HEC irked by recent mishaps in universities, stresses protection of students' privacy rights.

ISLAMABAD -- Apart from their educational rights, the right of students' safety and privacy also needs to be protected, and the misuse of technology available to universities under Smart University Programme must be impeded.

This was stated by Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) while talking to media persons on Tuesday.

The media briefing was held in the backdrop of recent tragic incidents in various universities across the country, including the alleged breach of students' privacy at the University of Balochistan, mysterious death of a student at Shaheed Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Larkana, alleged negligence that caused death of a student in Bahria University, Islamabad, death of a student of COMSATS University, Islamabad, and the students attack on Vice Chancellor Federal Urdu University, Karachi.

Dr. Banuri informed the media persons that HEC is revising its Anti-Harassment Policy to overcome loopholes and present viable solutions to harassment cases. He regretted that suicide incidents claim more lives than violence incidents in the country.

The Chairman emphasised on psychological counselling of students so as to prepare them to tackle mental stresses. He said the presence of medical officers as well as psychological counsellors on campuses is a must to ensure timely support to students facing medical or psychological challenges.

He stressed the need for training students on the conduct they need to adopt while using social media. He said verbal violence has gone on the rise on the social media and the students need to be trained on demonstrating civility.

Dr. Banuri condemned the recent incidents, stating that they must be taken seriously. He said the entire educational system needs to perform in the right way. "We must not shirk our responsibilities in this regard." He emphasised on setting up a system which could help determine those responsible for such mishaps.

He said HEC is in contact with the government to realize...