Comsats University Islamabad (CUI) finds itself embroiled in controversy as its university syndicate, under the interim leadership of an interim rector, recently amended a clause in its statute.
Following the resignation of Dr. Mohammad T. Afzal, the university has been under interim leadership, with senior Dean Prof Dr. Sajid Qamar overseeing affairs until a permanent rector is appointed.
Allegations of Favoritism in Faculty Hiring
Amidst this interim period, allegations of favoritism have surfaced against the rector from a group of faculty members. They claim that Dr. Sajid Qamar made amendments to the statute last month, specifically regarding the appointment of department heads, allegedly favoring certain faculty members.
Previously, a Head of Department (HOD) was selected from three senior professors and an equal number of associate professors. However, the syndicate changed this rule to include the ten most senior professors, raising concerns of favoritism.
Faculty members argue that these changes exceeded the authority of Prof. Qamar, whose responsibilities were supposed to be limited to day-to-day affairs.
Irregularities in Appointments and Student Matters The faculty members further allege irregularities in appointments and student matters. They claim that a senior professor was unlawfully replaced as the head of the Physics Department by a junior professor, and that cases of harassment involving a faculty member were not dealt with appropriately.
Additionally, they criticize the transfer of a student from the Wah campus to the Islamabad campus, which they say violates regulations.
University’s Response
The university’s General Manager of Rector Secretariat, Naveed Ahmed Khan, refuted these allegations, stating that decisions were made in accordance with rules and regulations. He asserted that the rector had full authority to manage the university’s affairs and that the changes to the statute regarding HOD appointments were approved by the syndicate.
Regarding student transfers and harassment cases, Khan maintained that these actions were legal and justified.
He also addressed the appointment of key personnel such as the registrar and treasurer, mentioning that their terms were subject to approval by the Senate.
Moving Forward Despite the allegations and rebuttals, efforts are underway to address the situation. A search committee is set to begin interviews for a regular rector, while decisions regarding key personnel appointments are pending Senate approval.
As the university navigates these challenges, ensuring transparency, fairness, and adherence to established procedures will be crucial in restoring trust and stability within the institution.
