Ragging (locally referred to as fooling) is a practice in many Pakistani colleges, universities and hostels where senior students subject freshers or junior students to various forms of harassment, humiliation, or coercion. While sometimes defended as an initiation rite or lighthearted tradition, in many documented cases, ragging has serious negative consequences, including psychological distress, academic decline, physical abuse, and violations of dignity. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]
Ragging in Pakistan has its roots in old educational cultures where seniority and hierarchy play a strong role. Over time, ragging has become the norm in many public and private institutions as part of the “freshers’ experience”. It can occur in academic settings, hostels/residential settings, orientation periods, and informal senior-junior interactions. Some students and institutions view milder forms of ragging as bonding or tradition. However, others view it as a serious abuse of power. [3] [4]
In the University of Punjab, the new students in the Fine Arts department were reportedly forced to undress in front of other students during ragging. [15] [17]
In the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, seniors allegedly threw bags and balloons filled with chemicals/petrol at freshmen during ragging, causing burn injuries. [9]
In Peshawar, some families have sought police intervention to curb fooling/ragging in colleges after severe humiliation incidents. [13]
Unlike some countries where anti-ragging laws are clearly formulated, Pakistan does not have a strong central law specifically targeting ragging across all institutions. Many calls from civil society and opinion pieces push for legislation. [18] [16]
Some colleges and universities issue warnings, have disciplinary committees, and may suspend students. [3] Some police involvement occurs when incidents are severe or a complaint is filed by a parent. [13] [15] [19]
Many incidents go unreported. Institutional accountability is often weak. If no one reports, elders can act with impunity. [16] [15]
Some institutions have anti-harassment policies and guidelines (especially in the HEI context) to provide a safe environment. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) sets policies for sexual harassment, etc., although ragging is less consistently regulated. [20] [18] [16]