Protest staged outside school over assault on female teachers

KARACHI:

A large demonstration was staged outside a private girls' school on Thursday as students, teachers, parents, and civil society members demanded justice following an alleged violent assault on female teachers. A heavy police contingent was deployed to maintain order as the protest disrupted vehicular traffic in the area.

Protesters carried placards with slogans such as "We want justice," "Ensure protection of teachers," and "Arrest the accused." The demonstration was triggered by a May 26 incident at Al-Badar School, where a student, Eshal Shahid, arrived accompanied by her parents and her maternal uncle, Abdul Hafeez - a police official posted at Kalakot police station in Lyari.

According to protesters, Hafeez entered the school premises brandishing a handgun, physically assaulted female teachers, used abusive language, and harassed staff. The incident reportedly caused distress among teachers and students.

Protesters criticised the school administration for its alleged inaction during the altercation, questioning how a school that promotes Islamic values failed to protect its staff. They also expressed concerns over the safety of students in an environment where such incidents occur unchecked.

The SHO of Jamshed Quarters police station arrived at the scene to negotiate with demonstrators, while additional police personnel were deployed to prevent escalation. Protesters demanded a.) the immediate arrest of Abdul Hafeez; b.) legal action against those involved; and c.) accountability for the school administration's failure to intervene.