LAHORE: University of Engineering and Technology Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mansoor Sarwar on Sunday ordered withdrawal of a notification issued by the varsity for making separate seating arrangements for male and female students in cafeterias or canteens on the campus.

UET Deputy Registrar (Estate) Javaid Manzoor had directed through a notification the contractors running cafeterias/canteens on the varsity campus to ensure separate seating arrangements for male and female students with immediate effect.

The notification further stated that the vice chancellor and resident officer would make surprise visits to the canteens and cafeterias to check these arrangements. It warned that in case of non-compliance, the cafeterias and canteens would be sealed without any notice.

However, the VC told Dawn that the notification had been issued without his consultation and another letter was issued for the withdrawal of the said notification.

Mr Manzoor said the varsity would take disciplinary action against the official concerned for issuing the notification without any consultation. “I will take administrative action against relevant quarters when the university would open on Wednesday,” he said. The notification was severely criticised by the varsity students as well as on social media.

Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2019