KARACHI, Oct 21: The Federation of All-Pakistan University Academic Staff Association on Monday demanded of the government to appoint an independent commission under a Supreme Court judge to study implications and modalities of the proposed model university ordinance.

In a letter to President Pervez Musharraf, Association President Sarwar Nasim said there were no two opinions on the need for bringing changes in the existing system of education for better results. The teachers’ community throughout the country was all for the changes, but these only for the sake of change are neither healthy nor desirable, he maintained.

The proposed ordinance is incomplete and does not provide any sustainable service structure in the public varsities. The Association rejected the ordinance in its present shape.

It said the steering committee on higher education gave wrong impression that the teachers’ community supported the proposed changes.

The letter said that the Association made efforts to address issues through meaningful dialogue with the committee and was assured that its genuine recommendations would be incorporated in the final report.

It said in view of “uncertain situation” on campuses of public sector varsities, the proposed ordinance may be held in abeyance, and let an independent commission study it in light of discussions and consultations with all the stakeholders.

“Only an enlightened and constructive dialogue”, in which all parties are able to participate, will make implementation of the proposed ordinance easier, the letter added.—PPI