ISLAMABAD: In an unusual move, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) sought help from Rangers to vacate the vice chancellor officer at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST).

On Wednesday, former Dr Zafar Iqbal who was sent on forced leave by the president in December 2014, took the charge of FUUAST, under the pretext of complying with Supreme Court’s orders. However, according to the HEC, Dr Iqbal took office unlawfully as the Supreme Court never restored his status as VC.

Through a letter, available with Dawn, the HEC chairman requested director general of Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) to play a role in getting the office of the VC FUUAST vacated by Dr Zafar Iqbal.

The HEC, in the letter told DG Rangers that the ensuing situation has led to chaos in the university due to disarray in management affairs at the varsity.

However, Dr Zafar Iqbal told Dawn he is the legal VC and was restored by the Supreme Court. “I am going to file a contempt of court petition against the HEC Chairman for writing the said letter to DG Rangers,” he said.

The HEC’s letter, which was addressed to DG Rangers Sindh stated that in view of general disorder in the university, the university senate in its 26th meeting held on December 20, 2014, entrusted additional charge of the Office of VC to FUUAST to Dr Mohammad Qaiser, VC University of Karachi.

The incumbent VC, at the time Dr Zafar Iqbal was sent on leave for a period of three months.

However, due to a stay granted by the High Court of Sindh, the decision of the university senate could not be implemented.

According to the letter, following the expiration of the stay on March 11, 2015, Dr Qaiser assumed additional charge as the Vice Chancellor.

Meanwhile, Dr Zafar continued to defy the decision by the university senate and did not vacate office.

The HEC letter said the Supreme Court never restored him as VC, but he is illegally holding the office.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2015

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