in Pakistan to strengthen anti- harassment policies and protect individuals in educational and professional settings, said the PMDC.

According to a statement, the PMDC has taken the step to ensure safe, respectful and harassment-free environments within public medical and dental institutions across the country. As part of this initiative, PMDC has mandated the establishment of anti-harassment committees in all public medical and dental colleges.

The directives stated that all public medical and dental colleges form dedicated committees to combat harassment in educational institutions. “This critical step will help create respectful and supportive spaces for students, faculty and staff,” it stated.

These committees will be entrusted with investigating harassment complaints and will be bound to submit their reports within 10 days of receiving a complaint to the respective institution.

PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj stated that the council believed that these anti-harassment committees will play an essential role in promoting accountability, strengthening preventive measures and will encourage individuals to report any cases of harassment without fear.

Workplace harassment goes beyond sexual harassment; it encompasses a wide range of discrimination and mistreatment, including gender-based discrimination that undermines professional abilities. It also includes verbal harassment like offensive language, insult and rumour-spreading as well as physical intimidation or unwanted contact.

“Psychological harassment through bullying, criticism and exclusion, ethnic and disability-based discrimination often involving slurs and stereotypes are also considered. Age-related and religious harassment involved derogatory comments or exclusion and abuse of authority with unrealistic expectations or public humiliation,” he said.

He said these types of harassment create a toxic work environment, impacting mental health and productivity. The biggest harassment was punishment for reporting these types of issues or opposing unethical practices, harassments.

“PMDC encourages all students, faculty, and staff to actively contribute to maintain a respectful atmosphere by supporting and cooperating with these committees. Together, we can create an academic environment where everyone can work, learn and grow without the threat of harassment,” Dr Taj said.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2024