PESHAWAR: The higher education department has formally requested the provincial governor to send the pro-vice chancellor of the Islamia College University on forced leave for three months over irregularities in the financial and administrative matters of the historical seat of learning.

Sources told Dawn that a summary for the purpose had been sent to Governor Shah Farman, who was also the chancellor of public sector universities in the province, in light of his directives and an inquiry report of the Governor Inspection Team (GIT).

Under the KP Universities Act, 2012, the chancellor can sent the vice-chancellor of a public sector university on forced leave for a period of ninety days.

Section 12(8) of the Act declares, “The Chancellor may send the Vice Chancellor on forced leave for ninety (90) days extendable once if the circumstances so demands for reasons to be recorded.”

Through a letter on Oct 16, the governor had directed the higher education secretary to send Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Islamia College University on forced leave until further orders.

Dept writes to governor for purpose over irregularities

“The Islamia College University, Peshawar, is facing problems most of which have been created by the administration of the university itself. Moreover, GIT in its report has also alluded to this fact. The report has interalia recommended proceeding under Efficiency and Disciplinary Statues 2016 against the incumbent Pro-Vice Chancellor,” reads the letter.

Sources said there was a high likelihood that VC of the Agriculture University, Peshawar, Prof Jan Bakht would be given the additional charge of the Islamia College University’s top post.

When contacted, ICU Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Naushad Khan rejected the allegations leveled against him and said whatever irregularities had been reported in the university’s affairs were actually committed during the terms of his predecessors.

“In my one-year long tenure as the Pro-VC, most of the issues facing the university have been resolved amicably. The university is on the right track,” he said.

Dr Naushad said ‘overstaffing and wrong selection’ of different projects were the main issues of the university but all that happened during the tenures of his predecessors.

“Whatever I have done in my one year tenure, is available with evidence in the university record,” he said. He claimed that he had not violated the law and rules.

The tenure of ICU VC Prof Habib Ahmad had expired over one year ago and since then, the provincial government hasn’t appointed a regular vice-chancellor.

The government has advertised the post along with those of seven other public sector universities a few months ago. Many professors have applied for them.

Sources said academic credentials of the candidates had been scrutinised, while the academic search committee for the appointment of VCs would soon call the shortlisted candidates for interview.

A senior academician told Dawn that the ‘leg pulling’ and clash of interest among different groups of ICU teachers had reached its peak severely affecting the historic stature of the university.

“The historic Islamia College should have not been upgraded to the university’s level as since its upgradation, the historical seat of learning has become a hub of the teachers’ politics,” he said.The Awami National Party-led government had upgraded the Islamia College to the level of the university in 2008.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2020