ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday suspended the order of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), removing Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology Dr Qibla Ayaz as member of Board of Governors.

Dr Ayaz, an eminent Islamic scholar who holds the post of Chairman CII, has filed a petition before Islamabad High Court challenging his removal from the university’s board.

IHC Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan heard the petition.

Barrister Umar Ijaz Gillani appeared on behalf of Dr Ayaz.

After hearing preliminary arguments of the counsel for the petitioner, Justice Ejaz granted a stay order in this matter restoring Dr Ayaz to the board.

The background of the controversy is that Dr Ayaz was appointed to the Board of Governors of IIUI in November 2020 for a period of 2 years.

However, on account of some differences with the university’s administration, in April 2022, his tenure was cut short and he was removed from the Board of Governors by the Pro-Chancellor and Rector.

The petitioner challenged his removal on multiple grounds. He contended that under Section 9(5) of the IIUI Ordinance, only the Chancellor of the University, President Arif Alvi, can remove someone from the BoG.

The university’s administration, which is itself accountable to the Board of Governors, cannot remove a member of BoG.

Also, even the Chancellor can remove someone during his tenure only on serious grounds, such as insanity, incapacity and gross misconduct. The removal notification provides no reasons whatsoever, the counsel argued.

The court also issued notices to the relevant authorities and sought the reply till next week.

Further hearing in this matter has been adjourned till July 7.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2022