Struggle for protection: HEC demands shifting BKU to safer land

Varsity administration claims it already submitted proposal for security to HEC

PESHAWAR: Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed said the authority wants to shift Bacha Khan University (BKU) to a safer place for which the varsity administration was asked to submit a proposal.

Talking to The Express Tribune, HEC chairman said officials visited the university after the BKU attack and directed the vice chancellor to submit a proposal to shift the campus to a safer place.

“I will discuss the matter with the VC and inquire why the proposal has not been submitted thus far,” he added.

He said even though universities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have not demanded monetary assistance from HEC, the body is ready to provide funds for their security. “Even the provincial government has not asked us for funds to tighten security at higher educational institutions,” Ahmed said.

BKU Charsadda, set up in 2012 during Awami National Party-led government in K-P, had bought another 800 kanals of land to extend the campus premises up to the Charsadda motorway.

The HEC chairman suggested BKU Charsadda administration shift the varsity to the already purchased land.

In reply to a question, Ahmed said it is not possible to construct an entirely new building so soon, but if work commences immediately, it can be completed without delay.

On the other hand, BKU Charssada Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Fazal Rahim Marwat said the university’s planning and development directorate already submitted all the required documents to HEC.

“All documentation had been completed after discussions with university administration and submitted to HEC six days ago,” he told The Express Tribune.

The past

All development projects at BKU were halted with immediate effect on February 11 as the varsity awaited security clearance to reopen.

Moreover, in the same month, a Frontier Constabulary (FC) platoon consisting of 30 to 40 personnel was deployed inside BKU after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The administration also hired a retired army colonel to manage campus security after questions over safety were raised in some circles. BKU Charssada was targeted by terrorists on January 20, 2016, when 22 people were killed and 20 others injured.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2016.