ISLAMABAD: Ousted chairman of Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr Tariq Banuri has accused the government of removing him from the post through an ordinance “without a reason” and without serving him any notice.

Speaking at “Meet the Press” programme of the National Press Club with renowned educationaist Pervez Hoodbhoy and writer Harris Khalique here on Wednesday Dr Banuri said the government had not issued any charge-sheet against him before his removal.

Highlighting his achievements, the former HEC chairman said his only interest was to bring an improvement in the quality of education and research. He said that despite pressures, he took steps for transparency for a greater interest of higher education sector, adding that during his tenure all recruitments were made on merit following the selection process.

He said the HEC was a regulator and the regulatory bodies had protection to complete the tenures, but he had been removed “prematurely.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Hoodbhoy strongly criticised former HEC chairman Dr Attaur Rahman and accused him of causing financial damage to the commission. He alleged that Dr Rahman had purchased a costly machine which had not been in any use of the commission.

He said that he had worked for two years as a member of Dr Rahman’s team, but parted ways after realizing that the only purpose was generation of funds and their distribution. He said there were large number of Ph.Ds in Pakistan, but many of them could not even pass exams of American high school.

Speaking on the occasion, writer and poet Harris Khalique said the government changed the law to remove an upright individual, which was a matter of concerns.

It is relevant to note here that after Dr Banuri’s ouster, the HEC in its meeting proposed the name of Dr Rahman and two others for filling the vacant post.

When contacted, Dr Rahman defended procurement of the said machine and said his performance being the HEC chairman was globally recognized, saying; “I don’t need certification from anyone.”

Last week, the government through overnight notification removed Dr. Banuri, whose actual term was supposed to end in May next year. Subsequently, he filed a petition in Sindh High Court, which had barred the federal government from making appointment on the said post till the next date of hearing.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2021