Khyber Medical University (KMU) has officially prohibited ‘intimate relationship’ between members of staff and students in accordance with the Higher Education Commission to put an end to harassment on campuses.

Dr Brekhna Jamil, the chairperson of KMU’s harassment inquiry committee, issued the notification, stating that severe penalties will be implemented if the policy is violated along with a possible oral or written “reprimand, dismissal, suspension, expulsion, disciplinary probation, imposition of fine, withholding of degree, cancellation of professional licence, inclusion of decision in personal file and other related sanctions as deemed appropriate,” reports Dawn.

“These relationships pose conflicts of interest, compromise professional judgment, and risk the credibility of the institution. The individuals involved in such relationships should declare it,” the notification read — titled ‘Prohibition of intimate or romantic relationships between faculty members, staff and students as per HEC’s policy on protection against sexual harassment in higher education institutions 2020,’ .