QAU VC grilled over ‘misconduct’
The Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges on Monday reviewed allegations of derogatory remarks made by Acting Vice Chancellor of Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, against Senators, and examined reports of illegal occupancy, drug trafficking, and encroachments on university property.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, was attended by Senators Dost Ali Jeesar, Saadia Abbasi, and Jan Muhammad, along with university officials and representatives from law enforcement agencies.
An in-depth discussion was held, during which the sub-committee heard from the Acting Vice Chancellor, university representatives, and officials from the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The deliberations focused on administrative issues, as well as the influence of political and religious councils within the university.
Senator Palwasha Khan said the purpose of the meeting was to “address the administrative lacunae that are disrupting not only the university’s discipline but also damaging the sanctity of this august house and of parliamentarians by presenting a misleading image before students and the public.”
She also questioned the extent of authority held by an acting vice chancellor in making major decisions, while highlighting the matter of the reported derogatory remarks. The Acting Vice Chancellor submitted a written apology to the Standing Committee, which was confirmed and read aloud by the Committee Secretary during the session.
Senator Palwasha stressed the importance of maintaining the dignity of Parliament, stating that public representatives command respect in a democratic system and that any derogatory conduct toward them would not be tolerated.
Briefing the committee on the current state of affairs at QAU, the Acting Vice Chancellor said, “Quaid-e-Azam University is the best educational institution in the country. Student councils have no legal standing in universities. If students clash, we try to reconcile.”
Extending an unconditional apology, he added, “Before being a vice chancellor, I am a professor at heart and believe in developing students’ character and careers.”
In response to queries about reports of illegal activities on campus, he remarked, “Children have young blood; such incidents do occur, and I play a fatherly role in addressing them.”
Discussing the issue of illegal hostel occupancy, the Vice Chancellor admitted that 8 to 9 individuals were living in university hostels without authorization. Police officials informed the committee that several FIRs had been registered in the vicinity of QAU over the past two years, with “ice,” heroin, and hashish recovered during multiple operations near the campus.
Senator Saadia Abbasi emphasised the seriousness of the situation, saying, “Three major allegations have been made against the Acting Vice Chancellor by students. These must be thoroughly investigated. We will not allow any disturbance of law and order in any university.”
Senator Jan Muhammad observed that the Acting Vice Chancellor had “still not personally apologized to the Senators,” expressing concern over the unresolved nature of the issue.
Police authorities also revealed that 1,709 acres of QAU land are under illegal encroachment, and several students continue to occupy hostels unlawfully.
Senator Palwasha Khan termed these irregularities unacceptable, saying, “The trend of destroying the future of students at Quaid-e-Azam University must come to an end.”
Concluding the meeting, the Convener reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to restoring discipline, transparency, and academic integrity in higher education institutions nationwide.
“None of my professors can mock any public representative,” the Vice Chancellor assured the committee, requesting leniency in the present case. The Sub-Committee disposed of the matter with directions to ensure respect for Parliament and public representatives in future proceedings.