KARACHI: Classes remained suspended at the University of Karachi (KU) on Monday as teachers protested the ‘illegal detention’ of KU associate professor and syndicate member Dr Riaz Ahmed. He was on his way to attend a syndicate meeting on August 31 when he was detained by police.

A large number of teachers participated in the protest in front of the university’s administration block and condemned the arrest of Dr Riaz, according to a press release issued by the Karachi University Teachers’ Society (KUTS).

Sindh Professors and Lecturers Association President Munawar Abbas and KUTS President Prof Dr Shah Ali Ul Qader strongly condemned the incident, calling it an insult to the entire teaching community.

Mr Abbas demanded that the Sindh Assembly pass the ‘Protection of Teachers Bill’.

Prof Qader stated that teachers are the backbone of the state and that such ill-treatment would not be tolerated. He emphasised that universities should focus on education and teaching, not be dragged into politics.

He dismissed the external pressure on the university and described the situation as a violation of KU’s autonomy and the teachers’ dignity. He also demanded that those responsible for Dr Riaz’s “illegal detention” be punished.

On August 31, Dr Riaz was on his way to a university syndicate meeting when he was taken away by the police. He was released after eight hours.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2024