KARACHI: A University of Karachi professor has turned down a reconciliation offer from the father of a man accused of assaulting him, insisting that the alleged main perpetrator must first be arrested and the case dealt with through the courts.
Dr Arif Khan Saqi, chairman of the University of Karachi’s Department of Islamic Studies, said the father of the accused recently visited his residence and sought forgiveness and an out-of-court settlement.
Speaking to media Saqi said he was unwilling to settle the matter at this stage and maintained that legal proceedings should continue until the principal suspect is taken into custody.
The confrontation reportedly took place on Tuesday near Safoora Chowrangi after Saqi’s vehicle was allegedly involved in a collision with a black double-cabin pickup outside a restaurant.
According to the professor, he stopped the occupants and asked them to compensate the driver for the damage, explaining that the vehicle was not his and that the driver depended on it for his livelihood.
The situation allegedly escalated when Saqi and his nephew were assaulted. Saqi claimed he was struck several times in the face with the butt of a rifle, sustaining serious injuries to his head, while his nephew, who was driving, was also beaten.
Police have arrested two suspects, identified as Gul Sher and Taj Muhammad, while the alleged main accused remains at large.
Professor refuses to ‘bury’ case
Restaurant owner Ali Gohar Shah subsequently visited Saqi’s home and apologised on behalf of his son, reportedly describing the incident as a mistake by the youngsters and seeking a settlement.
Saqi rejected the explanation, saying the incident could not simply be dismissed as a mistake. He described it instead as an example of bullying and hooliganism and said he would consider reconciliation only after the main accused had been arrested.
“I teach my students ethics, humanity, respect and tolerance,” the professor said, stressing that the incident had broader implications for society.
He called for people to stand against what he described as a growing culture of intimidation, violence and abuse of power.
Saqi also highlighted his personal circumstances, saying that despite serving as a Grade-21 professor, he lives in a rented house and did not own the vehicle involved in the incident.
He said he normally travelled by motorcycle but had switched to a rented car after suffering a minor accident the previous week.
KU community protests
Meanwhile, teachers and students of the University of Karachi held a protest rally against the assault, demanding the immediate arrest of the main suspect.
The protesters also called for legal action against all those allegedly involved in the attack, saying no individual should be allowed to escape accountability through influence or pressure.
The case remains under police investigation, while the professor has made it clear that he wants the legal process to take its course.
