KARACHI: Teachers, students express no-confidence in VC
By Our Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Sept 9: Criticizing the rangers action on teachers and students, the Karachi University Teachers’ Society and the Students Alliance of Jamia Karachi on Monday, expressed no-confidence in the leadership of vice chancellor Dr Zafar Saied Saify and demanded his immediate removal.
At a general body meeting held outside the arts auditorium, they expressed resentment over use of force against teachers and students and unanimously resolved that the vice chancellor and his administrative team be removed, as their existence was not conducive to academic peace.
The meeting was held despite the fact that the administration had announced suspension of teaching activities on Sept 9 and 10.
KUTS secretary Sarwar Nasim, who was beaten up by security personnel, demanded immediate removal of the VC. He maintained that the situation had worsened after the visit of the VC to various departments.
Abid Azhar termed the KU administration as incompetent and and said teachers would not enter into any dialogue with it.
“We are ready to make up for the academic losses, but the siting VC be removed first.”
Shakilur Rehman Siddiqui said teachers community at KU had started its campaign against the task force on higher education under a well thought-out plan, but the administration suppressed it.
He urged the teachers not to appear before any enquiry committee formed by the VC, who has no moral reasons to continue.
KUTS vice president Dr Reaz Ahmed, who presided over the meeting, condemned the rangers action, and maintained that they were being used by the KU administration.
Malahat Kalim Sherwani said students cooperation and stand against the administration was appreciable.
Suhail Barkati said rangers were giving protection to the oppressors which was not appropriate.
Majid Mumtaz said demonstrations and other activities by teachers always remained peaceful, but the high-ups in the government and the rangers were being given an incorrect information by the varsity administration.
Shahida Kazi congratulated the teachers and students for their steadfastness and suggested that opinion be mobilized in favour of teachers outside the university.
Dr Abdul Qadeer, A. Taha, Samina Qureshi, S. Aamir Iqbal, Shahid Qureshi, Nasiruddin, Raeesuddin and others also spoke.
They condemned the Saturday’s action and demanded of the president and the governor to take notice of the highhandedness of the KU administration.
They also sought removal of vice chancellor, registrar and the deputy registrars involved in the alleged vilification, victimization and harassment of teachers and students.
The KUTS resolved that the teachers would continue their protest till the acceptance of their demands.
The KUTS general body was attended by over 200 male and female teachers, including the chairpersons of departments and directors of different institute at the university. At least a dozen teachers, including chairpersons and members of the KU syndicate, spoke at the meeting.
STUDENTS’ ALLIANCE: Speaking at a press conference at Karachi Press Club, leaders of the Students Alliance, University of Karachi, urged the president to take notice of torture on students and teachers and demanded appointment of a new vice chancellor.
Osama Shafique, Mohammad Wali, Zaheer Haider, Zafar Bajwa, Gangozar Baloch and others said atrocities on students and teachers were committed as both the quarters had been opposing the recommendations of the task force on higher education.
They regretted that despite a lapse of 48 hours, no action had been taken against those responsible for resorting to violence on students and teachers.
