'Irregularities' overshadow hiring process

Alleged political interference and irregularities have overshadowed the hiring process of academics at Hazara University.

According to sources, Dr Muhammad Yasir, an American-educated scientist who topped the merit list, was not called for an interview.

They claimed that PTI's vision of transparency has come under criticism.

University sources have pointed out that the recommendations made do not comply with HEC guidelines, and no financial impact was calculated. The student-teacher ratio was also disregarded. For instance, the chemistry department currently has two professors and 19 PhD faculty members for 350 students, yet four additional posts have been advertised, potentially inflating the number of professors to six.

Similarly, the biotechnology department, with only 270 students, already has one professor and 11 PhD faculty members, yet another post for a professor and an associate professor has been advertised. In the archaeology department, which has just 60 students, a professor and an associate professor position were announced, adding to the financial strain.

Sources indicate that the university hires 10 visiting lecturers each semester in departments like English and Computer Science, with costs amounting to approximately Rs4 million per semester. Instead of hiring lecturers, senior posts like professors and associate professors were advertised, allegedly to promote certain individuals.

Sources further said the selection process has also come under scrutiny. During interviews, key members of the selection board, including Public Service Commission representatives and nominees of the governor, were absent. Only two members— the Vice-Chancellor and the Head of Department—were present, which violated the quorum requirements. Additionally, claims that the selection process was amended through proper channels were found to be false.

For instance, the Manager ORIC was appointed against the Universities Act, and several top-members candidates were overlooked in favour of less-qualified individuals. Dr Yasir, despite being ranked first, was passed over, while the vice-chancellor's alleged friend, ranked third, was selected. Similarly, Dr Sajid Mehmood, ranked first in Islamic Studies, was not chosen, while the fourth-ranked candidate was appointed.

Numerous other irregularities were noted across departments, leading to concerns over transparency and fairness. A syndicate meeting was held on August 24 to ratify these appointments, despite ongoing legal and procedural concerns.

The victims of this process have called on the chief minister to intervene and take action against the irregularities, citing favouritism and political pressure in the appointments.

Sources revealed that the vice-chancellor has appointed friends and political allies to senior posts, despite claims of budget shortages from the government. The registrar's appointment was also called into question, with senior officers being bypassed in favour of a junior candidate from Grade 19, which goes against university rules.