Lahore (Pakistan News Online) The General Body of the Punjab University Academic Staff Association has strongly condemned the suspension of two senior professors, Prof. Dr. Kamran Abid and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Azhar Naeem, and expressed complete solidarity with them. The meeting called for a review of the suspensions, an independent forensic audit of the university’s financial and administrative affairs, and the acceptance of teachers’ legitimate demands.
In a joint statement, participants said that teachers are the intellectual backbone of any university and that all matters involving faculty members must be handled in accordance with the law, established regulations, transparency and the principles of justice. They expressed concern that the two senior professors had allegedly been suspended without legal justification and due process.
During the meeting, several teachers also criticised Dr. Amjad Abbas Magsi, the ousted president of ASA, alleging that he was siding with the university administration rather than supporting the teaching community.
Participants stressed that respect for freedom of expression, dissent and the constitutional and organisational rights of teachers was essential to maintaining a healthy academic environment. They declared that the teaching community would not accept what they considered unjust actions against their colleagues and would remain united in defending their rights.
Several speakers expressed solidarity with the suspended professors and rejected the university administration’s alleged approach towards them. They emphasised that any disciplinary proceedings against faculty members must ensure transparency, a fair hearing and strict compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
The speakers maintained that disputes between teachers and the administration should be resolved through meaningful dialogue and fair administrative measures rather than pressure or suspension.
The General Body also passed a resolution presenting a charter of demands aimed at ensuring transparency in university administration, protecting teachers’ rights, promoting the fair exercise of administrative powers and conducting an impartial review of the university’s financial and administrative affairs.
The association demanded a comprehensive and independent forensic audit of Punjab University’s financial and administrative matters to ensure transparent scrutiny of the use of funds, administrative decisions and related affairs. Participants said accountability and transparency were essential to safeguarding the credibility, autonomy and academic standing of an institution of national and historical importance.
The resolution further called for the acceptance of teachers’ legitimate demands, dignified and fair treatment of faculty members, and an amicable resolution of the ongoing tensions between the university administration and teachers.
Participants expressed concern that the growing friction between the administration and faculty could adversely affect the university’s academic environment. They said the progress, educational standards and international reputation of a historic institution such as Punjab University depended on an environment in which teachers enjoyed freedom of expression, personal dignity and protection of their professional and organisational rights.
The meeting also called for a review of the suspensions of the two professors and expressed concern over the reported locking of their offices, describing such measures as humiliating. Participants demanded immediate steps to address the situation and restore respect for the affected teachers.
The General Body urged the Punjab government to recognise the seriousness of the situation and give due consideration to the teachers’ demands. It also called for an investigation into allegations of financial irregularities and mismanagement against the vice-chancellor, demanding accountability in accordance with the law.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to continuing a peaceful, constitutional and democratic struggle for the protection of teachers’ legitimate rights, professional dignity and the university’s autonomy.
The meeting concluded with a clear message that Punjab University’s teaching community stood firmly with its colleagues and would not compromise on the principles of justice, transparency, academic freedom and the rule of law.