Abdul Rehman Asim, known for his relatable social media content and signature grey towel, has shocked his followers by announcing that he is quitting the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, weeks after joining. He attributes his decision to an entrenched culture of bullying, harassment, and humiliation that he says is ignored by the institution’s administration.
In a candid video shared online, Abdul Rehman recounted his experiences at the prestigious arts college, highlighting practices that many describe as standard yet toxic.
The video prompted a wave of responses online, with many current and former students sharing similar experiences. One social media user wrote: “People romanticising NCA clearly haven’t seen the reality. Ragging culture has been happening for years. Seniors force ‘azaadi’ rituals where freshmen are pressured to strip or humiliate themselves, and the administration acts surprised every year while doing nothing. They have a ‘policy,’ but everyone on campus knows it is just for show.”
Other students described the campus environment as hostile. One student who spoke to The Friday Times said: “I came here with high expectations, but the reality has been very different. The ragging culture is extremely toxic. Seniors constantly use abusive language, force juniors into humiliating acts, and create an environment where fear is normal. Faculty can treat students even worse, and complaints often go unheard.”
Many others echoed these concerns on social media. One user wrote, “Dream university of mine sucked the life out of me. NCA gave me depression and social anxiety. Not all dreams are meant to be pursued.” Another added, “Even the teachers and staff are involved in ragging and bullying. The system is broken, but students feel powerless because they need a degree to graduate.”
Abdul Rehman’s departure has brought renewed attention to the culture at Pakistan’s National College of Arts. While the institution is known for its legacy and competitive admissions, multiple students have described a gap between official policies and the realities on campus. Students report that ragging and harassment affect daily life, and many say administrative measures have been insufficient to address these issues.
When The Friday Times reached out to the university administration regarding the allegations, faculty members declined to provide an official comment. They, however, stressed that bullying is not tolerated at the university and highlighted the institution’s strict policies against harassment and related complaints.
Due to the registrar being on leave and the vice-chancellor currently out of the country, the university was unable to issue an official statement on the matter.