April 21, 2022 – The Women University Swabi (WUS) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has banned mobile phones and tablets on campus, according to an official notification dated April 19, 2022.
“It is notified for the information of all students that smartphones/touch screen mobiles or tablets will not be allowed on the premises of Women University Swabi with effect from April 20, 2022,” states the notice, a copy of which is available with DRM.
“It has been observed that students use extensive social media during university timings which affects their education, behaviour and performance.”
The notice added that the university would take strict action against students in case of violation. The authority would confiscate phones and impose a fine of Rs5,000.
The notification has drawn strong criticism on social media. Some people commented that WUS has many issues that need to be resolved but use of mobile phones is not one of them. Others argued that phones are essential for students on campuses in today’s digital age and that banning them will only have a negative impact on studies. Some users appealed to the government to repeal the ban as well.
The universities in KP have a history of placing controversial restrictions on women. Last year, the Hazara University in Mansehra directed female students to wear shalwar kameez and male students to come in formal attire, either eastern or western. “Heavy makeup”, handbags and jewellery were banned as well.
