Misuse of technology is like an axe in the hands of a pathological criminal. Hidden miniature cameras have been found in a co-ed private school in Karachi. One camera was installed at a male washroom and another at a female one. It is not known for how long the cameras had been there and the privacy of how many people was violated, before the device was discovered. Some staffers, sensing the presence of the concealed objects within the premises of the school, had complained to the relevant government department. Authorities had issued repeated warnings and served several notices on the school management, but all this was reportedly disregarded. Finally a few days ago, a government team discovered the two hidden cameras while carrying out a thorough search of the school. Upon this, the provincial government suspended registration of the school. Even after this, the school was allegedly functioning.

All this makes a strong case for action against the school management’s reported failure to explain its position with regard to the situation. A thorough inquiry should be conducted into the filthy affair to fix responsibility. Those who installed the cameras and their facilitators ought to be given deterrent punishment to prevent the occurrence of such incidents in future. The violation of privacy is a most serious issue of discipline, so all those involved in the crime ought to be punished without dragging the matter over time. Delay in identifying and prosecuting the criminals and attempts to push the matter under the rug will only embolden such law-breakers. The media should regularly follow up the case in order to keep the public informed of the progress in this regard.

However, the suspension of the school’s registration is harsh as it will disrupt students’ education and render teachers and staffers jobless. The authorities should ensure the continuation of education and protection of jobs. People should be made aware of the importance of discipline in all walks of life, most of all in the sphere of education.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8^th, 2021.

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