• Pakistan Govt bans smartphones for students at All-girls University

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    Pakistan Govt bans smartphones for students at All-girls University
    In the case of a breach, the institution will take strong action against students and will impose a fine of Rs 5,000 as a punishment. 

    Digital Desk: An all-girls institution in Pakistan's conservative northwest has barred students from using smartphones on campus, according to the local news agency. 

    Women University Swabi is in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where Taliban terrorists are active and periodically target girls' schools.

    According to Samaa TV, the university chancellor issued a statement stating that "smartphones/touch screen mobile or tablets would not be permitted in the premises of Women University Swabi beginning April 20, 2022." 

    Students have been observed using extensive social media platforms during university hours, which impacts their education, behaviour, and performance. So, students are not permitted to use mobile phones during university hours, the notification read.

    In the case of a breach, the institution will take strong action against students and will impose a fine of Rs 5,000 as a punishment. 

    Notably, female students are frequently subjected to strict regulations at universities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including dress requirements and hairstyles. Female students at the province's universities are required to wear salwar kameez.

    In March last year, Peshawar University ordered students to adhere to the new dress code and to wear their chest cards at all times. It stated that women must wear white salwars with kameez of their choice, and males must dress decently.

    University administrators said that the dress code would ensure that the students wear similar-looking garments when they come to the University.

    On January 9, 2021, the Hazara University in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Mansehra district ordered women to wear salwar kameez with a dupatta, chador, or abaya. Under the new restrictions, heavy make-up, jewelry, and expensive handbags were prohibited.

    Men were instructed to dress in either formal eastern or western clothing. Students are not permitted to wear cut, torn, or skin-tight jeans, shorts, slippers, or accessories such as earrings and chains.

    According to a Samaa TV report, the university made plain, formal hair and beard styles compulsory.