MUZAFFARABAD, Dec 20: The Science Model College in the AJK capital is without the teacher of a key science subject for the past 53 days.

, thanks to the interference of Murree based Field Monitoring and Coordination Cell (FMCC).

Sources told Dawn here on Saturday that the institution’s chemistry lecturer, Nighat Rasheed, was transferred on the special directive of the chief secretary in July despite strong opposition by the principal, Matlooba Dar.

Ms Rasheed who enjoyed well repute among the students on account of her experience was posted out under “strong pressure” from the FMCC to be replaced by the wife of an army officer who is serving there, sources claimed.

Since the military take over in Pakistan in Oct 1999, the AJK affairs are monitored by the FMCC based in Murree in army’s 12 Div.

The sources said that soon after joining the institution, the new teacher, Shazia Gull, went on two-month vacations from Oct 27, leaving nearly 200 students of the college high and dry.

Interestingly, she could avail only 16 days leave according to the AG office record.

When contacted by this reporter, a number of students confirmed that their studies had badly suffered by the absence of the teacher for chemistry.

“Whosoever matters should realize that the non-availability of teachers for any subject could play havoc to the future of the students in this era of tough competition,” a second year student who requested anonymity said.

The sources said that the Murree authorities were at present pressing for transfer of Ms Gull to another college in the capital close to her residence.

The Model Science College was opened by the government in Upper Chattar locality in 1999.

The model college has been offering excellent results in board exams due to the hard work of its 9-member staff, parents say.