LAHORE (Pakistan News Online) The University of the Punjab observed a Black Day on the appeal of the Academic Staff Association (ASA) and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) to express solidarity with suspended professors Dr Kamran Abid and Dr Muhammad Azhar Naeem.
As part of the protest, faculty members wore black armbands while performing their duties to register their opposition to the suspension of the two professors.
Speaking on the occasion, JAC Chairman Dr Sardar Ashraf Iqbal and ASA General Secretary Professor Dr Kamran Abid condemned the suspension of teachers and what they described as retaliatory measures against faculty members.
They said the teaching community would strongly resist unjustified orders and would not compromise on teachers’ rights, dignity and freedom of expression.
The leaders maintained that the suspensions had raised serious questions about the university’s academic environment and administrative transparency. They reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the struggle for the rule of law, respect for judicial decisions and the fair exercise of administrative powers.
The ASA leadership also announced that a general body meeting of the association would be held at Al-Razi Hall on October 29, 2026, at 10:00 am. The meeting will discuss the teachers’ charter of demands, the reinstatement of the suspended professors, and various financial and administrative matters concerning the university.
The leaders expressed their resolve that Punjab University teachers would remain united in safeguarding their legitimate rights, the institution’s dignity and academic freedom. They vowed to continue their struggle against all forms of retaliatory action through constitutional, legal and democratic means.