Anger is growing among students as the scandal sheds light on the dark side of the abuse of academic power in Pakistani colleges and universities.
Islamia University Bahawalpur Lecturer Accused of Demanding Favors for Marks (VIDEO). Another horrific story of sexual harassment has rocked Islamia University Bahawalpur, with a lecturer caught preying on female students in exchange for grades.
The accused, identified as Ahmed Mahmood, a lecturer in software engineering, was caught red-handed by a local TV in an explosive investigative show that exposed his disturbing tactics of academic blackmail, sexual coercion and abuse of power.
In the sting operation, Mahmood deliberately failed female students and later contacted them privately, offering to “help” them pass, but only in exchange for sexual favors. He didn’t stop there, as male students were also allegedly forced to pay bribes for better grades, revealing a deep-rooted culture of corruption.
The entire conversation was captured on hidden camera, as the lecturer tried to seduce a female student with promises of a laptop and shopping, while repeatedly making inappropriate physical advances. He believed he was working undercover – until he was confronted by the public figures.
Mahmood was cornered and exposed while trying to flee the scene. When shown the damaging footage, he broke down and confessed to the crime. He has since been arrested, while the university administration has ordered a ban on his entry and a full investigation by the anti-harassment committee.
Anger is growing among students as the scandal sheds light on the dark side of the abuse of academic power in Pakistani colleges and universities. Students and activists are now questioning how such behavior went undetected for so long, and whether other victims will come forward.
In 2024, the Lahore High Court (LHC) had formed a full court bench to hear cases involving alleged rape and harassment of female students at various educational institutions. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum took up the matter following the alleged rape incident at a Punjab College campus, which triggered widespread protests across Punjab. In response, the government imposed Section 144 to ban public gatherings, leading to the arrest of several hundred protesters, including those raising concerns over a reported suicide at Punjab University and a harassment case at LCWU.
