SALU VC sent on forced leave

Indecent video on social media prompts CM to take action, order probe

KARACHI:

Sindh Chief Minister, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar, the controlling authority of public universities in the province, has placed Dr. Khalil Abupoto, the vice chancellor of Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, on forced leave following his alleged indecent video circulating on social media. An investigation committee has been formed to look into the matter.

According to Sindh government sources, a summary regarding this action received approval from the chief minister on Monday, with the notification yet to be released.

The three-member committee comprising Vice Chancellor of NED University Prof. Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi, Vice Chancellor of Sindh Madrasaul Islam University Dr. Mujeeb Sehrai, and Vice Chancellor of Dow Medical University Dr. Saeed Qureshi has been assigned to investigate the matter.

Serious allegations have surfaced against the Vice Chancellor of Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur. An alleged indecent video of the VC went viral on social media, leading to a concerning situation at the university.

This triggered protests by teachers and employees. Subsequently, a letter from the University Teachers' Association was sent to the chief minister demanding an investigation.

Read Sindh CM orders inquiry against SALU VC over video scandal

The protests intensified, prompting the caretaker CM to seek advice from Sindh HEC Chairman Dr. Tariq Rafi.

The HEC recommended the formation of an investigation committee with the afore-mentioned members. The recommendations were conveyed in a summary to the chief minister, who approved the summary and directed the Shah Abdul Latif University Vice Chancellor to take leave until the inquiry concludes.

The General Secretary of the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) Pakistan and the President of Shah Latif University Teachers' Association, Prof. Dr. Ikhtiar Ali Ghumro, along with Secretary of the Association, Prof. Dr. Hussamuddin Shaikh, urged the CM to conduct an immediate inquiry al and remove the VC from office.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Dr. Ghumro emphasised that the alleged video involving the vice chancellor has caused substantial damage to the university's reputation. The university administration came up with their stance stating, "The vice chancellor has deemed this video as fake, generated using technology. Many people, both inside and outside the university, are involved, who want to be accommodated like they were accommodated during the previous administration."