Clerics in Bannu district forced a senior zoology teacher of the Government Postgraduate Degree College to denounce Charles Darwin’s theory of biological evolution and mixed-gender gatherings. They forced the teacher to declare that women are inferior to men.
Assistant Professor Sher Ali gave a three-page undertaking to the deputy commissioner’s office that all scientific and rational ideas that were in contradiction to Islamic Sharia, including Darwin’s theory of evolution, are falsehoods.
He was forced to declare that he believes in women’s inferiority to men in terms of wisdom, as stipulated by the Sharia. He also declared that unnecessary unity between women and men is not allowed.
The senior teacher also renounced his speeches in seminars, lectures, and social media posts for being contrary to the teachings of Islam. Sher Ali said if something untoward happened to him, the clerics of Domel area of Bannu district would bear no responsibility for it.
Mr. Ali holds MSc degree in zoology from the University of Peshawar and MPhil in human genetics from the Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad. He addressed a seminar on October 5 in Domel area about women’s rights in light of the Constitution and the law.
His remarks didn’t sit well with local clerics. They convened a meeting and accused him of “spreading debauchery and speaking against Islam and local culture. The local clerics demanded strict action against Mr. Ali by authorities.
As the issue caused an outcry on social media, the assistant professor took to Facebook. He clarified his position on Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Holding a biology textbook of the intermediate course published by the KP Textbook Board, he insisted that he was teaching biological evolution as part of the course.
Chapter 24 of the biology textbook discusses Darwin’s theory of biological evolution. Mr. Ali said if someone has problems with this topic, then they should approach the government for the removal of the chapter from the course.
Mr. Ali also said if he didn’t teach the topic, the students would question his teaching ability. M. Ali said he always taught Darwin’s theory of evolution after seeking the consent of his students.
After the district administration intervened, clerics and the professor agreed to resolve the issue. Mr. Ali submitted an undertaking to the office of Bannu deputy commissioner, renouncing his thoughts on Darwin’s theory.
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