FUUAST VC injured during protest on campus

KARACHI: Federal Urdu University vice chancellor Professor Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari was injured on campus after a protest turned into a scuffle when demonstrators blocked his way, according to a statement issued by the university administration on Saturday.

The administration said the incident took place while the vice chancellor was visiting examination centres. It said some people tried to stop him, chanted slogans and created disruption, after which the situation escalated.

In a joint statement, Registrar Dr Inayat Ali Shah, deans, heads of departments and faculty members condemned the episode. They described it as contrary to the university's academic traditions, institutional discipline and the dignity of teachers. The administration said the incident had also been condemned by faculty, officers, staff and students, who called it deeply troubling.

The university administration also denied reports of any verbal altercation or inappropriate exchange between the vice chancellor and Dr Rani Erum. It further alleged that certain elements were conducting a coordinated effort to force the incumbent vice chancellor to resign by using different disputes to advance that objective.