PHED raids libraries over controversial book

Publication shows Kashmir and G-B are part of India

LAHORE: The Punjab Higher Education Department took serious notice over the publication of a book by Punjab University Press. The book contains a controversial map of the country which shows Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan as part of India.

On Monday, the department officials raided libraries at the university to confiscate the book. They also started investigations over the publication and contacted the vice chancellor of the university as well as the public relations office and others to get further information.

The book is written by Punjab University's Political Science Associate Professor Rana Ejaz Ahmad and title of the book is CPEC Strategic Implications on Political Economy.  Former PU VC Zafar Mueen Nasir, Rana Ejaz Ahmad, and Zainab Ahmed have edited the book.



On the other hand, PU VC Dr Niaz Ahmad has formed a three-member committee to deal with the matter.

According to sources, controversial maps were published on pages nine, 14, 28, 33 and 51 in which Kashmir and Gigit-Baltistan were shown as part of India.

A number of students informed the administration of the political science department.

The book was published in April this year and its copies were available at various departments of the university. A number of students read the book and expressed their reservations over the issue.



Talking to The Express Tribune, PU VC Dr Niaz Ahmad said this was a very serious issues and the university would take an action against Rana Ejaz if he was found guilty. “Therefore, I have formed a committee of the most senior and competent deans of the university. The committee will present a report on the matter."

On the other hand, Professor Rana Ejaz Ahmad said he had submitted his reply to the university administration over the issue. “It is just propaganda against me as I mentioned all the references in the book while publishing maps. All maps include appropriate references and the book was published after a proper peer review of an international referee and a national referee. The maps on which the objections have been raised are those of One Belt Road, Silk Road, Railway Networking, but the fact is, the maps were published with complete references."

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2018.