Isra University row lingers on over interim VC’s appointment

As the dispute over administrative control of Isra University, Hyderabad, interminably continues despite unequivocal recent Sindh High Court's order, both the conflicting groups of academicians have appointed two acting vice chancellors claiming compliance with SHC's Sep 15 order.

The Kazi group, regarded as founders of Isra Islamic Foundation and the varsity, has appointed Dr Waliullah Kazi as the interim VC while the ex-VC Dr Nazeer Ashraf Laghari's group has given the acting charge to Dr Qamaruddin Mahar.

The former's appointment was notified by Chancellor Prof Dr Ghulam Qadir Kazi, who was appointed Chancellor by the foundation in December, 2022, on the court's order. The latter's appointment was made by the Laghari group recognised chancellor Prof Dr Ameer Bux Channa.

The SHC on September 15 declared that Dr Laghari is no longer VC of Isra after completion of his three years tenure on June 23. The court had directed the chancellor to appoint a permanent VC within four months and until then the chancellor could make arrangements for the university under section 8(2) of Isra University Act.

As expected, both the groups have discredited the appointment by the other group. In a statement, Chancellor Kazi has conveyed appointing Dr Ahmed as caretaker VC. He dubbed Dr Channa as an unlawful chancellor, saying his appointment of a VC will also be illegal.

Meanwhile, according to another statement by Dr Laghari's group, Dr Mahar assumed the charge of his office on Wednesday. The Hyderabad campus, which is already under administrative control of his group, welcomed him at a gathering.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 21^st, 2023.