HEC raises alarm over management crisis at ICCBS

The Federal Higher Education Commission (HEC) wrote a letter to the Vice Chancellor (VC) of Karachi University and expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation in university's research institute, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS).

Acting Executive Director of HEC, Owais Ahmed, wrote that ICCBS is an institute which holds a prestigious position not only in Pakistan but also in the Muslim world, and for whose success HEC has devoted a substantial amount of financing in terms of its development and research grants over the past two decades but recent events have raised serious concerns regarding management, administrative protocols and overall status of the centre in the letter. Reports of mismanagement, governance breakdowns, financial irregularities, audit observations and widespread criticism paint a disturbing tale of internal chaos, operational inefficiencies and management disarray. These issues are not only tarnishing reputation of the prestigious center but also adversely affecting the name and fame of academic community at large.

The letter also expressed deep disappointment that HEC was not formally informed about the last Executive Board meeting held on May 06, 2024, nor was it the recipient of the email dated May 13, 2024. Deliberately not informing the HEC of such matters is not only disturbing but also casts doubt on intentions of the management. Moreover, the circular resolution email as well as the date of issuance of office order is same i.e. 13 May 2024, and the minutes of the last meeting of the executive board have not been released yet.

Furthermore, according to Section 4(b) of ICCBS rules, the Executive Board has the authority to make appointments of the Director ICCBS based on recommendations of Selection Board, and there is no provision in the rules for appointment of the Acting Director. In view of this, HEC does not endorse illegal notification of appointment of the Director, ICCBS and recommends that a meeting of Executive Board be convened at the earliest to discuss all such issues including post of Regular Director so that the previously published advertisement could be withdrawn.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2024.