DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Prof Dr Iftikhar Ahmed has withdrawn his resignation from the post of vice-chancellor of Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan.

He has sent a letter to the Chancellor and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman informing him of his decision in writing.

Prof Ahmed has decided to approach the court against the decision of the university and sending him on forced leave.

Last month, the provincial government decided to upgrade the agricultural faculty of Gomal University to the status of a separate university as agricultural university, Dera Ismail Khan.

Gomal University VC Prof Ahmed had reservations about the govern-ment’s decision of upgrading his university’s faculty without approval of the syndicate.

In this connection, the VC wrote a letter to the prime minister for his intervention.

The provincial government sought explanation for writing to the prime minister directly and bypassing the provincial higher education department.

The VC resigned from his post when the government sought explanation from him.

Instead of accepting or rejecting Prof Ahmed’s resignation, the chancellor of the public sector universities sent him on force leave for 90 days.

However, now Prof Ahmed has not only withdrawn his resignation, but has also decided to challenge in the high court the government’s decision to divide Gomal University.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan also sought response from the secretary agriculture on the objections raised by the Gomal varsity VC.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2021