DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA), employees of the Gomal University and Islami Jamiat Talaba, a student wing of Jamaat-i-Islami, have condemned the alleged threats to Gomal University Vice-Chancellor Prof Iftikhar Ahmed by former federal minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, and demanded immediate action against the PTI leader.

A unanimous resolution was passed at a general body meeting of the employees of Gomal University held at the Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan Auditorium, condemning the minister’s ‘threats’ against the VC.

The participants, including professors, deans and other staff, expressed solidarity with the VC and vowed to foil any political interference in the affairs of the varsity.

FAPUASA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Dr Izhar condemned the threats and requested Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa acting Governor and the chancellor of the university, to stop such bullying tactics against the vice-chancellor and political interference in the affairs of the Dera varsity.

Addressing a rally organised by the employees of Gomal University through a video link, he threatened that the organisation would stage protests if action was not taken against Mr Gandapur.

Similarly, IJT Nazim, DI Khan, Bilal Ahmed condemned the minister’s alleged threats against the VC and said they would not allow anyone to make Gomal University a political arena.

Addressing a press conference here, he said instead of threatening the VC, the former federal minister should play role in helping the university overcome the financial crisis.

Mr Ahmed said everyone had to play role to save Gomal University from destruction.

He said the vice-chancellor should immediately issue a notification for reopening the university, and reduce hostels and admission fees for students of flood-affected areas.

Meanwhile, Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed expressed his satisfaction over the smooth running of Allied Health Sciences Programme of the Gomal University.

During a meeting with Vice-Chancellor Dr Iftikhar Ahmed, he said the HEC would provide its full support to the university in strengthening the Allied Health Sciences Programme.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2022