JAMSHORO/SUKKUR: Separate rallies were staged at the University of Sindh and Sukkur IBA University on Monday to express solidarity with the Pakistan armed forces in the face of cross-border attacks and aggression over the last few days.

At Sindh University (SU), the rally comprising students and teachers started from the backside of SU’s administration block (AC-II), led by Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Abdul Sattar Shah, Registrar Sajid Qayoom Memon, Faculty of Social Sciences Dean Prof Dr Nanak Ram, Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Prof Dr Mohammad Ali Ghoto, Research & Graduate Studies Director Prof Dr Saima Qayoom Memon and others.

The participants marched towards the main gate, chanting slogans against the Afghan regime, the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and what they described as an Indian-Afghan nexus. Passing through the Registrar Office, the rally converted into a demonstration at the main entrance of the administration block.

Addressing the participants, Prof Sattar Shah said the entire university community stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Condemning the cross-border attacks, he termed them a violation of international norms. He said Pakistan had rendered immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and would not allow destabilisation efforts to succeed.

He urged the Afghan authorities to prevent their soil from being used for hostile activities against Pakistan. He reaffirmed that the nation remained united against terrorism in all its forms.

Registrar Sajid Qayoom Memon said the armed forces had always safeguarded the country with courage and professionalism. He maintained that any aggression would be met with a firm and befitting response.

He said the people of Pakistan stood firmly behind their army in the face of external and internal threats.

SU spokesman Dr Nadir Ali Mugheri, Dr Abdul Razaque Channa and Zulfiqar Ali Rustamani also spoke on the occasion.

Present in the rally were Institute of Commerce and Management Director Professor Dr Hakim Ali Mahesar, Bureau of STAGS Director Ajvaid Ahmed Bhatti, Deputy Registrar Nadeem Butt, Mian Aleem Pasha Mughal, Munawar Rajar, Daud Channar, Mevo Malhi, Muhammad Ali Ghanghro, Arshad Bhatti, Ahmed Ali Kunbhar and Muhammad Fazal Rustamani.

Later, the participants of the demonstration dispersed peacefully.

The rally at Sukkur IBA University began from Zero Point and concluded at Academic Block 3, led by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Asif Ahmed Shaikh. It was joined by pro vice chancellors, seans, department heads, directors, faculty, staff and a large number of students. Addressing the partcipants, Prof Shaikh stated that the academic community stood united with Pakistani armed forces, paying tribute to their courage, professionalism and swift response to aggression.

He condemned attacks on innocent civilians, stressing that truth and justice prevail, and highlighted the importance of peace, restraint and mutual respect, especially during Ramazan.

The university also express­ed sorrow over the reported martyrdom of Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, extending condolences to the Iranian government and its people.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2026