GILGIT, July 26: The six months extension given to vice-chancellor of the Karakuram International University by President Asif Ali Zardari has resulted in divisions among faculty, ruining the educational environment of this newly established institution of higher learning in the region.

During a meeting called the other day for nominating two faculty members in the varsity senate turned into a battlefield as faculty members came to blows and hurled abuses at each other.

“It looked like we were not in a university rather in the parliament as the university staff has divided in favour and against the vice-chancellor Dr Najma Najam,” said a faculty member after the meeting requesting not to be named.

Dr Najma has faced severe criticism over favouritism in recruitments and award of contracts.

Dr Najma was to complete her three-year tenure in June 2013. However, she was given a six-month extension.

Spokesman of the university Shahid Ali told this correspondent that the vice chancellor had recruited people without following proper procedure.

However, he said those recruited were not her relatives and that all were retired faculty members who were hired to impart quality education to students.

The university spokesman said a search committee had been constituted to look for a suitable candidate for the vice-chancellor’s post.

However, the anti-VC faculty members said the hired people were close friends of Dr Najma who were given undue favour.

HIGH SECURITY IN GB: The district administration on Friday heightened security in the region following arrest of two Lashkar-i-Jhangvi men with grenades a day back, officials said.

“We have beefed up security to foil any possible sabotage attempt in Gilgit,” said the official.

He disclosed that though currently situation was under control but taking precautionary measures always helped to curb attacks.

The official said security was enhanced following directives of the crisis management cell and the interior ministry