Professor Arif Saqi attack case: Main accused Konain Shah arrested

KARACHI: Police have arrested the main suspect, Konain Ali Gohar Shah, in the alleged assault case involving University of Karachi’s Chairman of the Islamic Learning Department, Muhammad Arif Khan Saqi, and his nephew.

According to police officials, the suspect is being taken to Sachal Police Station. East Police carried out raids at several locations across Karachi before finally apprehending him after a chase.

Police said Shah had been moving between different locations and had switched off his mobile phone to avoid being traced.

The delay in arresting the main suspect had drawn criticism, with police facing strong questioning during a meeting of the Standing Committee. Its chairman had also expressed concern over the failure to arrest the accused.

Earlier, Prof Dr Muhammad Arif Khan Saqi said he had rejected a settlement offer from the suspect’s father, Ali Gohar Shah.

According to Prof Saqi, the accused’s father visited his residence with several respected community members and sought a compromise. However, he said he refused the offer, while acknowledging that Ali Gohar Shah was elderly and had made the visit despite being unwell.

Prof Saqi clarified that the issue was not about any political party but about opposing a culture of violence and hooliganism.

He stressed that protecting the dignity and respect of teachers was more important than his personal interests, describing teachers as permanent institutions and symbols of respect in society.

Prof Saqi called on the main accused to surrender to police, publicly apologise and acknowledge that assaulting a teacher was a serious offence.