A peaceful demonstration was held on Thursday outside Al-Badar School near Islamia College in support of a veiled female teacher, Saira Iqbal, who was allegedly subjected to physical assault and public humiliation within the school premises. The protest drew strong participation from teachers, parents, students, and members of the All Pakistan Private Schools Association (APPSA).

The protesters raised powerful slogans demanding justice and legal accountability. Their core demands included:

• Justice for the victimized teacher

• Punishment for those who took the law into their own hands

• Action against those responsible for violating the sanctity of educators

• Strict legal action against the individuals who forcibly removed the teachers veil and physically assaulted her

APPSA Chairman Syed Wali Warsi and Deputy General Secretary Sir Raheel were present at the protest. Chairman Wali Warsi strongly condemned the incident, calling it an act of oppression and injustice, and praised SSP East Dr. Farrukh Raza for taking suo moto notice of the case.

He urged DIG East Usman Ghani, Additional IG Karachi Javed Alam Odho, and IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon to initiate an impartial investigation and immediately suspend the accused police official Abdul Hafeez, who he described as a “black sheep” tarnishing the image of Sindh Police.

Chairman Warsi added, The role of our association is to protect private schools, but today, we stand against a school in defense of a wronged teacher and her students. Justice must prevail, regardless of the institution involved.

In an emotional address to her students, Saira Iqbal thanked the supporters for standing by her and urged everyone to remain peaceful. However, she firmly demanded that the Al-Badar school administration take immediate action against staff members, who allegedly allowed unauthorized men to enter the girls campus, violating its boundaries and dignity.

This protest represents a growing call for accountability and protection of educators, especially female teachers, across the education sector in Pakistan.