THIS refers to the criteria for admissions to PhD by Gomal University, D.I. Khan. The university has enrolled its teachers in the recent PhD programme and relaxed GAT subject test condition by allowing them to clear it in one year. It is worth mentioning that the National Testing Service (NTS) conducted an admission test at Gomal University city campus for those seeking admissions to MPhil and PhD programmes on Jan 6. All the eligible candidates who had not earlier qualified the GAT subject test appeared in the test.

According to HEC criteria, those who fulfil the required qualifications, i.e. MPhil in a relevant subject with cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of three out of four, besides passing NTS GAT subject test with at least 60 per cent marks, were eligible for admission in the PhD programme. There is no relaxation for anyone.

However, the university vice-chancellor ignored the HEC criteria and allowed teachers of various departments like mass communication, public administration, etc., in recent PhD admissions.

This is not only a gross violation of  HEC rules but also discrimination with those who are not university teachers and were not enrolled in the PhD programme after they failed to qualify for the GAT subject test.

This repugnant decision has provided incompetent teachers of the university an opportunity which they did not deserve.

I request all stakeholders, civil society, governor of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, HEC chairman, and the chief justice to take notice of the illegal and illogical decision of the administration of Gomal University.

ALI ANWAAR      D.I. Khan