KARACHI: The Sindh Professors and Lecturers Association (SPLA) has expressed concerns over the alleged harassment faced by teachers for election duties and called for the removal of the returning officer (RO) of PS-96 in Korangi.

SPLA leaders, including Munawar Abbas, demanded on Sunday strict action from the chief and provincial election commissioners against RO Muhammad Salik Naveed for allegedly taking pictures of the principle of a girls college without her permission.

A press release said the RO had entered the Government Girls College Shah Faisal No 5 without prior information with his armed guards. When the college principal became aware of the arrival of the RO, she received him and arranged for a tour of the college. However, the next day, a show-cause notice was sent to the principal, a move that the association strongly condemned.

The SPLA called for immediate removal of the RO, accusing him of disrespecting teachers. They demanded appointing an officer with high moral standards to replace Mr Naveed.

Expressing concerns over the fulfilment of duties, the statement said, it was due to the behaviour of ROs like him that teachers from colleges in Sindh were reconsidering their participation in the election duty.

Highlighting the critical role played by the teachers in society, the association expressed concern over the mistreatment some educators face

during the election duties. They urged the concerned authorities to address these issues.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2024