ISLAMABAD: All the expelled and rusticated students of Quaid-i-Azam University were restored on Thursday after a meeting between the federal education minister and five members of the QAU syndicate.

However, the faculty of the university through a referendum held the same day, has demanded the resignation of the vice chancellor.

Following the decision at a meeting chaired by Federal Education Minister Balighur Rehman, who is also the pro-chancellor of QAU, the protesting Baloch students ended their month-long strike.

The university had taken disciplinary action against over 40 students for their involvement in a clash between Sindhi and Baloch student councils on May 20. As many as eight students were expelled and rusticated while others were fined.

After keeping the university closed for 19 days, the students called off their protest last month. However, the Baloch students continued their protest against the expulsions.

On Thursday, the pro-chancellor after meeting Vice Chancellor Dr Javed Ashraf and five members of the syndicate decided to restore all the students.

Chief Minister Balochistan Sanaullah Zehri and other lawmakers from the province had been demanding the federal government restore the Baloch students.

The QAU administration issued a notification on Thursday, which stated: “The punishment of expulsion of the students from the university has been replaced with the additional fine of Rs40,000 and the punishment of rustications for two semesters has been replaced with an additional fine of Rs25,000.”

The students who were rusticated for one semester will pay the fine already imposed on them.

“Yes, the pro chancellor and some members of the syndicate recommended restoration of all students,” the VC told Dawn. He said it was not the syndicate meeting rather a special meeting called by the pro chancellor. He said the QAU would place the matter in the syndicate meeting slated to be held on November 17 for getting the final approval which, according to QAU sources, would be a mere formality.

Meanwhile, 75pc of the QAU faculty members participated in a referendum organised by the Academic Staff Association (ASA) and demanded that the VC should resign.

At the 11th executive council meeting of the ASA, it had been unanimously decided that a referendum should be held on the resignation of the VC.

“In view of the major issues facing QAU, including the quality of administration and the performance of the VC, ‘do you think Prof Dr Javed Ashraf deserves to continue as Vice Chancellor of our University?” The referendum was held on Thursday and 171 faculty members cast their votes, of which 125 (75pc) voted against the VC and 25pc voted in his favour.

“The faculty has therefore upheld the decision of the general body and expressed its view that Dr Javed Ashraf should not continue as VC,” read a statement issued by the ASA.

The ASA has been accusing the VC of not delivering, adding his performance was disappointing.

The HEC constituted an inquiry committee in February this year which also recommended the removal of the VC.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2017

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