Bannu professor forced to apologise publicly for teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution

Professor Sher Ali from Bannu was forced to apologize publicly by signing an affidavit for teaching Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and organizing a seminar on women’s rights in Islam.

A tweet from X user Khurram Zakir has brought the tragic state of intolerance to the spotlight.

The apology letter of Professor Sher Ali, who is associate professor of biology at district Bannu, is both a code of conduct and a lesson for all progressives individuals and educators. Whether you are a scientist or a Ph.D. professor, this affidavit tells, you have to teach n… pic.twitter.com/oU66UIpkcG

— Khurram (@Khurram_zakir) October 20, 2023

The dispute started with Professor Sher Ali organizing a seminar on the topic of Women’s Rights in Islam and the Constitution. It was arranged in response to the growing public displeasure against women leaving their homes without adhering to the Islamic dress code. The professor triggered religious circles who accused him of deviating from the teachings of Islam.

Although Darwin’s Evolution theory is part of the curriculum set by the board of education, the professor had to bear the brunt of fulfilling his duty and teaching about it. The incident has raised concerns about the inconducive space for rational discourse even in an academic setting.