LAHORE, Dec 13: For once, teachers are following in the footsteps of students after the creation of the Teacher Action Committee (TAC) here on Thursday that aims at to provide a forum for teachers in their opposition to the imposition of emergency rule.

The movement brings together professors and lecturers from Punjab University, FAST National University, Lahore Grammar School, Lahore University of Management Sciences, National College of Arts, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore College of Arts and Sciences, Forman Christian College and Government College University and its role extends to all roles pertaining to teachers and their role in society, though for the time being “raising our voices against the brutal oppression by state authorities” is their priority.

They condemn an FIR lodged against 14 members of the Punjab University academic staff and four professors and two students of LUMS under sections 124-A, 188, 143/149, 16-MPO and 7 ATA (charge of terrorism), and are demanding equal treatment when it comes to withdrawal of cases (cases against LUMS staff and students were dropped two days ago).

Their other demands include an end to faculty and student harassment for exercising their constitutional right to free speech and peaceful protest, restoration of Nov 2 judiciary and constitution, release of all political prisoners, elimination of curbs on the media, free and fair elections and end to the emergency and the military government.