A professor from Pakistan’s Government College University (GCU) in Lahore has alleged that his contract was suspended over his “political conduct” and netizens are unhappy with the decision.
The education institute has allegedly refused to renew the contract of t political science professor Zagum Abbas, over expressing his political opinions in the classroom.
Abbas shared a lengthy Facebook post, which suggested that his contract was not extended because he “cultivated a culture of dialogue and engagement, and taught students to question everything which had been fed to them”.
Abbas claimed that he was “verbally” informed of the decision and the institute allegedly failed to hand him a written notice of termination.
“After four years of service to GCU, the administration didn’t even have the decency to provide written notice of termination,” he said.
He also said that he believes that he is being suspended because he is “political” and “speak openly about the issues and problems that students and faculty face every day on campus”.
However, he did not mention what type of issues he was referring to.
“I want to state proudly that I invited my students to be open, rational and taught them to engage in critical debates. I cultivated a culture of dialogue and engagement and taught my students to question everything which had been fed to them. These were the activities that the myopic men on campus could neither digest nor tolerate,” the teacher said.
While highlighting his teaching career at the university, he said: “During my past four years as a lecturer at GC University, I loved my job so much that I elected to live away from my family in Gilgit, believing that at least I was contributing something meaningful to society and the country at large.”
Social media reaction
Netizens reacted to Abbas’ claims online and many questioned why the he was allegedly stopped from expressing his opinions.
Tweep @CallhimSayaf wrote: “I stand with Zagum Abbas and his/everyones's right to freedom of free expression. Dissent is what makes it call a democracy. If not, it isn't one: its blatant dictatorship.”
User @HaiderKaleemB tweeted at the university’s chancellor How can @gculahore’s vice chancellor, @zaidia who claims to be a progressive let the administration fire a hardworking and passionate teacher like @Zagum_Abbass? This is very shameful for the whole Government College University. Institute will lose its credibility and respect.”
Whereas user @javzirks shared her own experience teaching at the facility: “I worked at GCU from 2000 to 2010. During my tenure three teachers were fired because they were progressive thinkers. GCU admin is always scared of such teachers and their influence on students. It’s sad that situation hasn’t improved still.”
