DERA GHAZI KHAN: The Ghazi University has witnessed a considerable decline in students’ enrollment in the current semester, as only around 1,900 got themselves enrolled as compared to the 4,700 admissions during the previous year (Fall 2022).

This decline in admissions will cause a financial loss of nearly Rs50 million to the varsityover the next four years, a faculty member claims seeking anonymity.

Currently, the university is functioning without a vice chancellor, while a lack of attention by relevant authorities has adversely impacted the university’s administrative, financial, and academic affairs.

Some of the faculty members blame the outgoing VC Dr Muhammed Tufail for the situation, who, they say, left various administrative and academic tasks unfinished.

The varsity faces financial, administrative issues in VC’s absence

They say the situation worsened under the former pro vice chancellor, Dr Muhammed Kamran, who faced strong opposition from a majority of faculty members due to his “questionable” decisions stemming from a lack of administrative experience and non-professional approach towards official matters.

Some of the faculty members formally complained to the university’s chancellor (Punjab governor) about Dr Kamran’s conduct.

They say a research scholar also lodged a written complaint with the governor, accusing the ex-pro VC of misappropriating research funds. The scholar alleged that the cheques were issued in his name before enrollment, and he was asked to return the money after cashing them during the research project. When the research scholar refused to oblige, he was expelled from the project. Furthermore, two faculty members from the Physics department faced allegations of sexual harassment involving a female student, they say, adding that initially, the pro VC attempted to conceal the incident, but it was highlighted by the media, leading to legal proceedings initiated by the university administration.

Later, upon the completion of an inquiry ordered by the Punjab governor, against Dr Kamran, conducted by the South Punjab Higher Education Department, the pro VC resigned.

They faculty members say that Dr Kamran’s resignation also left the university in a crisis.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2023