Source: Teeth Maestro
I have just received an email from the family of Dr. Riaz Prof of Applied Chemistry who was beaten up by Rangers at Karachi University yesterday evening
He is better now and we just got back home. He has bruises on his back where the dandas hit him hard. He cant move his left arm though there is no fracture. He was also hit on his head- some 6 bruises. He bled slightly off these bruises. The dandas also hit his fingers, so hand is swollen as well. He will be on strong pain killers for next 5 days. Medico Legal was also done.
He was then taken to Agha Khan Hospital by a group of teachers and students. There is a lot of anger among student and teachers in Karachi University and they are demanding complete withdrawal of Rangers from Karachi University. Karachi University teachers Society (KUTS) has called a general body meeting on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Students and civil society groups have called for a protest at Karachi press Club (KPC) at 3:30 p.m.
We all naturally pray for his speedy recovery and stand resolute that the criminals (be it uniformed men) should be brought to justice.
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Tags: Beating, Dr Riaz, Karachi University, Rangers, Teacher
33 responses so far ↓
1 Jawaid Saeedi // Apr 1, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Dr Riaz had opportunities galore thoughout the world when he completed his PhD from Cambridge University and they continue to be available to him. He chose to go back to his alma mater and devote his time and energy to mentor and educate Pakistanis…..and this is what he gets in return…..
What a disgrace for Pakistan ….
2 Yousuf Jan // Apr 2, 2008 at 1:23 am
This is an appalling incident. This is the first time in the history of Karachi University that a staff member has been physically assaulted on the campus by the paramilitary forces.
What is worse is that the current Vice Chancellor, Prof Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, under whose regime this has happened has not even issued a denunciation of unprovoked attack by his security staff on his own staff member.
If the teachers are not safe in a University, who is?
3 Sameena // Apr 2, 2008 at 1:38 am
What I fail to understand is who gives the orders to the rangers? Is it the Vice Chancellor? If so then how does he (Dr. Qasim Peerzadeh) go about setting a limit? Or is it a generic order beat anyone on sight and ask questions later? When are we going to hit the bottom for incompetency and injustice in our nation?
4 Bader Jalil // Apr 2, 2008 at 2:01 am
It is a shameful incident and totally uncalled for. It is a pity that in the name of tightened security the Vice Chancellor ( Professor Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui) unleashes armed professionals on his totally unarmed and unprotected staff members. Or may be the Vice Chancellor has no control over the actions and behavior of the rangers.
5 Rana Hassan // Apr 2, 2008 at 2:06 am
I totally condemn the unhappy situation, but I was just wondering when the University administration and the esteemed Dr Pirzada Qasim Siddiqui, will introduce water- boarding in the name of security. After all it is the next modern concept in control and punishment.
6 Ishtiaq A. Khan // Apr 2, 2008 at 11:30 am
It is sad and painfull to know how badly and disrespectfully the bearers of most noble profession - teaching are allowed to be humiliated by beating on university campus at the hands of rangers. It is hoped that University vice chancellor, Dr. Pirzada Qasim will make all efforts to bring the honour back to the campus to restore the confidence of university community.
The members of Karachi University Allumni Association of Canada feel very disturbed and sad after learning about this very ugly incident on the university campus.Members would like to express their strong support and sincere sympathies to Dr. Riaz and they wish him a speedy recovery from his physical injuries and emotional anguish.
Karachi University Allumni Association of Canada
7 A Ahmed // Apr 2, 2008 at 6:11 pm
It is a painful and sad event for my family whose associations with the Karachi University started in the 60s and have continued, uninterrupted, till this day.
I say this with some confidence (and agree with an earlier post) that this is the first time in the history of the Karachi University, not unknown for violence amongst students, that the University paramilitary security has set upon assaulting a senior member of academic staff , unprovoked and unjustifiable under any circumstance. For various reasons, that this has happened under the current University administration, under whose authority the security apparatus must work, is particularly galling to me. That the University administration has not even rendered a cursory apology for the vicious physical harm to my brother is scandalous.
8 Irfan Ahmed // Apr 2, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Reading today’s newspaper (News) it is surprising to see the twist the Rangers have given. Thankfully, they have agreed that one ‘hawaldar’ - who they have represented as holier than Pope - was infact been after Dr. Ahmed for some time. It is sad that in an institution like University the hawaldar’s word is more important than a Professor’s.
The apathy of the situation is that the Vice Chancellor has neither condemned this dastardly act nor the administration of University has issued any support for the staff of the teacher. In the absence of strong and competent leadership at the helm of University we should not be surprised to see the repeat of this incident.
9 Muhammed Khan - USA // Apr 2, 2008 at 10:50 pm
It is so sad. These incident will occur again in the absence of a weak leadership. I hope the authorities will not twist the incident as political instead of punishing the culprits.
10 Sad // Apr 3, 2008 at 6:27 am
http://www.teeth.com.pk/blog/2008/04/03/pictures-update-on-rangers-assault-on-karachi-university-professor
11 Sad // Apr 3, 2008 at 6:29 am
The University of Karachi teacher - link update
http://www.teeth.com.pk/blog/2008/04/03/pictures-update-on-rangers-assault-on-karachi-university-professor
12 Y.Zaim // Apr 3, 2008 at 6:42 am
Dr. Riaz is our youngest brother, I feel his pain and anguish it is hurting to see him hurt and suffer. What pains me still more is the the manner in which the University administration is treating the entire shameful affair. KU is the highest academic institution of our country it owes it to its teachers and students as well as the public to set moral and ethical examples. Perhaps it only metes out exemplary and unjust punishment instead of setting examples.
Please look at this incident as a wake up call and do the right thing.
13 Syed Akhtar Ausaf // Apr 3, 2008 at 8:32 am
Very sad
Tundi-e bad-e mukhalif se na ghabra aay uqab
yeh to chalti hay tujhe aur ooncha urane ke liye
14 pqrs // Apr 3, 2008 at 8:07 pm
After reading all this I actually searchef for the University of Karachi or as they like to call it UoK
and I found this
Welcome Address by the Vice Chancellor
Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui
“Karachi University always proudly mentions the names of renowned educationists and scholars associated with this institution of higher learning like, Dr. I. H. Qureshi, Dr. Mahmud Hussain, Dr. Salemuzzaman Siddiqui, Dr. Afzal Hussain Qadri, Dr. M. M. Ahmed , Dr Mujtaba Karim, Prof. M. Ilyas, Prof. Q. Fareed, Dr. Ibadur Rehman Khan, Prof Muntakhib ul Haq, Prof. Memony, Dr. S. M. Yousuf, Dr. M.A Wali, Dr. Karawala. The faculty was drawn not only from Pakistan but also included eminent educationists form Europe and America”.
I dont seem to see the name of the Rangers guy in this illustrious list?
VC: u need to update your site
15 N Siddiqa // Apr 5, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I do not understand what is keeping Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza
Siddiqui of the University of Karachi (UoK) for taking immediate and stern action against the perpetrators of
this violence on a University teacher . Wake -up VC UoK before it is too late.
16 Adeel Ahmad Siddiqi // Apr 5, 2008 at 8:13 pm
This was really a very shameful act, dont know what to say or how to react.
We pray for the Prof.’s speedy and full recovery. Its a VERY VERY sad affair specially for all of us
who graduated from this university.
Adeel
17 yjan // Apr 6, 2008 at 1:37 am
It seems that after beating the Professor the Rangers and the University of Karachi (UoK) administration and the vice chancellor, Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui are now trying to frame Professor Riaz by registering a case against him:
http://www.dawn.com/2008/04/04/local22.htm
And what chief executive would come up with a statement like the Vice Chancellor has given out after what he said in his first statement:
http://www.dawn.com/2008/04/01/local3.htm
How can you have a Vice Chancellor who doesn’t know the first thing about corporate responsibility towards an employee who is beaten up by armed University security (irrelevant of the reasons) on campus and the chief executive (i.e. the VC) doesn’t know what to do?
18 Baqir Habib // Apr 6, 2008 at 4:07 am
It is so said and painful incident.
This should be treated very seriously and bring to justice and the higher authorities, Vice chancellor, KU teachers Associations, etc .. have to take prompt action.
Dr. Riaz has been punished due to love and serves his country.
19 anon // Apr 6, 2008 at 7:22 pm
It seems that finally, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi is reported to have asked the Rangers to withdraw the false FIR against the beaten up Professor.
The FIR is still in place but at least there is a report that the Vice Chancellor is doing something.
Keep it up Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui until your beaten up employee gets some justice
20 Javed Zaidi // Apr 7, 2008 at 11:13 am
KIS JURM MEIN KHENCHEY GAEY HUM DAR PE LOGON?!
An honest and devoted Pakistani scholar was the target of the corrupt characterless regime, and what a shame that the juduciary hasn’t been able to help!
I appeal in the name of our education system
and for the sake of our dear country Pakistan’s reputation, that the highest authorities must intervene, before it’s too late.
sincerely
a supporter of justice
21 Saleem Syed // Apr 7, 2008 at 9:28 pm
If an ordinary man falls down over the banana peel in Bohri Bazar, a ststement is issued from MQM secretarite in London. Where is the chnceller of the university, governer Sindh, Dr. Ishrat Ul Ibad? Where is MQM now? Was Dr. Riaz supposed to be a Karkun of MQM in order to receive the attention? What a surprise from the peopl who claim Karachi and what a shame for Pirzada Qasim who happened to be a chicken head.
22 yjan // Apr 8, 2008 at 1:25 am
@Saleem Syed
I have been posting in support of justice for the Professor. I dont however think calling Pirzada names is going to achieve anything.
Make this an issue of civility for all, everyone…
23 Saleem Syed // Apr 8, 2008 at 2:50 am
@Mr. or MS. or Mrs. Jan
You are posting your comments to support Professor Riaz, why? Because you saw injustice being done. I wrote my comments in support because I felt morally obligated to raise voice against this crimnal and inhuman behaviour. But both of us or at least I am not in a position to take any direct action against this crime. But thing is that where is Mr.Vice Chanceller’s legal, moral and administrative right/resposibility? A Vice Chanceller is in a position to take action and if he is not doing his job, he will be called any name as people feel about him. One sholud not have biased views, he is a directly obligated and responsible party involved in this issue. In this particular case you have to make responsible all the concerned parties, can not cover up one person or friend and blame other. Pirzada is to blame equally for not taking timely and appropriate actions and keeping himself isolated from the issue. You did refer to “JUSTICE”, first rule of law is that a person is equally responsible in the crime who sees it but doesn’t report it and keeps quiet. If Pirzada would have had filed a FIR, Rangers would never file their FIR. So lets not try to cover up or save our buddies, make them responsible for their crimnal neglegence. If Pirzada feels that he is powerless and has no authority to run this business, he should resigned, I would. Same time I am unable to understand ‘your support of justice’ while covering up one party, you can not do “pick & choose” and twist the issue in your own particular direction.
24 yjan // Apr 8, 2008 at 4:32 am
@Saleem
You are right in all your arguments. Look at my post of April 2! (thats doesnt read like saving or covering anyone to me).
So you can severely criticize the Vice Chancellor Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui for his role in this, as both of us have, without using abusive language.
The moral force of your argument will win the Professor justice.
PS: By all means the Professor should sue the University of Karachi VC for criminal negligence and delinquency in duty of care
25 pjs // Apr 8, 2008 at 4:53 am
Almost a week and even now there is no condemnation of violence by Pirzada Qasim Vice Chancellor of UoK?
Practically every decent organization in pk has now come out with some statement of their disapproval.
Come on Pirzada Qasim do the decent thing.
26 pjs // Apr 8, 2008 at 4:58 am
Especially because Pirzada Qasim is some kind of a distinct Urdu poet
You would think that distinct Urdu poets would be sensitive kind of poets
Surely they cant approve of random violence on and by people they are supposed to look after?
27 pjs // Apr 9, 2008 at 4:36 am
I read today that the Professor got bail for getting beat by Rangers. The chairman of some higher education commission in Pakistan also came up with strong condemnation of the incident (Dawn 8 April 08)
Who’s left to condemn it: the University of Karachi the Vice Chancellor Pirzada Qasim
Come on dude, dont want to be the last one Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim?
28 psuas // Apr 9, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Just wanted to say that it is beyond belief that Pirzada Qasim the Vice Chancellor has let things go to such a state that during his tenure a teacher is beaten and persecuted. sorry state very sorry state
29 psuas // Apr 9, 2008 at 11:56 pm
http://www.uok.edu.pk/administration/vc.php people should go here and leave a comment for him
30 Syed Naz Rajai // Apr 11, 2008 at 2:00 am
Institutions of higher learning are the primemovers for a nation’s progress & prosperity. This can only happen if the institutional head & the administration[in this case VC Dr Pirzada Qasim] creates a harmonious and stimulating academic environment. Then and only then the nation will get a return on its investment. I do not see such atmosphere prevailing in UoK.
Please condemn the incident, VC Dr Pirzada Qasim, in strongest terms and embark on a new beginning.
31 psuas // Apr 19, 2008 at 2:02 am
@pjs 8 April 2008 - Pirzada Qasim distinct Urdu poet comment
PJS Check this letter out in the Dawn today (18 April 2008)
http://www.dawn.com/2008/04/18/letted.htm#12
WISH to recollect a stanza from the verse of Qasim Pirzada, who is now the VC of Karachi University.
Qaum agar talab karay tum se ilaje teergi
sahibe ikhtiar ko aag
laga diya karo
You have proved true to your thoughts and words in the soft-handling of this appalling incident at KU.”
[from M. Khan]
Pakistan has produced great shaairs like Faiz and Faraz who have suffered for their art. This guy Pirzada Qasim writes poetry like this and let his teachers get beaten up and stays silent. What kind of Vice Chancellor ship is that? Only one word for it: hypocrisy
32 yjan // Apr 22, 2008 at 3:49 am
googling Professor name I found this:
http://kuprofessor.googlepages.com/home
It says the so called ‘distinct Urdu poet’ and the Vice Chancellor Pirzada Qasim is still conspicuous by absence of any action. What a shame for University of Karachi to have such leaders
33 pjs // Apr 26, 2008 at 3:26 am
Where is the result of the inquiry that was supposed to report in 3 days Vice Chancellor Pirzada Qasim?
The University of Karachi seems to be going from bad to worse when is run by people who dont appear to have any integrity or even humanity
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