LAHORE: King Edward Medical University vice-chancellor Prof Dr Asad Aslam on Tuesday sought transfer of varsity’s senior doctor for his controversial remarks about Hijab (veil) that led to students’ protests at the institution.

In a letter to health department, Dr Aslam said that repatriation of Prof Dr Shahryar, head of oncology department (Radiotherapy), had become inevitable because of unrest on the campus following the uncalled for remarks he made while lecturing a clinical class.

A source said that Prof Shahryar during a lecture to the fourth-year MBBS class at his office allegedly termed Hijab unnecessary.

Later, the source said, some of the girl students who considered Dr Shahryar’s comments an interference in their ‘personal affairs’ reported the matter to the KEMU vice chancellor and also submitted a written complaint seeking action against the senior doctor.

These students also launched a text massages campaign in the KEMU which led to a series of protests at the institution.

The Young Doctors Association also took up the issue with the KEMU administration which assured them of action against the doctor in case the allegations were proved.

Dr Aslam said after thoroughly probing the matter he wrote a letter to the health secretary for immediate transfer of Prof Dr Shahryar.

He said that he sought health department’s intervention to avoid any untoward incident as it was a sensitive matter. -- Asif Chaudhry