Officials of the University of Peshawar have said the directive is in line with the Pashtun culture but the students have criticised it, saying it is discriminatory. Girl students in all departments and colleges affiliated to the university have been warned that they will face fines if they do not wear 'chaaders' or gowns on campus.

A letter issued by authorities of the Jinnah College for Women to parents of girl students said: "The college administration has decided to make it compulsory for all the students to wear a chaader or gown and properly cover themselves while entering or leaving the college. The students breaking this rule will be heavily fined."

The letter further said it was hoped that the parents would "help and support" the authorities and "make sure" the girls complied with the dress code.

Shireenzada, Registrar of University of Peshawar, acknowledged that traditional culture and security concerns were behind the move.

"Normally the girls also wear dupattas in their homes. Then why not in the departments where co-education exists? Therefore the university took a decision and we should not forget our Pakhtun culture," he told Dawn News channel.

The local culture was the "first priority and the second priority might be security", he said. While it is common for women in the conservative north-western region to be veiled, girl students of the 58-year-old university are critical of the move to enforce a dress code for them.

"The university should ensure the protection of female students. The implementation of a dress code is not the solution to the problem," said a student who identified herself only as Henna.

Some of the girl students said the university was giving into the demands of extremists. Many believe the university acted after receiving threatening letters from the Taliban. Others pointed out that the rule is discriminatory, saying there were no such directives for boys.

The website of the Jinnah College for Women, which was set up in 1964, states that the institution "aims at producing enlightened and progressive young women".