Islamabad: Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) has expressed its deep concern and strong condemnation of the airstrikes on educational institutions across Iran including prominent institutions such as Sharif University of Technology and Iran University of Science and Technology.
Quoting international media reports, the federation said these incidents resulted in significant damage to academic infrastructure, including research laboratories, university facilities and places of worship within campuses. Reports further indicated civilian casualties and damage to residential areas in multiple cities. The targeting of educational institutions represents a deeply alarming development with far-reaching consequences for the global academic community.
Universities and schools are sanctuaries of knowledge, innovation and peaceful intellectual exchange. Any attack on such institutions raises serious concerns regarding compliance with international humanitarian law including the principles enshrined in the Geneva Conventions which emphasise the protection of civilian infrastructure during armed conflict. The destruction of centers of education and research undermines not only national development but also humanity’s collective pursuit of knowledge and progress.
FAPUASA expressed its stand in solidarity with the academic community, scholars, students and the people of Iran during this difficult time. The Federation underscored that targeting educational institutions threatens global peace, stability and scientific advancement and endangers intellectual communities worldwide. FAPUASA also expressed grave concern over any rhetoric suggesting retaliation involving educational institutions, emphasising that universities must remain neutral, protected spaces under all circumstances and should never become targets in conflicts.
FAPUASA called upon the international community to unequivocally condemn any attacks on educational institutions and civilian infrastructure to ensure the protection of schools and universities in accordance with international humanitarian law and to initiate independent and transparent investigations into the reported incidents. It further urged all stakeholders to prioritise diplomatic dialogue aimed at de-escalating tensions and preventing further loss of innocent lives, while safeguarding academic freedom and protecting the global scholarly community from the far-reaching impacts of armed conflict.
FAPUASA reiterated its steadfast commitment to peace, academic freedom and the protection of educational institutions worldwide. The Federation calls upon international organisations, including the United Nations, UNESCO and UNICEF to take urgent and meaningful steps to prevent further escalation and uphold the sanctity of institutions of learning.
