Gwadar University Observes 'Black Day' to Protest Abduction of Vice-Chancellor and Faculty
Academic and administrative staff don black bands following FAPUASA's strike call; demand immediate, safe recovery of the VC, Pro-VC, and accompanying staff.
GWADAR (Bureau Report):
Gwadar University observed a campus-wide 'Black Day' today to condemn the brazen abduction of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Abdul Razzaq Sabir, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Syed Manzoor Ahmed, Lecturer Dr. Irshad Ahmed, and driver Hatim Ali. Administrative officers, faculty members, and university staff wore black armbands to register their severe resentment and deep concern over the security breach.
The strike was observed in response to a joint call by the Academic Staff Association of the University of Balochistan and the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) Balochistan Chapter.
Spreading Panic Within the Academic Community
Addressing the demonstration, speakers emphasized that the targeting of top-tier academic leaders is a devastating blow to the educational landscape of the province.
"The abduction of highly respected academic figures is not just a tragic incident; it is a deliberate attempt to sabotage the educational environment, injecting fear and anxiety among teachers and students alike," the protesters stated.
Immediate Demands Imposed on the Balochistan Government
The academic community of Gwadar University has issued an urgent ultimatum to the Government of Balochistan and relevant security agencies, demanding:
Safe and Immediate Recovery: Mobilization of all state resources for the swift and unhurt rescue of the VC, Pro-VC, lecturer, and their driver.
State-Backed Security: Strict implementation of security protocols across all universities, reiterating that safeguarding educational institutions is a core state responsibility.
Accountability: Swift apprehension and prosecution of the culprits involved in this heinous act.
The participants vowed to escalate their protest seamlessly across the province. They declared that Gwadar University, in solidarity with all public sector universities in Balochistan, will continue to execute a series of coordinated protests until their colleagues are safely returned and concrete steps are taken to ensure the long-term safety of educators.