LAHORE: Punjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran on Friday remained under fire as the Syndicate did not approve the proceedings of its Aug 8, 2014, meeting, questioning grant of annual increments during the period of extra-ordinary leave(s) to the VC as well as the confirmation of PU law college principal Dr Shazia Qureshi’s appointment as professor.

At the outset of the meeting chaired by the VC, the syndicate members objected to the presence of additional registrar Kamran Abid as well as deputy registrar Naveedur Rehman and made them leave the meeting.

As the syndicate was asked to confirm the Aug 8 meeting decision regarding the grant of annual increments to the VC during the period of extra-ordinary leaves (leave without pay), a member said the syndicate had approved grant of increments for the period from Dec 1, 2002 to Dec 1, 2004, but the proceedings showed the syndicate had approved grant of annual increments for the period of Dec 1, 1975 to Dec 1, 1979, as well.

As other members agreed, a member demanded that the syndicate should order an inquiry against the person who had recorded wrong proceedings. The item was kept pending.

While the syndicate took up the case of confirmation of professorship of Law College principal Dr Shazia Qureshi, a member said VC Prof Kamran should not chair the meeting when the case of his wife (Dr Qureshi) was discussed. The VC left the meeting and Lahore High Court Chief Justice representative Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi chaired the meeting. Some syndicate members stated that different Law College teachers had submitted representations against Dr Qureshi’s speedy appointments in higher grades.

It was suggested that the members should decide through voting that the case should be re-opened on not. Sources said the syndicate later decided to re-open the case with six votes in favour and four against.

It decided that the selection board proceedings as well as all representations by teachers and other relevant documents be sent to all syndicate members. The appointment case would be discussed in the next meeting scheduled after two weeks – preferably on Saturday for a detailed discussion.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2015

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