LAHORE, March 19: The Punjab University has decided to acknowledge the “meritorious services” of four university officials — including two retired colonels — by recommending them for Sitara-i-Imtiaz.

PU Registrar Col Masoodul Haq, Additional Registrar Lt-Col Mustansar Javed, Centre for Higher Energy Physics director Fazl-i-Aleem and Centre for Management Sciences director Nayyar Raza Zaidi have had their names sent to the federal government for the award.

The registrar and the additional registrar were hired by the university on contract only three years ago. The contract is extended every six months.

Sources said that the university had recommended the names of two retired army officials for the award without consulting the heads of the university departments.

They did not find the move surprising in view of the fact that the university was being largely administered by retired army officials.

Meanwhile, the university teachers have strongly criticised the nomination of retired army officials for the award. They said the move would discourage teachers and tarnish the image of the university.

They said that a number of university teachers had rendered great services in the fields of science and literature, but they were never deemed fit for any award on the national level. They also criticised the vice-chancellor for taking unilateral decisions.

When contacted, PU vice-chancellor Arshad Mahmood refused to give details about the “services and contributions” of the two retired armymen for the university and told this reporter to meet the university public relations officer or registrar for comments.

When contacted, university PRO Rashid Khan said that only the VC could comment on the matter.