SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institution

Introduction:

At GIKI, the principles of SDG 16—promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions—are woven into the institute’s academic culture, governance, and student engagement. The institute strives to foster an environment grounded in transparency, ethical conduct, and mutual respect, encouraging students to become responsible citizens and future leaders. Through student societies, policy awareness initiatives, and a commitment to fair and accountable administrative practices, GIKI supports the development of inclusive and participatory structures. These efforts reflect the institute’s broader mission to contribute to a just, peaceful, and well-governed society.

Grievance and Complaint Management Framework

GIK Institute has established a formal Grievance Policy that provides a transparent and structured mechanism for reporting and resolving complaints related to workplace issues, policy violations, health and safety concerns, discrimination, and other institutional matters. The policy applies to all faculty and staff members and ensures that grievances are handled promptly, fairly, and confidentially.

Grievance Policy available at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15cbMV2K0m1Lpfx2tCbIq85JTP90u8czm/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103367545308437523285&rtpof=true&sd=true

TORs sexual Harassment Policy:

https://giki.edu.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GIK_TOR-SEXUAL-HARRASSMENT-POLICY-approved.pdf

The grievance system is guided by the principles of:

• Confidentiality and protection of information;
• Fairness, impartiality, and professionalism;
• Protection against retaliation or discrimination;
• Timely investigation and resolution of complaints; and
• Right to appeal decisions through a defined process.

A Grievance Committee, comprising representatives from different departments and both male and female employees, investigates complaints and recommends corrective actions. The policy also includes defined timelines for complaint filing, investigation, decision-making, and appeals to ensure accountability and effectiveness.

Whistleblowing and Protection Mechanisms

The Institute encourages employees and students to report concerns regarding misconduct, unethical practices, policy violations, harassment, abuse of authority, and unsafe working conditions without fear of retaliation. Complainants, respondents, and witnesses are protected throughout the investigation process, and all complaints are treated with strict confidentiality.

An open-door policy is promoted across departments to encourage constructive feedback, early reporting of concerns, and resolution of issues before they escalate.

Sexual Harassment Policy

GIK Institute has adopted the sexual harassment framework prescribed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and implements the provisions of the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010. The Institute maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards sexual harassment and is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The policy covers all forms of harassment, including:

• Verbal harassment;
• Non-verbal harassment;
• Physical harassment;
• Digital and online harassment;
• Abuse of authority and power-based harassment; and
• Gender-based discrimination and misconduct.

All complaints are investigated through a formal and confidential process, ensuring due process and protection of all parties involved. Policy available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XEFBQur1bTmqssAt-E88a7q2y2BnMPGM/view?usp=sharing

Harassment Complaint Cell

To address complaints related to sexual harassment and gender-based misconduct, GIK Institute has established a Harassment Complaint Cell/Inquiry Committee in accordance with HEC guidelines.

The committee is responsible for:

• Receiving and registering harassment complaints;
• Conducting impartial investigations;
• Ensuring confidentiality of proceedings;
• Recommending disciplinary and corrective actions;
• Providing guidance and support to complainants; and
• Promoting awareness regarding harassment prevention and reporting mechanisms.

The committee consists of male and female members representing different academic and administrative units, ensuring diversity, fairness, and impartiality in handling complaints.

Awareness and Capacity Building

To strengthen awareness regarding rights, responsibilities, and reporting mechanisms, GIK Institute has integrated Gender Sensitivity and Safe Learning Environment modules into undergraduate curricula beginning from Fall 2025.

The module includes dedicated sessions on:

• Gender equality and equity;
• Gender-based stereotypes;
• Legal and policy frameworks for gender equality;
• Harassment prevention and response mechanisms;
• Protection Against Harassment legislation; and
• The role of the Institute’s Harassment Complaint Cell.

These sessions ensure that students are aware of institutional complaint channels, reporting procedures, and support systems available to them.

Gender sensitivity at UG level adoption: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RiCMj1O2jgvb31IcRdYjj4fzJK-oXQNQ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lXzUgzbUcnkJFks2cp-lsfaB43MU68T9/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a88TtuYQN6mMdlzxSxvuSBHwdPKQMuv_/view?usp=sharing

Link to harassment complaint cell composition at GIKI: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VfM5fgT3kYRmG1BfclQxQD9UUXwy34wN/view?usp=sharing

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

The Institute periodically reviews grievance and harassment-related cases, monitors implementation of committee recommendations, and undertakes awareness initiatives to strengthen institutional accountability and workplace well-being. Through these mechanisms, GIK Institute maintains a robust whistleblowing and complaint system that promotes transparency, ethical conduct, and a safe campus environment for all stakeholders.

Women Engineers Society at GIK Institute:

The Women Engineers Society (WES) at GIKI is a dynamic platform dedicated to empowering female students and promoting gender inclusivity within the engineering community. Through mentorship programs, technical workshops, leadership trainings, and networking events, WES encourages women to excel in STEM fields and take on influential roles in academia, industry, and innovation. The society also collaborates with national and international organizations to provide opportunities for skills development, professional exposure, and career growth. By fostering a supportive and inspiring environment, WES contributes significantly to the advancement of SDG 5: Gender Equality, helping bridge gender gaps in engineering and ensuring that women at GIKI are equipped to thrive as future leaders and changemakers.

https://www.facebook.com/giki.wes

Anti-Corruption and Integrity System of GIKI

 The anti-corruption and integrity system of the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI) is based on the principles of honesty, transparency, accountability, fairness, and ethical conduct. The institute aims to create an environment where students, faculty, and staff act responsibly and uphold high moral standards in all academic and administrative activities.

 Key components of the system include:

Code of Conduct

• • Students, faculty, and employees are expected to follow established ethical guidelines.
  • Any form of bribery, favoritism, misuse of authority, or academic dishonesty is prohibited.

Link to code of conduct/ethics policy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NtsBFdLtcL28QQ036gNvjJH5fnI2kO8i/view?usp=sharing

Academic Integrity

• • Plagiarism, cheating in examinations, and falsification of research data are strictly forbidden.
  • Students are encouraged to produce original work and properly acknowledge sources.

Anti-plagiarism Policy is available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1poVU-q8hP_mFhObK2VjrWT6hRPanNq4d/view?usp=sharing

Transparent Administration

• • Admissions, scholarships, hiring, procurement, and financial processes are conducted through clear and fair procedures.
  • Decisions are made on merit and according to institutional policies.

Academic Policy is available here: https://giki.edu.pk/academics/academic-setup/

Accountability and Reporting

• • Individuals can report unethical behavior, corruption, or misconduct through appropriate university channels.
  • Complaints are investigated fairly while maintaining confidentiality where necessary.

Harassment complaint cell: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z4MwM0isejILkf-h5o5U_k6GJCQpYp9y/view?usp=sharing

Student Handbook with clear policies: https://giki.edu.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GIK-Institute-Student-Handbook-2023-24-General-Rules-Policies-and-Disicpline.pdf

Awareness and Ethical Culture

• • GIKI promotes integrity through orientation programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns.
  • Students are encouraged to develop leadership qualities based on honesty and responsibility.

Ethics policy available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NtsBFdLtcL28QQ036gNvjJH5fnI2kO8i/view?usp=sharing

Disciplinary Actions

• • Violations of integrity and anti-corruption policies may result in warnings, suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary measures depending on the severity of the offense.

Disciplinary policy in student handbook: https://giki.edu.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GIK-Institute-Student-Handbook-2023-24-General-Rules-Policies-and-Disicpline.pdf

The anti-corruption Policy of the Institute is available at:

 https://giki.edu.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Anti-bribery-and-Corruption-Policy.pdf

 Some of the anti-corruption awareness initiatives at GIKI in the past are as follows:

 https://giki.edu.pk/2023/07/31/cbs-anti-corruption-awareness-campaign-competition-november-2022/

 Awareness and Ethical Culture

GIKI promotes integrity through orientation programs, workshops, awareness campaigns, and formal academic instruction to develop a strong culture of ethics and accountability across the Institute.

GIKI offers a dedicated undergraduate course, Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Engineering Profession, which familiarizes engineering students with professional ethics, legal responsibilities, engineering codes of conduct, intellectual property rights, environmental and social responsibilities, occupational safety, professional accountability, and ethical decision-making in engineering practice.

The course equips students to recognize ethical dilemmas, understand anti-corruption principles, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and uphold integrity throughout their professional careers.

In addition to the academic curriculum, GIKI regularly organizes orientation sessions, seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns that promote ethical leadership, transparency, responsible citizenship, and anti-corruption values among students, faculty, and staff.

Students are encouraged to develop leadership qualities based on honesty, responsibility, fairness, and respect for institutional values.

https://giki.edu.pk/course/legal-and-ethical-dimensions-of-engineering-profession/

Dr. Fazal Khalid, SI, Rector GIKI participated in Pre-Conference at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Roundtable AI and Academic Integrity: Navigating Ethical Issues in Education.

Supreme Court of Pakistan inks MoUs with GIKI for judicial reforms

https://www.app.com.pk/national/sc-inks-mous-with-lums-and-giki-for-judicial-reforms/

Supreme Court of Pakistan signed MoU with Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI) to enhance judicial efficiency, transparency and technological advancement.

This collaboration aims to develop a litigant-feedback scorecard to assess public satisfaction with court services and improve transparency. It also focuses on enhancing citizen engagement by adopting modern communication tools, ensuring greater accessibility for litigants and the general public.

The MoU will also strengthen IT capacity within SC through specialised training programmes in collaboration with the Federal Judicial Academy, covering key areas such as Agile methodology, cybersecurity, data analytics and emerging technologies. A comprehensive assessment will identify existing skill gaps and targeted training programmes will equip SCP’s IT team to handle new technologies and infrastructure effectively.

Additionally, the partnership will establish a central repository of IT best practices, troubleshooting guides and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to streamline digital operations within the SCP. Annual perception surveys will be conducted to evaluate public and stakeholder views on judicial efficiency and transparency with the findings serving as a foundation for judicial reforms.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1897101

 

2% renowned Scientist Podcast by Microsoft Club 20^th September 2024

The Microsoft Club, under the Department of Student Affairs, organized the 2% Renowned Scientist Podcast at GIKI on 20th September 2024. The podcast featured insightful discussions with a distinguished scientist, offering students valuable perspectives on research, innovation, and the scientific journey. It aimed to inspire curiosity, promote ethical practices in science, and encourage responsible use of resources in technological advancement.

By advancing educational opportunities, fostering transparent knowledge-sharing, and promoting responsible production in scientific endeavors, the event aligned with SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

GIMUN XVI by SOPHEP 15^th-17^th November 2024

From 15th to 17th November 2024, SOPHEP, under the Department of Student Affairs at GIKI, organized GIMUN XVI, one of the most prestigious Model United Nations conferences in Pakistan. The event gathered delegates from across the country to engage in debate, diplomacy, and problem-solving on pressing global issues. It provided students with a platform to enhance their leadership, negotiation, and critical thinking skills while promoting inclusivity and cross-cultural understanding. The conference also reflected GIKI’s spirit of intellectual exchange and global citizenship, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions).

Anti-Harassment Session by WES 19^th November 2024

On 19th November 2024, WES, under the Department of Student Affairs at GIKI, organized an Anti-Harassment Session to raise awareness about the importance of creating safe, respectful, and inclusive environments. The session focused on educating students about harassment prevention, rights, and support mechanisms, while encouraging open dialogue and collective responsibility. It promoted empowerment, equality, and accountability, aligning with SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions).

Standing Against Harassment – A safer campus by WES 28^th November 2024

On 28th November 2024, the Women Empowerment Society (WES), under the Department of Student Affairs at GIKI, organized an awareness session titled “Standing Against Harassment – A Safer Campus.” The event focused on building a culture of respect, inclusivity, and safety within the university. Speakers emphasized the importance of preventive measures, reporting mechanisms, and collective responsibility in ensuring a harassment-free environment. This initiative aligned strongly with SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions).

Strong Institutions, education vital for progress – Prime Minister Imran Khan

Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology is a centre of excellence and it should continue its effort to maintain its present standard of imparting quality education to the students. This was stated by the Prime Minister while addressing the students of a newly inducted batch of the students at the auditorium of the Institute. He asked students to concentrate on their studies and come forward to play a role in the progress of the country and meet the emerging challenges. The Prime Minister impressed upon the students to achieve the highest standards of academic excellence by virtue of their education at a renowned institute like GIK. He referred to the Human and other resource potential of the country that could be successfully exploited towards the development of the country by hard work and focus on studies. The Prime Minister, while referring to the excellent qualities of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), and marvelous system introduced by Him in the state of Madina, providing justice to all without any discrimination by leading from front though His own exemplary character. He highlighted importance assigned to education by Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH) to become the leaders in the society with a vision based general good of the people instead of restricting the programs and benefits to themselves. The Prime Minister advised to establish a Chair in the Institute on the Life of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and the State of Madina that still remains and serves as the role model since centuries. The Government may extend support and help in mobilizing resources for this project. Earlier Engineer Shams-ul-Mulk, President of the Board of GIK and Jehangir Bashar, Rector of the Institute addressed the ceremony inducting more than 550 student in 2019 in various disciplines. The journey of the Institute towards achievement of excellence in the engineering sciences was explained by them as well as the contribution towards creating a generation of leaders in science and technology ever since its establishment in 1993. GIK is the top university of engineering science and has State-of-the-Art labs and research facilities for the students. The Prime Minister inaugurated the new Academic Block constructed with the generous funding by the Khyber Pakhunkhwa, planted a tree as part of the plantation drive of the Institute , visited the labs and also launched polio campaign in the district by offering polio drops to two children.  The ceremony was attended by Mr. Mahmood Khan, Chief Minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr. Asad Qaiser, Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. ShafqatMahmood, Minister for Federal Education and Mr. Taimur Khan Jhagra, provincial Minister for Finance, Mr. Kamran Khan Bangash, Advisor to Chief Minister on Science, Technology and IT, Chief Secretary and Inspector General Police, and a large number of students, faculty of the Institute and the management. The new semester of undergraduate students of the GIK Institute has set in through the Induction Ceremony.

CFA ETHICS CHALLENGE 22, SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES is among the FINALIST

 Yet another accomplishment for GIKI School of Management Sciences! We are proud to announce that the A Team from SMGS GIKI was among the four finalists of the CFA Ethics Challenge Pakistan. 26 teams from different universities across Pakistan battled it out to determine Ethical Dilemmas and violations from a given case study. Among these, only 4 were selected to compete in a rigorous final round, and the A Team, under the guidance of Dr. Bushra Sarwar, was as one of them.