KARACHI, Jan 14: The Executive Council of the Karachi University Teachers Society (KUTS) on Friday expressed concern over establishment of the Aga Khan Education Board , saying it would only lead towards further deterioration of standards of the existing national educational boards.

The KUTS executive council meeting held with its president, Dr Sohail Barkati, in the chair, discussed at length the merits and demerits of the AKEB, and termed its establishment against the national interest; however, it also demanded the government to improve the performance of the national educational boards.

Appointments of retired employees on administrative posts at the University of Karachi also came under discussion. The KU vice-chancellor was urged not to appoint any retired official, as it blocked the growth and talent of the varsity's young regular employees.

It also expressed concern over officials holding two or more administrative posts at KU, and asked the VC to relieve such officials of their extra responsibilities.

Meanwhile, protest demonstrations were held at Memon Mosque, Farooq-i-Azam Mosque North Nazimabad, Water Pump Chowrangi, Binori Town Mosque and Quaid-i-Abad Chorangi after Friday prayers against the establishment of the Aga Khan Education Board.

Organized by the Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT), the demonstrations were part of the ongoing campaign against the AKEB's establishment. Protestors were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against the AKEB and secularization of the educational curricula.

Speaking to the demonstrating students and people, office-bearers of the IJT warned that if the decision to establish the AKEB was not taken back, the IJT would give a call for a march towards the Parliament House in Islamabad.

They called the AKEB as part of the US agenda for Pakistan, saying it was aimed at transforming Pakistan into a secular state. The Islami Jamiat Talaba leaders said their campaign against the AKEB was the initial step towards declaring the Aga Khan community as non-Muslims, alleging that the community was hatching conspiracies against Islam, and the Islamic world especially Pakistan. - PPI