VCs of two Sindh varsities sent on forced leave over harassment incidents

Sindh govt forms committee to probe serious allegations against Prof Akhtar Baloch and Dr Anila Ataur Rehman

KARACHI:

The controlling authority of government universities in Sindh, in light of orders from Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has sent vice-chancellor of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari (BBSUL) Prof Akhtar Baloch and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University (SMBBU) Larkana VC Dr Anila Ataur Rehman on a 45-day forced leave.

Secretary Universities and Boards Mureed Rahimo on Sunday issued notifications regarding the forced leave of both vice-chancellors. A committee has also been formed which would initiate an inquiry against the two.

The development comes after two shocking incidents had sent shockwaves in the education sector of the province.

Read more: Larkana medical student subjected to rape, confirms forensic report

In November last year, Nosheen Kazmi, a fourth-year medical student of SMBBU, was found hanging from the ceiling fan of her hostel room with her feet almost touching a table. Another student Nimarta Chandani was found dead under similar circumstances.

The forensic report of Kazmi confirmed that the victim were subjected to rape.

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The notification issued today said that the alleged suicide of two students has raised questions about the way affairs of the university were being managed under Prof Dr Anila Attaur Rehman.

It pointed out "the apparent negligence, mismanagement and maladministration at SMBBU during the period of the VC”. According to the notification, the charge of acting vice-chancellor has been given to Prof Hakim Ali Abro from the same university.Meanwhile, another notification stated that BBSUL VC Dr Akhtar Baloch was sent on a 45-day leave after allegations of sexual harassment against him.

In January, a sitting member of the Sindh Assembly had lodged a written complaint of harassment against Prof Akhtar Baloch in Karachi.

A committee has also been formed to investigate the matter.

Prof Dr Amjad Siraj Memon has been given additional charge of BBSUL to run the affairs of the university.

Both committees will present their findings to the Sindh chief minister within 45 days.