KARACHI, Oct 16: Taking notice of delay in disciplinary action against officials of the University of Karachi, found involved in 53 unauthorized admissions at the Sindh Medical College, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has directed KU vice-chancellor to immediately take action against them under varsity’s Efficiency and Disciplinary Rules.

The office of the governor, on Thursday directed, through a letter, VC Dr Zafar Saeed Saify, to take strict disciplinary action against the five officials of varsity’s examinations and enrolment departments, without further delay.

“You (VC) are directed to initiate the disciplinary action without further delay against the officials, who have been found involved in irregularities, as pointed out by the Chief Minister Inspection and Evaluation Team, and intimate the progress for the perusal of Sindh governor,” the letter reads.

The KU has already suspended five officials of its examinations department, including a deputy controller, for their alleged involvement in the unauthorised admissions at the SMC.

The suspension orders were issued on the findings and recommendations of Sindh governor’s team.

KU had also constituted a five-member inquiry committee, comprising Prof Dr Suhail Barkati, Prof Mansoor Ahmed, Prof Shafiqur Rehman, Prof Junaid Sagheer Siddiqui and Prof Kaleem Rza Khan, some three months back, to investigate the allegations and suggest departmental action against the officials found guilty.

The governors’ letter states that action against the KU officials is still awaited, declaring transfers of some officials of varsity’s examination branch to its enrolment section, insufficient.

An official of the KU, when contacted to know varsity’s opinion regarding the delay in action against the accused officials, said that the inquiry committee formed by the VC was responsible for investigating the matter and presenting its findings before the VC and varsity Syndicate for further action.

“Unfortunately, the said committee has so far convened three meetings in three months, and has not interviewed even a single accused. Unless we get a report from the committee, nothing can be done against accused officials legally,” he added.—PPI