Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) once again encountered administrative unrest over the recent decision by its apex decision making body, the Syndicate, for sending the university’s registrar on forced leave, Daily Times has learnt reliably.

The Syndicate, in its meeting a couple of days ago, decided that registrar Dr.Shafiq Ur Rehman would be sent on forced leave for an indefinite period. However, the minutes of the meeting are not yet disclosed.

According to sources, Vice Chancellor Dr.Javed Ashraf directed Rehman verbally for leaving the office. But Rehman denied to follow and insisted of the VC for a written order.

The VC Ashraf issued the written orders on March 15, a copy of which was obtained by this scribe. The letter states that Dr.Rehman’s forced leave continues with immediate effect.

This move resulted in a new controversy at the university. While rejecting the VC;s orders, the Officer Employees Association (OEA) and Employees Welfare Association (EWA) staged a protest. Over 100 representatives of these associations initially gathered in front of the VC’s office and then they moved towards the transport office.

The protesters chanted slogans against the VC and demanded for the restoration of the registrar on immediate basis. They blocked the buses’ exit gate for hours.

Following this, some police officials, along with the Area Magistrate visited the varsity and played an intermediate role between the university’s senior management and the protesters.

Finally, around 4 p.m. the buses were relieved for providing transportation to the students.

The Employees Welfare Association (EWA) President, Attaul Muneer Malik, told this reporter that they had temporarily withdrawn the protest because innocent students were suffering. However, he clarified that the protest would be started again from Thursday. In the strike the official transport would not be allowed to run, he added.

He said that the strike would continue till the VC did not take back his orders for sending Dr.Rehman on forced leave.

Dr. Rehman was promoted from BPS 20 to 21. Sources disclosed that his promotion was also reverted in the Syndicate meeting held on March 3.

In the past, he was also sent on forced leave by the VC Dr.Ashraf. An inquiry was also initiated against him on the basis of several allegations. An inquiry committee was constituted under the chair of Wajid Rana. The committee finalised the report. However, the Syndicate in its meeting held in September 2016 set aside the report and directed for the restoration of Dr.Rehman.

In the direction of forced leave, it was said that the “previous forced leave” would be continued. It meant, Dr. Rehman was on forced leave between September 2016 to March 3, 2017.

The question arises about the legal status of several official decisions made with his (Dr. Rehman’s) approval. Dr.Ashraf was not available to have the exact brief on the matter

This debate is in the pipeline for the last many years. Even the Syndicate meeting did not approve any other agenda item. Out of around 50 agenda items, finalisation of only one case is also a question mark for the authorities concerned.

The educationist questioned that the Syndicate that is a very powerful and important body, had been shrunk just for one case. They added that it looked like a ‘one man show’.

Actually, there are some specific lobbies in the university. They all tried to use every sitting management of the varsity on their on interests.

The university officials while neglecting the fundamental purpose of their appointments, remained busy in conspiracies against each others. Due to which the university’s reputation is being decreased with every passing day. The university’s students who normally the cream of country, are the major and ultimate suffer by these kind of crooked practices.

President of Academic Staff Association (ASA) told the scribe that the ASA could not influence any decision of Syndicate. “the Syndicate is purely independent entity”, he said.

In recent, a three member independent Committee constituted by Higher Education Commission (HEC) on the direction of chancellor of the QAU and president of Pakistan. The committee compiled an inquiry report in which it confirmed massive irregularities in the university. After completion, the report was sent to the President and he clearly recommended the removal of Dr.Ahsraf from his post.

The educationists further said if such war of interests will be continued, the university’s image will be collapsed gradually.