FAPUASA condemns faculty victimisation at SMIU

Islamabad: Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) has strongly condemned the victimisation of faculty members at Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), Karachi.

To assess ongoing concerns regarding faculty treatment at SMIU, a committee constituted by FAPUASA visited the university on May 29. The committee’s findings were formally presented and discussed in an online meeting of the FAPUASA Executive Council. During the meeting, it was revealed that one faculty member had been terminated on the very day of the committee's visit. This abrupt action raised serious questions regarding due process and whether disciplinary protocols were properly followed.

The Executive Council expressed grave concern over the procedural irregularities and whether the punishment administered was proportionate to the charges if substantiated as per the university's own regulations. After detailed deliberation, the EC unanimously resolved to request Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah and Governor Kamran Tessori to intervene in the matter and ensure a transparent and impartial investigation. FAPUASA further demands that the inquiry be conducted by an independent committee with at least one representative nominated by FAPUASA Pakistan.

Additionally, the council urged the Vice-Chancellor of SMIU to immediately suspend any punitive actions against faculty members until the findings of the independent inquiry are made public. FAPUASA expressed firm stand with the academic community and remains committed to protecting the rights, dignity and professional integrity of university faculty across Pakistan.