Punjab University teachers condemn suspension of senior faculty, demand forensic audit

The Academic Staff Association (ASA) of Punjab University has strongly condemned the suspension of two senior faculty members

LAHORE: The Academic Staff Association (ASA) of Punjab University has strongly condemned the suspension of two senior faculty members and the locking of their offices, expressing serious concerns over the university administration’s actions.

During a general body meeting, the association expressed complete solidarity with Professor Dr Kamran Abid and Professor Dr Muhammad Azhar Naeem, describing the situation as a matter of serious concern for the teaching community. The participants voiced strong reservations about the decisions taken by the Vice Chancellor and called for immediate steps to address the growing tensions between faculty members and the university administration.

The meeting participants maintained that punitive or retaliatory actions against teachers would not be tolerated under any circumstances. They stressed that faculty members must be allowed to perform their professional responsibilities in an environment that respects their dignity, rights and academic freedom.

The association also demanded a comprehensive forensic audit of Punjab University’s administrative and financial affairs to ensure transparency and accountability. It called for an impartial investigation into allegations of financial irregularities and administrative mismanagement involving the Vice Chancellor. The participants emphasised that all allegations should be examined through a transparent and credible process to protect the institution’s integrity and public standing.

According to the demands raised during the meeting, administrative powers should not be used to suppress dissent or silence faculty members who raise questions about university affairs. The teachers stressed that differences of opinion are an essential part of an academic institution and should be addressed through dialogue rather than disciplinary measures.

The general body adopted a resolution calling on the university administration to accept the legitimate demands of teachers and take practical measures to resolve the ongoing dispute. The resolution reaffirmed the association’s commitment to protecting teachers’ rights, professional dignity and institutional autonomy.

The participants further urged the administration to initiate meaningful negotiations with the faculty to end the prevailing tensions. They maintained that constructive engagement between the two sides was necessary to restore a peaceful academic environment and ensure that the university’s educational and research activities were not affected by the dispute.

The association also called upon the Punjab government to take notice of the concerns raised by university teachers and play its role in addressing the matter. It stressed that the protection of faculty rights and the transparent management of public-sector educational institutions should remain key priorities.

The teachers reiterated their support for the two suspended colleagues and expressed determination to continue their struggle for the protection of their rights through constitutional and democratic means. They called for a fair resolution of the dispute and urged the authorities to avoid steps that could further deepen divisions within the university community.

The general body concluded that transparent accountability, institutional responsibility and meaningful dialogue were essential to safeguarding Punjab University’s reputation and academic environment. It emphasised that the university’s administration must uphold principles of fairness, transparency and respect for academic freedom while addressing concerns raised by its faculty.

The association maintained that resolving the matter through an impartial process would help restore confidence among teachers, strengthen institutional governance and protect the university’s standing as a leading centre of higher education in Pakistan.