12/06/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SMIU Faculty Declare Black Day, Denounce the Unlawful Termination of Assistant Professor Abdul Majeed Pirzada as an Attack on Academic Freedom
Karachi, June 12, 2025 – In an unprecedented and deeply disturbing move, the Vice Chancellor of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), Karachi, has terminated Assistant Professor Abdul Majeed Pirzada without due process, sparking outrage among faculty members who have condemned this act as unlawful, unethical, and intolerable. In protest, the faculty observed a Black Day, standing united in defense of academic justice and voicing unwavering support for Mr. Pirzada.
Mr. Pirzada, a highly respected Assistant Professor and a member of the University Senate, is widely known for his principled stand against corruption, misuse of authority, and administrative irregularities. His dedication to truth, accountability, and ethical governance has made him a target of retaliation. His abrupt dismissal—without following legal procedures and allegedly based on manipulated and baseless inquiries—is not only a personal attack but a dangerous signal to all faculty members that speaking the truth may come at the cost of their careers.
This arbitrary termination is a direct attack on academic freedom, institutional integrity, and the dignity of teachers.
The Sindh Madressatul Islam University Teachers Association (SMUTA) has condemned this action in the strongest terms and warned that such blatant abuse of power is creating a climate of fear and repression at the university. “This is not a university anymore, but a space where truth is punished, and injustice is rewarded,” said Mr. Ameen Chhajro, President of SMUTA. He further mentioned that if the following demands are not honoured, we will extend our protest and march toward the CM Sindh House, the Governor Sindh Office, and the Press Club.
SMUTA demands the following, without delay:
Immediate reinstatement of Assistant Professor Abdul Majeed Pirzada.
A transparent, independent, and judicial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his termination, free of influence and bias.
Firm guarantees for the protection of academic freedom and the right of faculty to speak truth to power without fear of reprisal.
The faculty stands united and resolute: We will not be silenced. We will not allow injustice to be normalized. We will defend every teacher’s right to work in an institution that respects justice, transparency, and freedom.
