ISLAMABAD, Dec 21: Syed Imtiaz Hussain Gilani, Vice-chancellor of University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, was selected acting executive director (ED) of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) by its Commission on Friday, but after a long discussion and overcoming differences, Dawn has learnt.

According to sources, meeting of the commission was chaired by the HEC chairman, Dr. Javaid R. Laghari and participated by 11 out of 17 members.

An official of the HEC, who was privy to the meeting, said that Mr Laghari suggested to appoint Dr. Nilofar Shaikh, former Vice-Chancellor, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur (was present in meeting) as acting ED because she was not part of the recent HEC saga, she would be unbiased.

This remark infuriated Engr. Syed Imtiaz Hussain Gilani, who said that it meant that all other members who were present in the meeting were biased.

So in the end it was decided that the acting charge of post of ED should be given to Syed Imtiaz Hussain Gilani. Besides, it was also decided to appoint permanent ED by January 19, he said.

Meanwhile, the HEC employees have welcomed the appointment of Engr. Imtiaz Hussain Gillani.

Imtiaz Gilani is a civil engineer and VC of University of Engineering and Technology (Peshawar). He is also head of All Pakistan Vice Chancellors Committee.

He served as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Education, Information and Tourism during Musharraf’s tenure. He was chosen as Minister of Information during caretaker setup on November 19, 2007.

The HEC chairman did not pick up his phone despite several attempts.

Media coordinator of HEC Murtaza Noor confirmed the appointment of Syed Imtiaz Hussain Gilani as acting ED.

Joint Secretary Ministry of Education and Training (MET) Khalid Hanif while talking to Dawn said that Federal Secretary MET, Qamar Zaman also attended the meeting and members agreed on the name of Gillani.

“Prime Minister was also suggesting that commission should nominate acting ED and then permanent ED should be appointed through proper channel but HEC management was not ready for it. After the decision of Supreme Court we are sure that HEC management will now go by the book,” he said.