Peshawar: A heated argument over the necessity of a Veil (Hijaab) turned violent, between a vieled female student and a lecturer. The teacher lost his temper and beat-up the first-year student. This has triggered a strong protest from many students, who demanded that the teacher be dismissed from the Khyber Medical College. The college principal Dr Ijaz Hussain Khan had to intervene and assure the students about a thorough inquiry about the incident and strict disciplinary action. He convinced the students to call off their protest and the college administration immediately formed an inquiry committee comprising of very senior members. Some students are still continuing with their peaceful protest and urged the management to ensure the immediate termination of this lecturer – Prof. Rahim Bangash who teaches Anatomy and other related subjects. The girl student was recently selected as the class representative, and Prof. Bangash insisted that, being a class rep she should not wear the Head-Scarf and veil. Since the girl had simply refused to conform to the lecturer's wish, it created a conflict between the two. Infuriated by her disobedience, the teacher thrashed the girl, and left the institution. The students responded by protesting all over the college and chanting slogans against his aggression. The Principal – Dr Ijaz declared it as a minor issue and a simple confusion among the students, which will be resolved very soon. A high-level inquiry committee under the supervision of Senior Professor Dr Liaquat Ali, comprising of Dr. Humayun, Prof Noor Sahib Khan and Prof Bushra Ifitkhar, has been formed to look into the matter and find an amicable solution to the commotion. The principal instructed the committee to hear out the verdicts of both the individuals involved and the eye-witnesses and produce a report on the facts. This report will clarify the situation and enable a fair decision. The girl student has requested anonymity. She has already appeared before the committee and explained her stance on the matter. The Khyber Medical College, which is a leading medical education institution operating since 1955, has recently implemented a dress-code for the male and female students. The dress-code defines the female uniform as a Maroon colored Kameez with a white Shalwaar, a Dopatta and a Lab-Coat. A white Abaaya is an optional element in the dress-code for women. The male students have to wear a white shirt with a white shalwaar or Gray trousers with black shoes and a Lab Coat.
