Pak faces flak after handcuffed picture of dead professor goes viral

Pakistan has been facing strong criticism from members of civil society and human rights after handcuffed pictures of a dead professor went viral on social media.

Mian Javed Ahmed, a professor of the University of Sargodha, was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in October in connection with "opening illegal campuses and minting millions from students". He reportedly died in judicial custody in Lahore District Jail on Friday.

The imprisoned professor experienced a cardiac arrest and was rushed to Services Hospital. However, the professor, who was brought on a stretcher in handcuffs, was declared dead on arrival by doctors.

A senior journalist in Pakistan, Raza Ahmad Rumi tweeted, "Prof. Javed, CEO Sargodha University Campus in Lahore suffered a heart attack in the custody of National Accountability Bureau. This pic of a dead body in chains is shocking. Earlier, former VC Punjab Univ was paraded in handcuffs. Ultimate violation of human dignity. Shame on NAB."

Echoing similar sentiments, Naz Baloch, a social activist and member of National Assembly, tweeted: "Inhumane, ruthless and criminal act of handcuffing the dead body of the Director of Sargodha University, who passed away during NAB custody. Sad state of affairs when even the dead are not spared by NAB!"

The Pakistan Bar Council has demanded the federal government and Supreme Court for conducting a high-level inquiry into the death of Professor Ahmed during NAB custody.

In connection to the ongoing illegal campuses case, the anti-corruption body had obtained an extension of judicial remand until January 2 for the professor and four others arrested in the matter.

The university's former registrar, retired Brigadier Rao Jamil, Mandi Bahauddin sub-campus CEO Waris and his partner Naeem, and former director of administration Akram were the other suspects arrested by NAB.