Sardar University Incident: Journalist Ghareeda Farooqi Raises Questions Over Response to Alleged Harassment
ISLAMABAD: Journalist Ghareeda Farooqi has commented on the reported Sardar University incident involving Lieutenant Colonel Asfandiyar Wali, saying emotional reactions can occur when a family member is allegedly subjected to abuse or harassment, while stressing that the military has strict accountability and disciplinary procedures.
In a post on X, Farooqi said Lieutenant Colonel Asfandiyar Wali belongs to Charsadda and is a Pashtun. She questioned what the reaction would be if any Pashtun woman were publicly abused, insulted, dragged or allegedly subjected to inappropriate behaviour.
Farooqi said the appropriate course of action would have been for the officer to file a formal complaint regarding the alleged mistreatment of his wife and seek action through established procedures. However, she added that a person could lose composure when confronted with an alleged incident involving his wife or another female family member.
She nevertheless emphasised that the military maintains a strict system of accountability, leaving little room for violations of discipline.
According to details cited by Farooqi regarding the incident, Lieutenant Colonel Asfandiyar Wali’s wife, Dr Aina, teaches at the university and had an issue with the head of her department. The HoD was reportedly suspended after a case against the official was established. Students supporting the HoD were protesting for his reinstatement.
Farooqi said that when Dr Aina encountered the protesting students, she was allegedly subjected to abusive and inappropriate language. Some reports also alleged that she faced inappropriate physical conduct by students.
According to the account, Dr Aina immediately called her husband, who arrived at the university. Footage of what happened afterwards has circulated publicly.
Lieutenant Colonel Asfandiyar is reportedly in custody while an investigation is underway. He could face disciplinary action over the alleged violation of military discipline and the reported use of an official pistol.
Farooqi reiterated that the matter should ideally have been handled through formal complaint and legal procedures, while noting that the military’s disciplinary system would ultimately determine responsibility for any alleged misconduct.
