Riaz Ahmed (academic)

Riaz Ahmed
OccupationsAssociate Professor of Applied Chemistry, human rights advocate
EmployerUniversity of Karachi
Known forSyndicate activism, human rights advocacy

Riaz Ahmed is a Pakistani academic, human rights advocate, and Associate Professor of Applied Chemistry at the University of Karachi (KU). Known for his stance on academic freedom and transparency in university governance, Ahmed has faced enforced disappearances and detentions due to his activism.[1][2]

Academic career

Ahmed is an Associate Professor and Chair at KU’s Department of Applied Chemistry. He has been vocal in KU's syndicate over administrative irregularities, including concerns over improper degree conferrals.[1]

Human rights activism

His activism includes organizing seminars on enforced disappearances following the killing of activist Sabeen Mahmud.[3]

Arrests and detentions

In April 2017, Ahmed was arrested by the Pakistan Rangers ahead of a press conference supporting detained professor Hasan Zafar Arif. He was charged with possessing an unlicensed pistol, which human rights groups described as a fabricated charge.[4][5]

In May 2018, he went missing near the KU campus. His disappearance was linked to his support for the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM). After public pressure, he returned safely.[3][6]

In September 2024, Ahmed was detained by Karachi police for eight hours while en route to a syndicate meeting, sparking protests by civil society and faculty. He was later released without charges.[1][2][7]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "KU professor Dr Riaz released after 8 hours of 'illegal detention' upon outcry". Dawn. 1 September 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  2. ^ a b "KU professor detained, released after few hours". The Express Tribune. 1 September 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  3. ^ a b "KU chemistry professor Dr Riaz missing since last night, says family". The Express Tribune. 12 May 2018. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  4. ^ "Dr Riaz Ahmed arrested on fabricated charges". Front Line Defenders. 2 April 2017. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  5. ^ "KU's Dr Riaz Ahmed granted bail in illicit weapon case". The Express Tribune. 6 April 2017. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  6. ^ "'Missing' KU professor reaches home". Geo News. 13 May 2018. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  7. ^ "Karachi police acknowledge detention of varsity professor in 2017 case". Dawn. 2 September 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
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