Dr. Riaz

Dr Riaz Ahmed, Associate Professor at Applied Chemistry, Karachi University and a Ph D from Cambridge University was savagely assaulted by military personnel (Rangers) posted at Silver Jubilee Gate of KU on Monday March 31 at 5:02pm.

Dr Ahmed, who was alone and unarmed, was beaten with sticks, rifle butts, boots and punches by four military men in uniform.

The incident occurred after Dr Ahmed was arbitrarily stopped from leaving campus while others were allowed in. Dr Ahmed received severe bruises on head, shoulders and back. Scores of non-teaching staff and students witnessed the assault.


Rangers initially detained two officials involved in the horrific incident, but two days after the incident they lodged a four-count FIR against the professor. Editorial in a newspaper commented: “As anybody in his right frame of mind would testify, the chances are almost non-existent of a scholarly professor, who was unarmed and alone at the time of the incident, using criminal force to deter a bunch of armed guards”.

Unequivocal condemnation of the incident continues to come from far and wide (see these web links), with the notable exception of the Vice Chancellor of University of Karachi. It is worth noting that despite a court order and many attempts Dr Riaz Ahmed’s case against this brutality has not been registered by the police. Dr Riaz Ahmed now faces arrest on the false charges filed against him.