GCUL VC strikes the right note

Notwithstanding criticism from PML-N, Asghar Zaidi stands his ground

LAHORE:

The administration of the Government College University (GCU) Lahore appears to be all set to revive students’ union at the GCU, The Express Tribune has learnt.

Notwithstanding the criticism from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leadership over allowing the PTI to hold a meeting at the GCU recently, Vice Chancellor Asghar Zaidi, in his recent tweet, authorized the GCU administration to reinstate “a reformed model of the students’ union”.

On the other hand, Punjab Governor Balighur Rahman, who is the chancellor of the GCU, is hesitant in taking any action against the GCU VC after the political event.

Nevertheless, sources said that an action by the Governor’s Secretariat was in the offing.

In his tweet, the GCU vice chancellor has signaled the revival of the students’ union.

He tweeted that the GCU would be “at the forefront of initiating reforms for the betterment of our students, and this includes reinitiating a reformed model of the Students Union at the university level".

The Federal Education Ministry notified last week the removal Dr. Asghar Zaidi from the panel of the search committee whose responsibility was to select VCs for the universities in the public sector.

PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz Sharif had also condemned the “political activity” at the GCU, calling for “a stern action” against the GCU VC.

Debate on social media continues as some Ravians expressed their concerns over the PTI event at the GCU while others supported the GCU VC and his allowing the PTI to have its meeting on the campus.

The GCU VC continuously explained his position over allowing the PTI meeting on the campus. In one of his tweets, the VC stood his ground, saying: "Nothing could deter us from our journey to the empowerment of students".

He also said that if some elements had any objections, he was willing to invite them to the GCU to listen to their perspective.

A senior professor of GCU, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that nobody knew what kind of a model of students’ union did the vice chancellor had on his mind.

He said that there was a ban on the student unions at the GCU. The professor said that in the past the student unions had had the reputation of being wings of political parties.

He advised the GCU VC to hold a meeting with the faculty and explain to them what would be the role of his reformed model of students union.

GCU Public Relations Officer Musadiq Suhrwardi refused to comment on the VC's tweet.

The controversy surrounding the issue started when the Punjab Information Technology Board had organised a seminar titled “Taleem Aur Hunar Sath Sath” at the Government College University with former prime minister Imran Khan as the chief guest. Several former ministers and party leaders had also attended the event.

Imran Khan had reportedly criticised the PML-N leadership in his speech and political slogans were also raised.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 7^th, 2022.