The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
(HRCP) has strongly condemned the recent developments
atSindh University where, following the killing of Professor Bashir
Channar on January 2, unjustified action has been taken against
protesting teachers.
A statement issued by the Commission on
Thursday said: “HRCP notes with alarm that the services of two
representatives of Sindh University Teachers’ Association, Dr. Arfana
Mallah and Dr. Azhar Ali Shah, have been terminated and show-cause
notices issued to other teachers. The university had only reopened a few
days ago on the assurance of the Sindh Governor that the
vice-chancellor of Sindh University, who is past the age of retirement,
would be replaced in accordance with the demands of the teachers.
“HRCP also has serious reservations over
the authorities’ apathetic approach towards acknowledging and addressing
teachers’ concerns. It defies reason why the teachers must protests for
weeks upon weeks before their concerns register on the official radar.
The teachers have protested long and in a peaceful manner for demands
that are not unreasonable: a judicial probe into the assassination of
Professor Bashir, withdrawal of police and Rangers from the campus,
restoration of student unions and removal of the vice chancellor.
“It is regrettable
that Sindh University and most other universities in the province are
headed by academics who have crossed the retirement age. In a recent
meeting with the HRCP vice-chairperson for Sindh and members of HRCP
Council, the Sindh Governor had agreed to look into the issues
concerning the Sindh University. HRCP calls upon the Governor, in his
capacity as chancellor of Sindh University, to rescind the decisions
regarding the dismissal and issuance of show-cause notices to teachers
and take effective steps to fulfil the government’s obligation to ensure
an atmosphere free from intimidation and conducive for academic
progress at the university.”
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