ISLAMABAD: Two members of the senate of Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) have appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take steps for resolving the existential crisis being faced by the university as appointment of its vice chancellor has been facing an inordinate delay.

Dr Tausif Ahmed Khan and Dr Irfan Aziz, the senate members, told Dawn that despite the passage of two months, the interim VC was yet to notify the search committee finalised by the university’s senate at a meeting held on September 15, 2022. The senate meeting was presided over by the university’s chancellor who, in this case, is President Dr Arif Alvi.

The senate had directed that Higher Education Commission (HEC) ChairmanDr Mukhtar Ahmed would be the convener of the search committee. Sources said the senate had also directed to complete the process within three months. However, so far, the search committee is not notified what to talk about the appointment of the VC.

When contacted, HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed said: “Yes, the process of appointment of VC FUUAST has been facing inordinate delay. This is a matter of concerns for HEC and government. I have already taken up the issue with the university management and federal government.” He said at the meeting of the senate he had stated that he could appoint VC within two months. “But, so far, the search committee is not notified; how we can move forward,” he added.

Professor Dr Mohammad Ziauddin, the acting VC of the university, was asked to notify the search committee after convening the university’s syndicate.

The two senate members told Dawn that the search committee was to complete the entire process for hiring a permanent VC within three months.

They said the university senate faces an existential crisis as in December all its members will complete their tenure and retire.

On the other hand, sources in the education ministry said the chancellor’s office should have taken notice of the delay.

“The PM’s timely action is the only way to bring order in the public sector university. It is pertinent that a nominating committee be immediately formed as per the statutes through a notification and its meeting be called immediately to recommend new members for the university’s senate,” Dr Tausif said.

The university has been in an administrative crisis since its inception in 2002, chiefly because of its flawed ordinance.

Sources said the number of pensioners was growing with each passing year and there were no funds available to pay their liabilities.

Moreover, all important administrative posts have been filled with teachers without experience and funds were being siphoned off towards petty projects.

The sources said it was necessary to hire a permanent VC and a workable and standard ordinance for the institutionlike other universities. Despite repeated attempts, the acting VC could not be approached for comments.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2022