KARACHI, Aug 8: The teachers, non-teaching staff and students of the University of Karachi have formed a joint action committee to struggle against the alleged acts of harassment on campus and the recommendations of the task force on higher education.

The formation of the joint action committee of KU teachers, staff and students was disclosed after a meeting of the quarters concerned held on Thursday, after the termination of the 48-hour deadline given by them on Aug 6.

On Aug 6, teachers, staff and students brought out a joint rally and demanded the withdrawal of the task force recommendations, an end to alleged victimization, vilification, show cause notices, terminations of jobs, FIRs and the abuse of power by the university administration and the removal of the registrar and deputy registrars.

The newly formed action committee, headed by Dr Riaz Ahmad as convener, announced a plan of action which included the launching of a signature campaign against the harassment and task force recommendations. The campaign would start from Friday.

On Aug 10, teachers, staff and students are going to wear black armbands, while the JAC would organize a demonstration at the Karachi Press Club at five pm in collaboration with other professionals, trade unions and students bodies. Another “walk” against anti-education policies would be organized at the KU campus on Aug 12.