DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor and chancellor of the public sector universities Shah Farman has sent Gomal University vice-chancellor Prof Dr Iftikhar on 90 days forced leave under section 12(8) of the University Act, 2012, according to a notification issued by the Higher Education Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, here on Thursday.

The governor has also assigned additional charge of the post of Gomal University VC to Prof Dr Masroor Elahi, VC University of Agriculture, DI Khan, with immediate effect.

The action has been taken against Prof Iftikhar Ahmed for his objecting to the decision of the provincial government regarding the establishment of Dera Ismail Khan Agricultural University on the premises of Gomal University.

Prof Ahmed had raised objections to the decision of the provincial government in a letter to the prime minister on the establishment of an agriculture university on the premises of the Gomal University.

He had resigned following a reply from the KP governor, but instead of accepting his resignation he was sent on a three-month forced leave.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2021