Security concerns: Exam centre confusion for BZU’s law students

Ghazi University says it cannot host BZU’s exams in Dera Ghazi Khan

DERA GHAZI KHAN:

Ghazi University has turned down a request by Bahauddin Zakariya University to provide an examination centre for 170 BZU law students in DG Khan, citing security concerns.

BZU Examinations Controller Dr Muttahir had written a letter on December 15 to Ghazi University Ghazi Examination Controller Altaf Hussain Malik, requesting space for exams scheduled between February 3 and 27 February.

On December 25, the BZU issued roll numbers to 170 students preparing for the exams.

In a letter dated December 25, Ghazi University turned down the request, citing security concerns. The letter was received by the BZU controller on January 30.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Ghazi University Registrar Najeeb Haider said it had been decided after consultation with the vice chancellor and the controller of examinations that the university would not be able to arrange adequate security for exams at such a scale.

To a question, Haider said, “The university is open for regular academic activities, for which we have good security cover. However, we will not be able to host a month-long series of exams [which require more resources].”

He said the BZU had been requested to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the district police officer. “The BZU did not consult us before issuing the roll numbers. More than 100 students are expected to take the exam. These students are not enrolled with the Ghazi University and are not familiar to us. Therefore, we requested the BZU to seek permission from the district police officer before we can facilitate them.”

District Bar Association president Behram Khan Buzdar told The Express Tribune that scores of law students would be affected if the exams were cancelled.

“Providing security for students is a responsibility of the government,” he said.

A spokesman of the BZU said the DPO had been contacted over this issue. “Hopefully, the matter will be resolved by Monday (today),” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st,  2016.