The Punjab Higher Education Commission has instructed the Vice Chancellor of Punjab University to investigate and submit findings regarding a complaint received from female and male students of the School of Communication Studies. The complaint is against a recently-hired dual national professor for allegedly discouraging students and expressing views against societal norms.
The complainant alleges that Prof Dr Hanan Ahmad, a professor in the Department of Communication Studies, is promoting LGBTQ+ agenda and discussing sex and body shaping subjects during lectures,” stated Murtaza Omer Bhatt, Deputy Director for Administration and Facilitation at the Punjab Higher Education Commission, in a letter to the vice chancellor.
Quoting the complainant, the official further confirmed that the professor often used ‘disgraceful’ language for university staff and students. “I am directed to request you (the vice chancellor) to look into the matter and submit your findings,” the official said in the letter, dated 12 February 2024. The commission also enclosed a copy of the complaint with the letter.
“We, the students of Communication Studies, want to bring to your attention that a new professor, Dr. Hanan Ahmad, is promoting LGBTQ+ agenda and discussing body shaping subjects during lectures,” wrote the complainant in a letter to the Punjab Higher Education Commission, noting that the professor’s subject matter does not relate to these topics. “Perhaps he has serious issues because he is unmarried,” the complainant added.
“He tries to portray himself as a 55-year-old ‘young boy,’ showing interest in female students and encouraging them to contact him via email,” the complainant stated about the professor, without providing any evidence. “Girls in our class often feel very uncomfortable in his presence,” the complainant wrote, adding that their class had approached the school’s Director, Dr. Nosheena Saleem, to file a complaint against the professor.
The complainant mentioned that the school director did not take action against the professor and even praised Dr. Hanan Ahmad. “Our director informed the students that Dr. Hanan Ahmad is the only good professor and is even more qualified than the vice chancellor.” The complainant stated that the school director supported Dr. Hanan Ahmad and reprimanded the class students for submitting a complaint against him. Dr. Nosheena Saleem is the actual sister of Dr. Hanan Ahmad.
“A teacher should motivate students, not demotivate them,” the complainant was quoted as saying. He mentioned that university students are unable to confront the situation within the school, as the director is the real sister of the professor who praises LUMS and LSE while disparaging Punjab University as a madrassa. “He brings disgrace to our university on a daily basis,” the complainant added regarding the professor.
