SOMEHOW it has become customary these days that we have to have a reason to take out rallies regardless of the fact the reason may be flimsy or beyond the comprehension of protesters.

Some academicians and staff members took out a rally against Dr Kamran Mujahid, acting vice chancellor of Punjab University, followed by another counter-rally in favour of Dr Mujahid. Both rallies were irrelevant.

Dr Mujahid has headed PU for two long tenures and may have made some mistakes, but overall he lifted PU despite obstacles caused by anti-reformists. He is a strong administrator and man of clear vision.

He participates in most PU events, actively engaging himself in university affairs. He does take firm action against his staff members but not without a reason. His continuity as the acting VC is due to the government’s inability to select the right man to replace him.

His continuity has moved no heavens; the PU is an age-old institution and is a vast empire to head.

We all ought to praise his services and send him off honourably; the least we can do and the least he deserves.

Amjad Mirza

Lahore

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2016