Sindh CM orders inquiry against SALU VC over video scandal

Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar forms three-member committee as teachers demand Prof Ibupoto’s resignation

KARACHI:

Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar on Monday ordered an inquiry against Professor Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, the Vice Chancellor of Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU) Khairpur, following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

The move comes in response to a video circulating on social media, approximately three months old, which shows Prof Ibupoto engaged in what has been described as inappropriate conduct during a video call.

A three-member committee has been formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

The committee consists of NED University of Engineering & Technology Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr Sarosh Lodhi, Dow University of Health Sciences VC Dr Saeed Qureshi, and Sindh Madressatul Islam University VC Dr Mujeebur Rehman Sahrai Memon.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, SALU teachers' association president, Dr Ikhtiar Ali Ghumro, characterised the incident as “sexual harassment” and stressed the importance of a comprehensive inquiry.

Read also: SALU VC’s ‘indecent’ video goes viral

The teachers have advocated for a forensic examination of the video to ascertain its authenticity.

Despite the persistent protests from the university's teachers and employees over the past two weeks, urging Prof Ibupoto to step down or take a voluntary leave amid the investigation, their appeals were purportedly disregarded by him.

Expressing their concerns about potential damage to the university's reputation, the teachers wrote a letter to CM Baqar, prompting the initiation of the inquiry.

“This is a matter of shame for everyone – students, teachers and staff,” said Dr Ghumro, emphasising the need for a safe environment, especially for the 2,500 female students among the university's 10,000 students.

Local politicians have also approached the chief minister, urging a thorough investigation into the matter.

In response, Prof Ibupoto has been asked to go on leave until the inquiry is completed. However, despite attempts to obtain a response from the professor he has not provided any comments on the issue.