March 14, 2025
By Muhammad Khursheed
MANSEHRA
The quiet town of Manshera in Khyber Pukhunkhwa has been shaken by a scandal that exposes not only the depravity of an individual but also the systemic failures that allow such crimes to persist.
A government schoolteacher, Tufail, has been arrested for allegedly making inappropriate videos of underage schoolgirls. Nearly a hundred explicit videos were recovered from his mobile phone, revealing a pattern of exploitation that went unchecked for years. The accused also ran a private tuition center, where he reportedly harassed girls, further compounding the gravity of his actions.
The incident came to light when the brother of one of the victims received a video three days ago, prompting him to file a case. However, the incident itself occurred two years ago, raising questions about the delays in justice.
“The phone of the accused contained videos of multiple girls, all filmed within the school premises,” said Mansehra’s SP Investigation Sheraz Khan. “This is not just a crime against individuals but a failure of the entire system.”
No monitoring
This shocking revelation has exposed the lack of effective monitoring systems in schools, with no functional CCTV cameras to deter such crimes.
Social activist Raza Tanoli condemned the culture of suppressing such incidents in the name of honor. “These girls are heroes for coming forward. But instead of supporting them, we often silence them to protect so-called ‘honor.’ This is wrong. Stricter charges must be filed, and the system must ensure justice,” he said.
Tanoli also criticised the local police for their initial reluctance to register the case, highlighting the need for systemic reforms.
“In Mansehra alone, dozens of such cases are reported every year, but hundreds more go unreported. This is a systemic failure that must be addressed,” he added.
Local journalist Sher Afzal Gujjar, who broke the story, revealed that while nearly 100 videos were recovered from the accused’s phone, the police have kept this information confidential.
“The incident is two years old, but the victim’s family only received the video three days ago. This delay is unacceptable. Such incidents empower those who oppose women’s education, as they exploit these scandals to further their agenda,” he said.
Gujjar also expressed disappointment at the District Education Officer’s dismissal of the incident as ‘minor’. “Calling this a minor incident is not just insensitive—it’s dangerous. It sends the wrong message to both victims and perpetrators,” he said.
The scandal has also brought to light the psychological toll on the victims.
“Many girls endure harassment in silence because they fear they might have to leave school. They are blackmailed and manipulated into staying quiet. Parents must create a safe space where girls feel comfortable sharing their experiences without fear of judgment or repercussions,” Police Clinical Psychologist Lubna Safeer explained.
Her words underscore the need for a supportive environment to help victims heal and speak out.
The victim’s brother, who chose to remain anonymous, shared his anguish over the handling of the case. “When the FIR copy was shared on social media, it didn’t encourage my sister—it discouraged her. It felt like we were the ones being punished, not the accused. The system failed us,” he said. His words highlight the emotional trauma faced by victims and their families, who often feel revictimised by the very systems meant to protect them.
Mansehra Assistant District Education Officer Touseef Khan stated that the accused has been suspended and an inquiry committee has been formed. “We take this matter seriously. The accused has been suspended, and a thorough investigation is underway to ensure justice is served,” he said. However, his assurance comes amid widespread criticism of the education department’s failure to prevent such incidents. The lack of functional CCTV cameras and monitoring systems in schools has been a glaring issue, with many questioning how such exploitation could go unnoticed for so long.
This incident is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within our educational institutions and the urgent need for reforms. From better monitoring systems to psychological support for victims, the path to justice and prevention is long but necessary. Manshera’s scandal is not just a local issue—it is a call to action for society to protect its children and ensure that such crimes are never repeated.