QAU a sitting duck for terrorist attacks, says VC
Says large part of varsity lacks boundary wall due to civic agency’s negligence
Quaid-e-Azam University has still not lodged an FIR against robbers who made away with money and cell phones. PHOTO: QAU.EDU.PK
ISLAMABAD:
The Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) is on the hit list of terrorists due to its stature, but it is yet to construct its boundary wall due to encroachments, civic agencies’ failure to cooperate and lack of funds.
This was stated by QAU Vice Chancellor Dr Javed Ashraf at a press conference. He briefed the media on the illegal occupation of varsity land, a development that was causing serious issues for the administration.
The varsity recently wrote a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office, cabinet ministers and the National Accountability Bureau about the issue.
In the last year, various land grabbers encroached upon varsity land and the administration has been unable to secure its territory. Ashraf said the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration failed to play any role.
He pointed out that only 30% of the boundary was completed, while the rest of the area remains uncovered due to the absence of clear demarcation and encroachments. Besides, the university allocated Rs50 million for the first phase of the project, but needed at least Rs50 to 100 million more.
The environment department of the CDA also stopped the varsity from constructing a boundary wall, he said. The grounds were that the boundaries of QAU are touched the National Margalla Hills Park. The CDA stopped the varsity from even completing the first phase in January, 2016, and never re-verified the boundary.
The VC said law enforcement agencies warned that any terrorist activity could occur on campus, adding it was the most insecure institute in the capital. Besides, the university lacked security guards. While it has just 130 guards, police and rangers take regular rounds of the campus.
About 202 acres was encroached upon by various villagers and land grabbers, while 56 kanals of the property was held by former Senate Chairman Syed Nayyar Bokhari, he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 9th, 2016.
The Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) is on the hit list of terrorists due to its stature, but it is yet to construct its boundary wall due to encroachments, civic agencies’ failure to cooperate and lack of funds.
This was stated by QAU Vice Chancellor Dr Javed Ashraf at a press conference. He briefed the media on the illegal occupation of varsity land, a development that was causing serious issues for the administration.
The varsity recently wrote a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office, cabinet ministers and the National Accountability Bureau about the issue.
In the last year, various land grabbers encroached upon varsity land and the administration has been unable to secure its territory. Ashraf said the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration failed to play any role.
He pointed out that only 30% of the boundary was completed, while the rest of the area remains uncovered due to the absence of clear demarcation and encroachments. Besides, the university allocated Rs50 million for the first phase of the project, but needed at least Rs50 to 100 million more.
The environment department of the CDA also stopped the varsity from constructing a boundary wall, he said. The grounds were that the boundaries of QAU are touched the National Margalla Hills Park. The CDA stopped the varsity from even completing the first phase in January, 2016, and never re-verified the boundary.
The VC said law enforcement agencies warned that any terrorist activity could occur on campus, adding it was the most insecure institute in the capital. Besides, the university lacked security guards. While it has just 130 guards, police and rangers take regular rounds of the campus.
About 202 acres was encroached upon by various villagers and land grabbers, while 56 kanals of the property was held by former Senate Chairman Syed Nayyar Bokhari, he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 9th, 2016.