In a shocking turn of events, a biology professor issued a public apology for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution, bringing to the fore the issue of growing extremism in the province and the curtailment of freedom of expression and scientific ideas.
Sher Ali, an assistant professor of biology, issued his apology on a stamp paper, highlighting the growing intolerance towards scientific and rational ideas.
The controversy surrounding Professor Sher Ali started after he organised a seminar on women's rights in Islam and the constitution. The event was a response to local protests against women leaving their homes without properly adhering to Islamic dress codes.
However, religious circles and clerics opposed the seminar, accusing Professor Sher Ali of promoting ideas that deviated from Islamic teachings.
As a result of the criticisms, the professor had previously expressed frustration over being attacked for doing his duty and teaching about Darwin's theory of evolution.
He argued that his teaching materials followed the curriculum set by the education board and that if the scholars had any issues, they should take legal action instead.
The incident has sparked concerns about the curtailment of intellectual discourse and the restriction of academic freedom in the region.
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