“…My mother phoned me, anxious about what had happened. So, I told my brother to console her because I didn’t want her to worry. Internally, I knew that justice would be served no matter how bad it got. But it would not have been possible without so many unsung heroes who united together and restored my faith in humanity. Because of them, society is still standing”
– Muhammad Gibrail in his exclusive interview with IBA Today.
25th August 2021. An ordinary day seeped in extraordinary circumstances, as Muhammad Gibrail’s Facebook post about witnessing harassment at IBA goes viral, sparking fervent reactions and controversy. 21st January 2022, IBA presents the results of its investigation into the matter, bringing the long-drawn chapter finally to a close, nearly 5 months later.
Turning back the clock
“When I posted what I’d witnessed, on social media, I had no idea it would escalate like it did…”
And yet it did just that. Expecting the institute to take prompt action against the accused, Gibrail was “astounded” when the tables were turned on him, as he came under fire from IBA’s Disciplinary Committee.
Despite numerous student protests (the first of their kind), and an outpouring of support from all ends, Gibrail was expelled from the university on grounds of defamation and not using the ‘right channels’ to express his complaints. The move sent ripples of shock through the community, reaching all the way to Jibran Nasir and Dawn.
If expelling Gibrail was intended to have quelled the movement, well…it only seemed to have the opposite effect. Protests intensified as the case gained further publicity, and eventually, IBA acquiesced, with Dr. Akbar Zaidi reinstating Gibrail and promising to investigate the matter under an Anti-Harassment Committee.
Finally…a Verdict On The Harassment Case
That is the point, perhaps, where many of those involved last heard of the issue. Yet, on 21st January 2022, IBA circulated the following email:
Then, on 22nd February, IBA’s registrar resigned. The individual had come under immense scrutiny following his involvement in the case and was being investigated for abuse of power. While the anti-harassment committee recommended a 2-week suspension and apology, he resigned before a final decision could be taken by the administration. However, the administration hasn’t accepted his resignation officially.
You could almost sense the eruption of relief, as IBA finally ruled in Gibrail’s favor, validating all the sacrifices and struggles of the past few months, and perhaps, setting the groundwork for future change. As for Gibrail, the ruling is an auspicious one, though he does wish for more abrupt reforms:
“Alhamdullilah, Akber Zaidi sahib kept to his word and the chief aggressor was rusticated…but we still need abrupt transformation. Because this isn’t an isolated event and harassment is still an issue…but I’m hopeful that the dean will bring about change in the future InshaAllah”.
What This Means Going Forward For IBA
Gibrail’s case may be a solitary one, but it does have meaningful implications. Most importantly, it symbolizes the power of integrity; the influence an individual’s unwavering determination and moral steadfastness can have in uniting the community and mobilizing them for change. What started off as a student’s plea to help a female employee in need, ended up improving an educational environment for the better, simply through the need for accountability and justice.
That said, it must be remembered that sexual harassment is still a very relevant issue in today’s male-dominated society. Gibrail may have won out, but for every little victory achieved, there are numerous voices that are still unheard – helpless and drowning in oppression. Spreading awareness and standing up for those unable to do so should be the very least we must do.
It remains to be seen whether the changes promised in the email are duly implemented. But for now, a small win for the little guy.
“…and to end I’d just like to quote Che Guevara who said: Mei ne qabron mei un logon ko bhi dekha hai, jo apnay time mei is liye haq ke liye nahi kharay huay the ke shaayad wo maaray jayen ge.”
Let this be a lesson to us all for the future.
