Concern raised over extremism in educational institutes

The teachers’ union of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology’s (Fuuast) Abdul Haq Campus and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s (HRCP) Karachi chapter on Monday held a joint protest demonstration in front of the Karachi Press Club to express solidarity with the family of the slain Professor Khalid Hamid who was murdered by his student in Bahawalpur last week.

The protest was led by HRCP Sindh Vice Chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt, Aurat Foundation Regional Director Mahnaz Rahman, Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum’s Saeed Baloch, president of the Fuuast teachers union Iqbal Naqvi, secretary general Dr Erfan Aziz, and others. A large number of students and teachers from other universities also attended the protest. Addressing the protesting students and teachers, Butt said growing religious extremism at the educational institutes was an alarming trend. They called on the authorities concerned to adopt measures for countering extremism, particularly in the education sector.

He demanded the restoration of student unions as they provided diverse forums to students for debates and also inculcated leadership qualities in the students. Dr Aziz said it was a responsibility of the state to provide safety to its citizens. According to him, the diluted system of justice, ineffective police department and other problems were the main factors that were contributing to the steady rise of extremism in the country.

He also demanded that the authorities arrest the murderers of two slain teachers in Karachi, Dr Shakil Auj and Dr Yasir Rizvi, who were killed by unidentified criminals yet to be apprehended by the law enforcers.