Inquiry initiated against Rangers soldier for ‘maltreating’ KU academic

The Sindh Rangers have initiated an inquiry against a Rangers soldier who allegedly maltreated University of Karachi (KU) academic Dr Afaq Ahmed Siddiqui at the KU Staff Colony a couple of days ago.

A senior official of the paramilitary force confirmed that a departmental inquiry had been initiated against the Rangers soldier. Following the incident, a meeting of the Executive Council of the Karachi University Teachers’ Society (KUTS) was held on Thursday at the Staff Club, in which Dr Siddiqui shared details of the regrettable incident that occurred with him two days ago.

He said that soon after the incident, KUTS President Dr Mohsin Ali and KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi contacted him and assured him of a swift and priority-based resolution.

According to a statement issued by Dr Muhammad Faisal Awan, KUTS joint secretary, senior officials of the Rangers met Dr Siddiqui at the office of the KUTS president. They condemned the incident, offered a formal apology and assured that strict disciplinary action would be taken against the soldier.

Later, the VC and KUTS president visited Dr Siddiqui’s residence to express solidarity with him. The academic extended his heartfelt gratitude to all the faculty, staff and students for their support.

He especially thanked the VC, KUTS president, secretary Dr Maroof Bin Rauf, treasurer Dr Nida Ali, and the Rangers’ high-ranking officers, particularly the sector commander, for their prompt and responsible actions.

Meanwhile, the People’s Students Federation (PSF) at the KU condemned the maltreatment of with Dr Siddiqui stating that the incident was not only a blatant violation of basic human rights, but also a grave desecration of the sanctity of the academic environment. Violence against educators was in essence an attack on education, civilisation and national consciousness, it said.