KARACHI: University of Karachi’s Chairman of the Islamic Learning Department, Prof Dr Muhammad Arif Khan Saqi, on Thursday said he had rejected a compromise offer made by the father of the main accused in the assault case against him.
Ali Gohar Shah, father of the main accused, Kunain Shah, visited Prof Saqi’s residence along with several respected community members and attempted to reach a settlement, according to the professor.
“I have refused to compromise,” Prof Saqi said, adding that Ali Gohar Shah was elderly and had visited him despite being unwell.
“Our fight is not against any political party but against the culture of hooliganism,” he said.
Prof Saqi said his personal interests were secondary and stressed that the dignity and status of teachers must be protected.
“A teacher is a permanent institution and a symbol of respect. Teachers are respected across the world,” he said, adding that he wanted the status and dignity of teachers to be restored.
He demanded that the main accused surrender to police and publicly apologise for the incident.
“The accused should admit that assaulting a teacher was a serious crime,” Prof Saqi said.
Assault Case
Prof Saqi was assaulted and held captive for several hours at a hotel in Karachi on Tuesday following a minor road-rage incident.
He was travelling to the University of Karachi when the incident occurred near Safoora Goth.
According to Prof Saqi, a double-cabin vehicle collided with his car. He said he asked the occupants to compensate him for the damage and provide their contact details.
Read More: Arif Khan Saqi case: Main accused Kunain Shah granted bail
The occupants and their security guards allegedly assaulted him and his driver, striking them on the head with the butt of a rifle.
Police have so far arrested five people in connection with the case, according to reports.
The main accused, Kunain Shah, has obtained bail, following which police said he could not be arrested. Police had earlier conducted raids at several locations in an attempt to apprehend him.
A case was registered at Sachal Police Station on Prof Saqi’s complaint, naming Kunain Ali Gohar Shah and others as accused.
