FUUAST VC injured amid protest clash on campus

Varsity demands impartial inquiry into altercation, security lapse

KARACHI:

Federal Urdu University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari was injured on campus after a protest escalated into a scuffle when demonstrators blocked his path, the university administration said on Saturday.

The incident was strongly condemned by the university's administration, faculty, officers, staff and students, who termed it "deeply concerning" and against academic norms and institutional discipline.

In a joint statement, Registrar Dr Inayat Ali Shah, deans, heads of departments and faculty members said the episode was inconsistent with the university's academic traditions and the dignity of teaching professionals.

The administration clarified that no verbal altercation or inappropriate exchange took place between the vice chancellor and Dr Rani Erum, rejecting reports suggesting otherwise. It alleged that certain elements were running a "coordinated campaign" to pressure the incumbent VC into resigning, using various disputes to further that objective. According to the statement, the incident occurred when some people attempted to stop VC Shinwari during a visit to examination centres, raised slogans and behaved in a disruptive manner.