LAHORE: The in-charge of the Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), Jhang Campus, facing allegation of inviting two leaders of a banned organisation (to the campus) has been exonerated of the charge in an inquiry held on the direction of the chief minister.

Ruling party MNA Sheikh Muhammad Akram from Jhang had lodged a complaint with the chief minister against Ms Iqbal for inviting two fourth schedule list members to the campus to address students.

The Fourth Schedule is a list of “proscribed” individuals who are suspected of terrorism and/or sectarianism under Section 11EE of the ATA 1997, which states that whenever the government receives information that an individual is associated with an organisation kept under observation, it may recommend the person’s name for the Fourth Schedule.

The MNA also claimed that the in-charge had appointed people belonging to other districts in the campus.

On the direction of the chief minister, the Higher Education Department forwarded the complaint to the LCWU Registrar for an inquiry.

University VC Uzma Qureshi told Dawn a detailed inquiry did not find any evidence that could support the allegations. She said the LCWU had now appointed Rimza Sikandar as permanent director of its Jhnag Campus as the contract of Ms Iqbal lapsed a few days ago.

A senior varsity official told Dawn on the condition of anonymity that the MNA was demanding jobs for his voters and when the in-charge did not oblige him, he lodged a fake complaint against her.

She said most of the MPAs and MNAs of ruling party often approached them to give jobs to the people recommended by them.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2018