Termination of teachers: University staff body voices concerns

PU terminated services of 40 contractual teachers last week

LAHORE: The association of university staff has voiced serious concerns over the removal of 40 senior contractual professors at the Punjab University.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (Fapuasa) termed the sudden dismissal of these eminent professors without any performance audit or a prior notice ‘humiliating and insulting’.

These professors were big names in their respective disciplines. “They are our national asset and such professors are highly regarded and respected all around the world,” the statement said quoting Fapuasa President Prof Dr Hamayoun Khan, Secretary Dr Mahboob Hussain and Punjab President Dr Suhail Aftab.

The Fapuasa leaders hoped the Punjab University vice-chancellor and registrar would review their decision and use the potential of these scholars.

On February 21, 37 retired faculty members, working at the PU on contract basis, were fired.

More faculty members were fired later and were notified about their termination from service with immediate effect.

Notifications sent to all those sacked by PU Registrar Prof Dr Muhammad Naeem Khan read: “On behalf of the University of the Punjab, I would like to express my felicitations on your services that you have rendered during the contract period after attaining the age of superannuation/retirement. In compliance with the relevant government rules, policy and the Punjab University regulations you are hereby relieved from your contractual appointment with the Punjab University with immediate effect.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2017.