Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The legislative body on Federal Education and Professional Training in upper house of the parliament has expressed its grave concerns over irregularities in Hazara University on Tuesday, whereas Senators ask to fix the responsibility by further probing the matter.

While briefing the sub-committee of standing committee on Federal Education and Professional Training in the Senate, the Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed endorsed the allegations made by Senator Azam Khan Sawati against former Vice Chancellor of Hazara University. Dr. Mukhtar presented his report in front committee members and said; “We found several irregularities in appointments, scholarships and funds spending in the university.” He said further that the former vice-chancellor Hazara University was of the view while responding to the commission that he had made all appointment on political pressure, whereas he also asked us that he is ready to provide proofs of such political involvement at any time. The Chairman HEC asked the committee to launch a comprehensive probe to investigate the matter thoroughly as an inquiry had already been carried out by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in this regard and committee can also sought its report by the bureau.

Senator Azam Khan Sawati expressed his angriness on the former vice-chancellor of the varsity Dr. Ahsan Ali and urged State Minister for Education to take prompt and strict action against those who are involved in malpractices in the university. Senator Sahar Kamran while chairing the committee proceedings has said; “the future of university students is on stake, whereas the irregularities and malpractices in varsity badly affected the educational activities of the institution.” She said further; “The conduct of teachers should be the role model for students, but in this case, the role of educationists is not exemplary.” If we want to bring back the country on track of peace and prosperity then it is essential to revamp education system of the country, Senator Sahar added.

Meanwhile, the committee has accepted the report presented by Chairman HEC and lauded his efforts to submit said report in a short period of time. The committee maintained that in light of this report it has been established that irregularities were committed by the Hazara university administration and the matter needs further inquiry.

Senator MushaidHussain Syed while commenting on the situation has declared it a mage scandal and ask to conclude the matter by investigating all aspects minutely. He said; “the responsible elements should be held accountable.”

The sub-committee will submit its report on the issue in next meeting of Senate’s Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, which is going to be met today (Wednesday) here in parliament house. The Chairman HEC while talking to the Daily Times exclusively has said; “the committee had assigned me a task to review the information provided by the representatives of Hazara University in last meeting and ask to submit a report in next meeting.” He said; “I found some irregularities in the Hazara University and recommended further investigation into the matter.” Besides, HazaraUniveristy issue, the committee also welcomed the recovery of Ali HaiderGilani, the son of former Prime Minister YousafRazaGilani and adopt a resolution to congratulate his family members.

The meeting of sub-committee was attend by senators Sahar Kamran, MushaidHussain Syed, Azam Khan Sawati, NomanWazirKhatak, JavedAbbasi and higher ups of HEC and the representatives from Hazara University.