Bahria University draws ire over fining female students for dressing ‘inappropriately’

In yet another appalling move, Bahria University in Islamabad has established a ‘proper’ dress code for its female students. In a message being attributed to the director that is circulating on Whatsapp, the university informed its female students that they will be fined Rs5,000 if they wear “jeans, tights, trousers or short shirts”.

In the past, the university has enforced similar discriminatory rules such as asking students to maintain a “6-inch distance” and barring female students from using all food outlets except ‘Dean’s Cafeteria’ at the campus.

Apparently, the only acceptable dress code is “shalwar with a long shirt” and a mandatory dupatta. The university notes that such a rule has been made due to “several unethical observations” and with the consent of parents and faculty members.

“Certain rules need to be followed as they are otherwise you may face consequences because it is from the higher authority.”

It is better to be “safe than sorry”, the notification notes, for all the students are “supposed to show a bit of compliance with the law or follow a proper channel against it”.

The orders are supposed to be in effect by January 14, 2019.

It seems like this new imposition has angered quite a few.

“Why doesn’t BU call itself a madrassah? After the 6 inches gap, the administration makes a mockery of itself by banning jeans, tights, and trousers for girls. What perverted, myopic sick pigs run this administration. Why don’t they just impose shuttlecock burqa?” a user wondered.

Bahria University apnay aap ko Madrassah kyun nahi bolti? After the 6 inches gap, Bahria administration makes a mockery of itself by banning jeans, tights, trousers of girls. What perverted, myopic sick pigs run this administration. Why don’t they just impose shuttlecock burqa? pic.twitter.com/SrJCLdeYeN

— ? (@Fay_Alif) January 11, 2019

Another user wondered if the university should call itself a school.

Not sure whether its university or school??‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/sY2GgeIeLc

— Nein. (@toobabaa) January 12, 2019

On a lighter note, at least the university’s policies are ‘meme material’.

New dress code at Bahria University @hashosayed @Official_BU pic.twitter.com/MxvvAi8fBv

— Sayed Safwan (@CafvanBaccir) January 12, 2019