*Black Day Observed at Punjab University in Solidarity with Suspended Professors; ASA Calls General Body Meeting on October 29*

LAHORE, October 27, 2026: A Black Day was observed at Punjab University on the appeal of the Academic Staff Association (ASA) and the Joint Action Committee (JAC), as faculty members expressed solidarity with two suspended professors by wearing black armbands while performing their academic and administrative duties.

The protest was held against the suspension of Professor Dr. Kamran Abid and Professor Dr. Muhammad Azhar Naeem, as well as what the faculty representatives described as the alleged retaliatory attitude of the Vice Chancellor.

Addressing the faculty members, Joint Action Committee Chairman Dr. Sardar Asghar Iqbal and ASA General Secretary Professor Dr. Kamran Abid strongly condemned the suspensions and alleged retaliatory measures against the teachers. They said such actions could not silence the voice of the academic community and vowed to resist what they termed unlawful and unjustified administrative orders.

The representatives said the suspensions had raised serious questions about the academic environment and administrative transparency at the university. They emphasized that the faculty would continue its struggle for the rule of law, respect for judicial decisions and fair exercise of administrative authority.

They also announced that an ASA General Body meeting would be held on October 29, 2026, at 10:00 am at Al-Razi Hall. The meeting will discuss the faculty’s Charter of Demands, reinstatement of the suspended professors, and various financial and administrative matters concerning the university.

The JAC leadership reaffirmed that Punjab University teachers would remain united in safeguarding their legitimate rights, professional dignity and academic freedom, and would continue their constitutional, legal and democratic struggle against all forms of alleged victimization.