The issue of workplace bullying in academia, particularly within the realm of education, has garnered attention and concern in various Western and Asian countries. Workplace bullying poses significant risks to educators, not only compromising their well-being but also detrimentally affecting the overall learning environment. This study makes a novel contribution by examining staff being bullied within the higher education sector in Pakistan, an unexplored focus that has received modest attention. The study aims to explore workplace bullying factors using qualitative methods, focusing on academic staff members' firsthand experiences and coping strategies in university settings. The results showed several risk factors associated with workplace bullying in HEIs in Pakistan. The finding shows that gender and culture are linked and should be considered when examining workplace bullying in the educational sector. Key themes emerging from the study link instances of workplace bullying to the volatile economic conditions and heightened competition in Pakistan’s higher education sector that act as barriers to formally report bullying incidents. Moreover, organisational culture and socio-cultural norms were also identified as significant contributors to the occurrence of workplace bullying in academia. Based on the study's findings, suggested strategies to combat workplace bullying may include raising awareness and fostering respect for cultural diversity among all university staff, including administrators and managers, within Pakistan’s higher education institutions (HEIs). The research aims to educate academics, particularly women, about workplace bullying, empowering them to develop effective strategies for prevention and resolution.